Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA)

Don't Lose Your Momentum!

PIA of Arkansas is proud to offer the only sales training in insurance and designation program for agents. The Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation is first-of-its-kind, hands-on, how-to training. To earn the CPIA designation, candidates are required to participate in a series of three, one-day Seminars. These Seminars are designed to enhance the ability of producers, sales support staff, and company personnel to efficiently create and distribute effective insurance programs. Participants leave with ideas that will produce sales results immediately.

Each course is scheduled from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST with a 10-minute break every hour and an hour break for lunch. In order to receive credit toward completion or update of the CPIA designation and to receive CE credit, participation in the entire seminar is required. There will be polls and questions asked throughout the webinar to confirm attendance. CE credits will be filed after the completion of each course.

Following CPIA Seminar in 2026:

See more CPIA Seminar education opportunities on the CPIA Program website.

The CPIA Seminar content has been rated very highly by producers, customer service personnel, and insurance company representatives. The one-day format and affordable cost to participate have made them particularly useful and popular.

Following are general descriptions of each CPIA Seminar:

CPIA 1

CPIA 2

CPIA 3

CPIA 1 - Position for Success

This seminar emphasizes the fundamental elements of effective insurance sales. Participants learn how to proactively position themselves in the marketplace by leveraging proven prospecting techniques, developing a targeted marketing plan, and mastering the process of identifying and qualifying leads. The curriculum covers goal setting, managing a productive sales pipeline, and establishing measurable benchmarks for success.

CPIA 2 - Implement for Success

Moving beyond prospecting, this seminar dives into the consultative sales process. Attendees gain hands-on experience in conducting needs assessments, engaging in effective fact-finding, and crafting tailored insurance proposals. The seminar introduces strategies for building rapport, handling objections, delivering compelling presentations, and ensuring transparent communication. Emphasis is placed on active listening and adapting solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.

CPIA 3 - Sustain Success

This seminar focuses on maintaining and deepening client relationships for long-term growth. Key concepts include the development of retention strategies, the implementation of service standards that foster trust, and techniques for generating referrals. Participants are equipped with tools to analyze agency workflows, implement E&O (Errors & Omissions) loss control procedures, and create a culture of continuous improvement and ethical business practice.

CPIA Special Topic Courses

These courses are open to all participants. Current CPIA Designees may apply these courses toward their annual update requirement. However, if you are working toward earning your CPIA designation, please note that these classes do not count toward the required coursework.

Following are general descriptions of each CPIA Special Topic Course:

Cyber

Disaster and Continuity Planning

E&O

An Agent's Guide to Understanding and Mitigating Cyber Exposures

Cyber-attacks are inevitable—but devastating losses aren't. This intensive Special Topic seminar transforms risk management professionals into cyber insurance experts who can build comprehensive digital protection strategies. Attendees will learn to master the critical differences between first-party and third-party cyber coverage while learning to identify dangerous gaps that leave organizations exposed. Through real-world case studies and hands-on analysis, participants will develop the skills to conduct thorough cyber risk assessments and recommend optimal insurance solutions tailored to each client's unique digital footprint.

Disaster and Continuity Planning for Business and Families

Disasters don't schedule appointments, but preparation can make all the difference between recovery and catastrophic loss. This high-impact Special Topic seminar transforms participants from reactive responders into proactive planners who can navigate any crisis with confidence. Through real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will master the art of building bulletproof continuity plans that protect both businesses and families. From assembling the perfect disaster response team to securing critical funding and navigating complex insurance landscapes, participants gain battle-tested strategies that work when it matters most. Plus, attendees will discover how to bridge the gap between corporate resilience and personal preparedness—because true risk management protects every aspect of clients' lives.

An E&O Loss Control Program for All Agencies

This dynamic Special Topic seminar equips managers and supervisors with proven strategies to launch powerful internal loss control programs that protect an agency's reputation and bottom line. Non-management professionals will walk away energized and equipped with a compelling roadmap to present to leadership—turning great ideas into actionable risk reduction initiatives. Whether you're leading the charge or driving change from within, you'll gain the tools to create a culture of proactive risk management that sets your organization apart. Don't wait for an E & O loss to happen—proactively prevent them!

Earning the CPIA Designation:

CPIA designation candidates must complete the series of three core CPIA Seminars (CPIA-1, CPIA-2, CPIA-3) within a three-year period.

Maintaining the CPIA Designation:

The Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation stands for professionalism, commitment to professional training and results, and technical knowledge. To maintain the right to use the CPIA designation, designees must complete an update annually.

The CPIA update requirement may be satisfied by:

participating in any one of the three core CPIA Seminars
participating in any one of the special topic seminars
participating in an approved Sponsor-created course; or
maintaining CPIA Program Membership at the Ruby, Sapphire, or Diamond level.

Beginning with NEW designations earned after January 1, 2026, updates will be due by the end of the designee’s birth month annually.

Existing designees will be transitioned from the “month of completion” methodology to the new “birth month” methodology at their next scheduled update.