A plain-language guide to the designations our team has earned — and why they matter to you.
You may notice letters like CIC, CRM, or CISR after the names in our email signatures. These aren’t just alphabet soup — they represent hundreds of hours of specialized training and testing that insurance professionals voluntarily complete to better serve clients like you.
Here’s what each one means in plain English.
CIC — Certified Insurance Counselor
The CIC is one of the most respected designations in the insurance industry. To earn it, a professional must complete five rigorous courses covering topics like commercial and personal insurance, agency management, and risk management — then pass a demanding exam after each one.
What it means for you
When you work with a CIC, you’re working with someone who has gone well beyond the basics. They have a deep, well-rounded understanding of how insurance works across many situations — not just the policies they sell every day.
Think of it like the difference between a general doctor and a specialist who also happens to know everything a general doctor knows.
CRM — Certified Risk Manager
The CRM focuses specifically on risk — meaning how to identify, analyze, and reduce the things that could hurt your business or finances before a loss ever happens. It’s a five-course program that goes deep into topics like risk analysis, risk control, and risk financing.
What it means for you
A CRM doesn’t just help you buy insurance — they help you think strategically about the risks you face and how to manage them. If you own a business, this kind of expertise can be especially valuable.
It’s the difference between someone who sells you a policy and someone who helps you understand your full risk picture.
CISR — Certified Insurance Service Representative
The CISR designation is designed for insurance professionals who work directly with clients day to day. It covers specific areas of insurance in focused, practical depth — things like personal lines, commercial liability, and workers’ compensation.
What it means for you
A CISR has invested in truly understanding the details of the coverages they help you manage. When you call with a question about your policy or need help at claim time, a CISR has the knowledge to give you accurate, helpful answers — not just pass you along to someone else.
Why Does This Matter?
Anyone can sell insurance. These designations represent a voluntary commitment to go further — to study harder, test more rigorously, and keep learning year after year.
When you see these credentials on our team’s signatures, it’s our way of showing you that we take this work seriously and that we’re qualified to give you the guidance you deserve.
