American Institute for CPCU Announces Changes in CPCU Related Studies Requirements

American Institute for CPCU/Insurance Institute of Americacompany%> (AICPCU) has announced several changes to its approved list of courses and designations that meet the Related Studies requirement of the 10-part Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) professional insurance designation program. AICPCU has approved two additions to the list and removed three previously approved designations.

The following two additions were effective March 30, 1998. Persons who have earned the Bermuda Insurance Diploma from the Bermuda Insurance Institute by passing the INS 21 and INS 23 examinations and two Bermuda Insurance Market courses, Underwriting and Insurance Legislation (BIMS) and Risk Management and Accounts (BIMJ), have satisfied the CPCU Related Studies requirement. The INS 21 and INS 23 examinations are part of the Insurance Institute of America's (IIA) Program in General Insurance. In addition, passing the exam for IIA's new Risk Management for Health Care Organizations course satisfies the Related Studies requirement.

AICPCU has removed three previously approved designations from the Related Studies list. They are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA).

The last day to apply for credit for these three designations to satisfy the CPCU Related Studies requirement is August 30, 1998.

James J. Markham, J.D., CPCU, AIC, AIAF, senior vice president and director of curriculum for AICPCU, explains the reason for the removal of the three designations. "Our purpose in removing CPA, CMA, and ACA from the Related Studies curriculum is to return the focus of the CPCU Candidates' area of specialization to insurance, risk management, or financial services rather than accounting," Markham says. "Our original approval of those designations was based on the high esteem in which we hold their curriculum and standards. We simply feel, however, that accounting is a little too far afield from the primary focus of most CPCUs to be part of the CPCU curriculum."

To earn the CPCU designation, candidates must pass 9 essay-style examinations, administered and graded by AICPCU; pass one examination or earn one designation on the approved Related Studies listing; meet an experience requirement; and agree to be bound by AICPCU's Code of Professional Ethics.

For more information about the CPCU program, including a list of all courses and designations that meet the Related Studies requirement, or to apply for Related Studies credit for the CPA, CMA, or ACA designations before August 30, 1998, contact a customer service representative by telephone 800-644-2101, fax 610-640-9576, or e-mail cserv@cpcuiia.org.