Continuing Education Requirements

CE Hour Requirements

Iowa requires licensed insurance producers to complete continuing education to maintain their knowledge and stay current with industry changes.

Total Hours Required

36 hours every 3 years (triennial)

This breaks down to an average of:

• 12 hours per year
• 1 hour per month

Ethics Requirement

3 hours of ethics content must be included in the 36 total hours

• Can be completed any time during the 3-year period
• Must be specifically approved as "ethics" content
• Cannot substitute general CE for ethics requirement

Exam Tip: Iowa's CE requirement is 36 hours every 3 years, with 3 hours of ethics. This is different from states with biennial (2-year) renewal cycles. Remember: 36/3 (36 hours, 3 years, 3 ethics).

Lines of Authority Coverage

The 36-hour requirement covers ALL lines of authority you hold:

• If you hold only P&C: 36 hours covers your license
• If you hold P&C + Life & Health: Same 36 hours covers both
• No need to complete separate CE for each line

However, your CE courses should be relevant to the lines you hold. Taking P&C-specific courses is recommended for P&C producers.

Who Must Complete CE?

Required to Complete CE

• All resident producers renewing their Iowa license
• All non-resident producers renewing Iowa authority who DO NOT meet home state requirements
• Producers holding any line of authority (P&C, Life, Health, etc.)

Exempt from CE

1. First-Time Licensees

   • Exempt for their first renewal period
   • Example: Licensed in 2026, first renewal in 2029 = no CE required
   • CE requirement begins with second renewal period

2. Non-Resident Producers (Conditional Exemption)

   • Exempt IF they complete their home state's CE requirements
   • Must maintain active home state license in good standing
   • Iowa accepts home state CE compliance

3. Temporary Licensees

   • Not required to complete CE during temporary license period

Approved CE Courses

Course Approval

CE courses must be approved by:

1. Iowa Insurance Division

   • Division reviews and approves courses specific to Iowa
   • Providers submit courses for approval
   • Approved courses listed on Division website

2. NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)

   • Nationally approved courses accepted in Iowa
   • Providers submit through NAIC approval process
   • Widely recognized across multiple states

Course Delivery Methods

Iowa accepts multiple CE delivery formats:

Classroom/In-Person

• Traditional classroom setting
• Instructor-led training
• Live seminars and conferences

Online/Self-Study

• Internet-based courses
• Complete at your own pace
• Must include final exam to verify learning

Webinars

• Live online presentations
• Interactive virtual sessions
• Must include attendance verification

Conferences and Seminars

• Industry conferences with approved CE
• Professional association events
• Must attend approved sessions

Tip: Online self-study courses offer maximum flexibility for busy producers. Many providers offer combined packages covering all 36 hours including ethics.

CE Course Topics

Approved Subject Matter

CE courses must relate to insurance knowledge and practices:

Technical Insurance Topics

• Property insurance coverages
• Casualty insurance principles
• Policy analysis and interpretation
• Underwriting and risk assessment
• Claims handling procedures

Legal and Regulatory

• Iowa insurance laws and regulations
• Federal insurance regulations (flood, crop, etc.)
• Compliance requirements
• Legislative updates

Ethics and Professional Conduct

• Producer responsibilities and duties
• Avoiding unfair trade practices
• Consumer protection principles
• Professional standards
• Required: 3 hours of ethics

Business Practices

• Agency management
• Sales techniques and practices
• Technology in insurance
• Customer service

Industry Trends

• Emerging risks and coverages
• Insurtech and innovation
• Market trends and analysis

What Doesn't Count

The following do NOT count toward Iowa CE requirements:

• Sales motivation or promotional programs
• Marketing seminars without insurance content
• General business courses unrelated to insurance
• Courses not approved by Iowa Division or NAIC

CE Compliance and Reporting

CE Tracking

Producer Responsibility:

• Producers are responsible for tracking their own CE completion
• Keep certificates of completion for your records
• Verify CE hours reported to Iowa Insurance Division

Provider Reporting:

• CE providers electronically report completed courses to Iowa
• Reporting typically occurs within 7-14 days of completion
• Check your license record on NIPR to verify reported CE

Verifying CE Compliance

To check your CE completion status:

1. Visit nipr.com
2. Log into your producer account
3. Select "Continuing Education"
4. View CE transcript for Iowa
5. Verify hours and ethics requirement

Alternatively:

• Call Iowa Insurance Division: (515) 725-0690
• Email: producerlicensing@iid.iowa.gov
• Request CE transcript

CE Deadline

CE must be completed BEFORE submitting your license renewal application.

Renewal Timeline:

• 60 days before expiration: Renewal period opens
• By expiration date: Must complete all 36 CE hours including 3 ethics
• At renewal: System verifies CE compliance
• If non-compliant: Cannot renew until CE completed

Important: Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete CE. Technical issues, course availability, or reporting delays can prevent timely renewal. Complete CE at least 30 days before your renewal date.

