Course materials and exams are separate purchases with separate pricing. Here’s how the costs break down.
How It Works
Important: Purchasing course materials does not include an exam registration, and purchasing an exam does not include course materials. You need to buy both to study and test.
- Course materials (study content) and exam registrations (your test) are purchased independently.
- Each has its own price, its own expiration date, and is managed separately in your account.
- Pricing varies by course and designation program.
Course Package Options
Most courses offer two package options:
| Package | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Online Learning with Exam Prep | Digital course materials, study tools, and exam prep (online-only) |
| Recommended Package | Everything in Online Learning + printed course book (CPCU, ARM, AU, AFSB only) |
Some courses also offer optional add-ons like Assignment Assistant. Visit your designation page and select Show More Details under any course to see current options and pricing.
Exam Registration Pricing
Exam fees vary by course. An early registration discount is available when you purchase your exam before the testing window opens.
To check your exam price:
- Log in to your account at TheInstitutes.org.
- Go to My Courses & Exams and select Buy Exam.
- Choose a testing window.
- Your price and any eligible discounts appear in the cart before checkout.
Exam Fee Discounts
- Early registration: Save $80 when you purchase your exam before the testing window opens.
- Same-window retake: Discounted retake fee if you re-register within the same testing window. Retakes in a future window are charged at standard price.
- Military: Active-duty military and reservists receive 50% off exam fees. Personnel deployed outside the continental U.S. receive 100% off.
- Full-time students & teachers: 50% off exam fees.
- State and federal regulators: 50% off exam fees.
Tip: Eligibility-based discounts (military, student, regulator) are applied by Customer Success. Contact them with proof of eligibility to receive your discount.
Retake Pricing
Important: Exam retakes are discounted within the same testing window, not free. Retakes in a future window are charged at the standard exam price. Occasional promotions may offer free retakes for specific courses — promotions are time-limited, vary by course, and are not available for all exams.
Estimating Your Total Cost
Your total cost for a designation depends on:
- Number of courses in the program (e.g., CPCU requires 8 courses)
- Package choice per course (online-only vs. recommended)
- Exam timing (early registration discount vs. standard price)
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