About the CRIS® Program
The Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) program is
a specialized curriculum focusing on the insurance and risk management needs
of construction projects and contractors. Those who complete the program
are entitled to display the CRIS certification to certify their knowledge
of construction insurance and risk management and dedication to the industry.
To obtain the CRIS certification, you complete 5 specialized courses on
construction risks and insurance. To maintain the CRIS certification, you
obtain only 7 hours of approved construction risk and insurance continuing
education credit during the initial 24 months and every 12 months thereafter
(generally one online course or a seminar). The entire curriculum is delivered
online through a user-friendly interface. The CRIS program is brought to
you by IRMI, the leader in construction risk
management and insurance research and education for more than 27 years.
The CRIS Certification Establishes Credibility and Dedication
The insurance needs of contractors are quite complex, and insurance
generalists frequently make errors in designing programs for their clients.
Thus, the CRIS program was developed by IRMI in response to concerns expressed
by many contractors about the difficulty of determining whether their insurance
agents, brokers, and other risk advisers had the specialized knowledge necessary
to properly design and arrange their insurance programs. Completing the
CRIS curriculum will assure that the agent, broker, consultant, or in-house
risk manager or insurance purchaser understands the most important insurance
needs of contractors. The program also establishes the individual's commitment
to the construction industry with a mandatory continuing education component
focusing on construction risk and insurance. When dealing with a holder
of the CRIS certification, a contractor will know that this person possesses
at least a basic-to-intermediate understanding of construction exposures,
insurance, and risk management techniques, and that the person is making
an effort to stay on top of insurance industry changes and trends affecting
contractors. For advice on selecting a superior insurance broker or agent,
see the article “How
to Choose an Insurance Agent or Broker.”
Who Should Take the CRIS Program?
Anyone who designs, sells, buys, or underwrites construction insurance
programs should consider taking the CRIS program. You should consider the
CRIS continuing education program if you are a(n):
- Insurance agent or broker
- Customer service representative (CSR)
- Insurance underwriter or adjuster
- Risk manager or insurance manager of a construction company
- Contractor CFO, controller, or other executive who buys insurance
- Construction safety professional who wishes to expand your horizons
- Risk and insurance consultant
- Construction lawyer
- Risk manager of another organization with substantial construction
activities
Obtain the Benefits of the CRIS Certification
As a holder of the CRIS certification you will enjoy the following
benefits.
Credibility—With the CRIS certification
behind your name, you make a statement to construction and insurance professionals
that you understand the complex insurance needs of contractors and how to
meet them.
More sales—Retail insurance agents and
brokers will parlay their increased expertise, confidence, and credibility
into more sales to construction accounts.
Agent/Broker Directory Listing—Retail insurance
agents and brokers may elect to have their name, firm, and phone number
included in the directory of CRIS
construction insurance agents and brokers. This is a free listing in
a directory being promoted to contractors as a source for insurance professionals
who are focused on the construction industry.
Lower insurance costs—Insurance buyers
and risk managers will use their new knowledge to make better insurance
buying and risk management decisions for their companies.
Arrange superior insurance programs—Knowledge
gained from the CRIS courses will help you eliminate dangerous coverage
gaps and provide better protection for your employer or your clients.
Career advancement—Whether you are an insurance
professional, lawyer, safety professional, insurance manager, or risk manager,
the specialized knowledge and credibility you gain from the CRIS CE program
will make you a more valuable employee and help you achieve your career
goals.
Leverage your CE investment—Insurance agents
or brokers can simultaneously get convenient state insurance CE credit and an insurance industry
certification at a very low cost.