Returning to The Institutes After a Hiatus

If you started coursework with The Institutes years ago and want to come back — to finish a designation, start a new one, or get records of what you’ve already completed — you almost certainly already have an account. Do not create a new one. Here’s how to get back in.

Common Returning-Student Scenarios

• “I earned my AINS several years ago and want to start CPCU.”
• “I completed a few CPCU exams in the 1990s/2000s and want to finish.”
• “I’ve changed employers since I last logged in — I no longer have access to the old work email.”
• “I have materials from a course I bought a couple of years back and never finished.”

All of these route through the same recovery path below.

Step 1 — Try to Log In With What You Have

1. Go to TheInstitutes.org and click Sign In.
2. Try every email you might have used — current personal email, current work email, and any former work email you remember.
3. If you remember the email but not the password, click Reset Your Password and follow the prompts.

If a reset code is sent to your former work email and you can no longer access that inbox, stop here and skip to Step 2 — Customer Success can help without needing access to the old email.

Step 2 — If You Can’t Log In, Contact Customer Success

You do not need access to your old email to recover your account. Customer Success can look up your record by name and Student ID.

1. Contact Customer Success.
2. Provide:
   • Your full name (current and any previous names — maiden name, married name, etc.)
   • Any email addresses you may have used — current personal, current work, and former work emails
   • Your Student ID if you know it (check old order confirmations or completion certificates)
   • The approximate timeframe you last took a course or exam
3. Customer Success will either reset your access on your existing account or merge accounts if you’ve ended up with duplicates over the years.

Step 3 — Check What You’ve Completed and What’s Next

Once you’re back in:

1. Go to My Account > Progress Tracker to see your completed courses, current credits, and remaining requirements.
2. Review any program changes — if a program was updated while you were away, your past credits may map differently today. See What Happens When a Program Is Updated, or contact Customer Success if the Tracker doesn’t reflect what you expect.
3. If you’re considering a different or higher designation, see Cross-Credits Between Designations — past coursework often counts toward other programs.

Common Misunderstandings