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 articles “How to Choose an Insurance Agent or Broker” and
"How to Select an Insurance
Agent or Broker (Part 2)".
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.