What Our Designations Mean (And Why They Matter to You)
Why the Letters After Our Names Matter
You’ve probably noticed a few letters after some of our names — CIC and CISR. They’re not just alphabet soup. Each one represents hundreds of hours of advanced coursework, rigorous exams, and an ongoing commitment to staying sharp in a constantly changing industry.
We earn these designations for one reason: so we can serve you better. Here’s what they mean.
CIC — Certified Insurance Counselor
The CIC is one of the most respected and demanding designations in the insurance industry. It’s earned through five intensive institutes covering personal lines, commercial casualty, commercial property, life and health, and agency management — each followed by a comprehensive exam.
Why it matters to you
A CIC has been trained to see the gaps most agents miss. We don’t just quote policies — we analyze your full exposure, identify where you’re underinsured (or overpaying), and design coverage that actually fits your life or business. To keep the designation active, CICs must complete continuing education every single year, so the knowledge stays current.
Team Members with CIC
CISR — Certified Insurance Service Representative
The CISR is a service-focused designation built around the day-to-day work that protects clients between policy renewals — coverage analysis, claims advocacy, and account management. It requires five courses and exams covering personal and commercial lines, and like the CIC, it demands annual continuing education.
Why it matters to you
A CISR doesn’t just process your request — they understand the why behind your coverage. When something changes in your life or business, when you have a claim, or when you have a question that doesn’t have an obvious answer, a CISR is trained to think it through carefully and advocate for you.
Team Members with CISR
What This Means for You
When you work with McGowan Insurance Agency, you’re not getting a one-size-fits-all quote machine. You’re getting a team that has invested years into the craft of insurance — because we genuinely believe you deserve more than a transaction.
And we’re not done. We will always push everyone on our team to reach for the highest designations our industry offers. It’s one of the things that sets us apart — our years of experience, our commitment to continued learning, and the designations we work hard to earn. When the people protecting what matters most to you never stop learning, you’re the one who benefits.
If you’d like to talk through your coverage with someone who’s done the work, we’d love to hear from you.
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