If you’ve completed courses in one Institutes designation program, those courses may count toward another — automatically. Here’s how cross-credits work.
What Are Cross-Credits?
Cross-credits allow completed courses from one Institutes designation to satisfy requirements in another. Because many courses are shared across programs, work you’ve already done may bring you closer to your next designation than you think.
For example: - ARM courses may satisfy CPCU requirements - CPCU courses can provide credit toward up to 17 other designations - AINS, AIC, AU, AIDA, and ARe courses may also cross-credit
How to Check Your Cross-Credits
Important: Cross-credits apply automatically once a course is completed. You do not need to submit a separate request. If you don’t see expected credits in your Progress Tracker, contact Customer Success.
- Log in to your account at TheInstitutes.org.
- Go to My Account > Progress Tracker.
- Review the cross-credits section to see which courses apply toward other designations and what requirements remain.
Cross-Credits vs. Academic Waivers
Important: Academic waivers are limited to pre-approved degrees and credentials listed on the official waiver forms. Custom waivers based on unlisted degrees or work experience are not available. You must submit a formal application — waiver opinions cannot be provided by phone or email.
These are different processes:
| Cross-Credits | Academic Waivers | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Completed Institutes courses | Graduate degrees or external credentials |
| Applied | Automatically via Progress Tracker | Requires formal application and fee |
| Scope | Between Institutes designation programs | Reduces required courses within a program |
What About Older Designations?
Some older cross-credits — such as those from pre-2023 AIC courses applying toward CPCU — may no longer be valid following program updates. Your Progress Tracker reflects your specific situation based on your course completion history. If you have questions about a specific legacy credit, contact Customer Success.
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