CE Carry-Over and Extensions

Carry-Over of Excess Hours

Iowa does NOT allow CE carry-over

• Excess hours beyond 36 do NOT carry forward
• Example: Complete 40 hours in current period → only 36 count, 4 hours lost
• Start fresh with 0 hours at beginning of each renewal period

Extensions and Hardship

The Iowa Insurance Division may grant extensions for:

Military Service

• Active duty military deployment
• May extend CE deadline or grant exemption
• Must provide documentation

Medical Hardship

• Serious illness or medical condition
• Documented inability to complete CE
• Must submit written request with medical documentation

Other Extenuating Circumstances

• Natural disasters affecting Iowa producers
• Circumstances beyond producer's control
• Division evaluates on case-by-case basis

To Request Extension:

1. Submit written request to Iowa Insurance Division
2. Explain circumstances preventing CE completion
3. Provide supporting documentation
4. Submit BEFORE license expiration
5. Division has discretion to approve or deny

CE Violations and Penalties

Failure to Complete CE

Failure to complete required CE before renewal results in:

Immediate Consequences:

• Cannot renew license
• License expires on scheduled expiration date
• Cannot continue to sell insurance or receive commissions

To Reinstate:

• Complete all 36 required CE hours (including 3 ethics)
• Pay renewal fee
• May face late fees or penalties
• Possible gap in licensure affecting employment

Fraudulent CE Compliance

Serious violations involving CE fraud:

Prohibited Actions:

• Submitting false CE certificates
• Claiming credit for courses not completed
• Having someone else complete CE in your name
• Falsifying attendance records

Penalties:

• License suspension or revocation
• Fines up to $50,000
• Criminal prosecution for fraud
• Permanent bar from insurance industry

Warning: CE fraud is a serious offense. Always complete your own CE courses honestly. Shortcuts can end your insurance career and result in criminal charges.

CE Providers and Resources

Finding Approved CE Courses

Iowa Insurance Division Website

• iid.iowa.gov
• Search approved CE courses
• Filter by topic, delivery method, provider

National CE Providers

• WebCE (webce.com)
• Kaplan Financial Education (kaplanfinancial.com)
• ExamFX (examfx.com)
• 360training (360training.com)
• AD Banker (adbanker.com)

Professional Associations

• Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI)
• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
• Professional Insurance Agents of Iowa
• American Institute of CPCU

CE Course Costs

CE course prices vary:

Individual Courses: $15-$50 per course (typically 3-6 hours) Packages: $100-$200 for complete 36-hour packages Ethics Courses: $20-$40 for required 3-hour ethics Association Member Discounts: Often 20-30% off for members

Money-Saving Tip: Purchase a complete 36-hour CE package from a single provider. Packages are cheaper than buying individual courses and ensure you meet all requirements including ethics.

Best Practices for CE Compliance

Plan Ahead

1. Track Your Renewal Date

   • Know your license expiration date (based on birth month)
   • Mark calendar 6 months before expiration
   • Begin CE early in renewal period

2. Create CE Schedule

   • Complete 12 hours per year (spreads out learning)
   • Don't wait until last few months
   • Schedule time on calendar for CE

3. Complete Ethics Early

   • Get 3-hour ethics requirement done first
   • One less thing to worry about
   • Ensures compliance with specific requirement

Keep Records

1. Save Certificates

   • Download/print certificates of completion
   • Create digital folder for CE records
   • Keep for at least 4 years

2. Verify Reporting

   • Check NIPR transcript monthly
   • Confirm provider reported your courses
   • Contact provider if course missing after 30 days

3. Document Extensions

   • If granted extension, keep approval letter
   • Note new deadline
   • Complete CE before extended deadline

Choose Quality Courses

1. Relevant Content

   • Select courses related to your practice (P&C topics)
   • Focus on Iowa-specific courses when available
   • Take courses that enhance your knowledge

2. Reputable Providers

   • Use established, well-known CE providers
   • Check provider's approval status
   • Read reviews from other producers

3. Interactive Learning

   • Choose courses with quizzes and interactions
   • Avoid "click-through" courses
   • Apply what you learn to your practice

CE for New Licensees

First Renewal Period Exemption

If you're a first-time Iowa licensee, you are EXEMPT from CE for your first renewal:

Example Timeline:

• Licensed: March 15, 2026
• First Renewal: March 2029 (3 years later)
• CE Required: NO (first renewal exemption)
• Second Renewal: March 2032
• CE Required: YES - must complete 36 hours (including 3 ethics) before this renewal

When CE Starts

Your CE clock starts AFTER your first renewal:

• First renewal: No CE required
• License renews automatically (assuming no other issues)
• CE requirement begins for second renewal period
• Must complete 36 hours before second renewal

This exemption recognizes that new licensees just completed extensive exam preparation and don't need immediate CE.

Voluntary CE for New Licensees

Although exempt, new licensees may want to complete CE voluntarily:

Benefits of Voluntary CE:

• Stay current with industry changes
• Develop expertise in specialty areas
• Network with other professionals
• Prepare for when CE becomes required

However, voluntary CE during first renewal period does NOT count toward your second renewal requirement. Iowa doesn't allow carry-over.