PIA of Tennessee is the exclusive sponsor of the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) professional designation program in Tennessee.

Why CPIA -In Their Own Words!

“The CPIA classes that I attended taught me a lot on how to better communicate with our prospects/insureds. We all sometimes forget how important that first impression can be. It can mean the difference between you getting/losing the prospect/insured. The classes also taught me that I need to be more pro-active in growing our agency’s book of business, and CPIA teaches you the tools you need in order to do that. I was really impressed with the courses, and I feel like a much better Account Manager since I have completed them. I hope that the knowledge I took away from my CPIA classes will be an asset to our agency.”

Gracie Nicholson, CPIA Account Manager, Swallows Insurance Agency

“I feel the CPIA program offers a solid educational value for its members that will open their eyes to other ways of bringing value to their clients, win new business and reduce the risk for an E&O claim.  The instructors brought great knowledge to the subjects they taught.”

Ryan McKinney, CPIA, CWCC Managing Partner, John M Green Insurance, Inc

“The CPIA classes have been beneficial for our entire staff.  From producers to CSR’s each course provides techniques to improve sales, service and E & O protection.  All insurance agencies should provide their employees an opportunity to earn this designation.  It simply makes you more profitable.”

John Keisling, CPIA, CISR Vice President, Keisling Insurance

CPIA DESIGNATION COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Comprised of three one-day “Insurance Success Seminars,” the classes teach practical before-, during- and after-the-sale techniques for producers, sales managers, account managers and company marketing representatives. The CPIA designation is earned after completing the three seminars and is maintained by completing an update class every two years. CPIA 1 and 2 are approved for 7 hours of Tennessee C.E. credit; CPIA 3 is approved for 8 hours, and each class satisfies Tennessee’s requirement of 3 hours of ethics education. Also, Utica Mutual offers up to a five percent premium credit on E&O for attendance at CPIA education.

CPIA 1 – Position for Success - Course objectives: During this program, participants are encouraged to focus on internal and external factors affecting the development of effective business development plans. Factors discussed include a review of the state of the insurance marketplace; analysis of competitive pressures; necessary insurance carrier underwriting criteria; and consumer expectations and understanding. Throughout each section of the workshop material, tips for preventing Errors & Omissions are highlighted and discussed.
CPIA 2 – Implement for Success - Course objectives: During this session, participants will be provided with specific tools for analyzing consumer needs; will learn to utilize risk identification techniques to gather pertinent prospect information; will develop skills necessary to assimilate information gathered into a customized protection program; and will participate in exercises designed to promote effective delivery of proven solutions. Throughout each section of the workshop material, tips for preventing Errors & Omissions are highlighted and discussed.
CPIA 3 – Sustain Success - Course objectives: This program focuses on fulfilling the implied promises contained in the insuring agreement. Students will review methods of providing evidence of insurance coverage; will discuss policies and procedures for controlling errors and omissions including policy review and delivery, endorsements, claims-processing, and handling of client complaints. This course includes a review of Professional Expectations; the Law of Agency; and Legal and Ethical Standards. Throughout each section of the workshop material, tips for preventing Errors & Omissions are highlighted and discussed.