About the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) Program
CRIS is a specialized curriculum focusing on the insurance and risk management needs of construction projects and contractors. Those who complete the program are entitled to display the CRIS certification to certify their knowledge of construction insurance and risk management and dedication to the industry. To obtain the CRIS certification, you complete 5 specialized courses on construction risks and insurance. To maintain the CRIS certification, you obtain only 7 hours of approved construction risk and insurance continuing education credit during the initial 24 months and every 12 months thereafter (generally one online course or a seminar).
The CRIS Certification Establishes Credibility and Dedication
The insurance needs of contractors are quite complex, and insurance generalists frequently make errors in designing programs for their clients. Thus, the CRIS program was developed by IRMI in response to concerns expressed by many contractors about the difficulty of determining whether their insurance agents, brokers, and other risk advisers had the specialized knowledge necessary to properly design and arrange their insurance programs. Completing the CRIS curriculum will assure that the agent, broker, consultant, or in-house risk manager or insurance purchaser understands the most important insurance needs of contractors. The program also establishes the individual's commitment to the construction industry with a mandatory continuing education component focusing on construction risk and insurance. When dealing with a holder of the CRIS certification, a contractor will know that this person possesses at least a basic-to-intermediate understanding of construction exposures, insurance, and risk management techniques, and that the person is making an effort to stay on top of insurance industry changes and trends affecting contractors.
Who Should Take the CRIS Program?
Anyone who designs, sells, buys, or underwrites construction insurance programs should consider taking the CRIS program. You should consider the CRIS continuing education program if you are a(n):
Insurance agent or broker Customer service representative (CSR) Insurance underwriter or adjuster Risk manager or insurance manager in construction Contractor CFO, controller, or other executive who buys insurance Construction safety professional Risk and insurance consultant Construction Lawyer
Obtain the Benefits of the CRIS CertificationAs a holder of the CRIS certification you will enjoy the following benefits.
Credibility - With the CRIS certification behind your name, you make a statement to construction and insurance professionals that you understand the complex insurance needs of contractors and how to meet them. More sales - Retail insurance agents and brokers will parlay their increased expertise, confidence, and credibility into more sales to construction accounts. Agent/Broker Directory Listing - Retail insurance agents and brokers may elect to have their name, and firm name included in the directory of CRIS construction insurance agents and brokers. This is a free listing in a directory being promoted to contractors as a source for insurance professionals who are focused on the construction industry. Lower insurance costs - Insurance buyers and risk managers will use their new knowledge to make better insurance buying and risk management decisions for their companies. Arrange superior insurance programsKnowledge gained from the CRIS courses will help you eliminate dangerous coverage gaps and provide better protection for your employer or your clients. Career advancement - Whether you are an insurance professional, lawyer, safety professional, insurance manager, or risk manager, the specialized knowledge and credibility you gain from the CRIS CE program will make you a more valuable employee and help you achieve your career goals. Leverage your CE investment - Insurance agents or brokers can simultaneously get convenient state insurance CE credit and an insurance industry certification at a very low cost.
The CRIS CurriculumTo obtain the CRIS certification, you complete 5 one-day specialized courses and pass the online exams on construction risks and insurance.Commercial Liability Insurance for ContractorsThis course will examine each of the three coverage parts of the commercial general liability (CGL) policy-bodily injury and property damage (Coverage A), personal and advertising injury (Coverage B), and medical payments (Coverage C) - including the insuring agreement and exclusions.Contractual Risk Transfer in ConstructionThis course provides a general overview of contractual risk transfer in construction contracts and subcontracts, with specific attention to those provisions that present risk and insurance implications for contractors. Reviews the structure of construction contracting relationships and the key provisions in which responsibilities and liabilities are allocated to the contracting parties, and suggests methods to equitably allocate these liabilities.Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPS & Miscellaneous LinesThis course begins with a description and brief analysis of the typical structure and format of a contractors insurance program. It provides an overview of various additional coverage needs of many contractors, including auto liability, professional liability, pollution liability, employment practices liability, directors and officers liability, and fiduciary liability insurance. It also discusses the two coverage triggers-occurrence and claims-made-with particular emphasis on the latter which is often used with professional liability policies. In addition, this course provides an overview of two special areas of importance for contractors-consolidated insurance programs (CIPs) and surety bonds.Property Insurance for ContractorsThis course examines the coverage provided by three types of property insurance policies: commercial property policies, builders risk policies, and contractors equipment policies.Workers Compensation for ContractorsThis course is designed to provide detailed information on workers compensation and employers liability insurance. It begins with an introduction to workers compensation, explaining how the law has evolved from the first state act in 1902 to its current status today. Todays state WC laws are examined, including who is covered and under what circumstances. Next is the workers compensation policy itself. Since this is the form used in the majority of states, the focus is on the 1984 National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) policy as revised in 1992. The various parts of the policy are explained in detail. |
CRIS Classroom Courses
Each course is structured as a 1-day program approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit in Arizona. After the class you sign into the CRIS Learning Center at your convenience to take the course exam. The cost of the CRIS exam is included in your course fee (you will receive a voucher to use in the CRIS Learning Center).
CRIS Reaccreditation Requirement (8 hours)
When you obtain the CRIS certification, it is valid for 24 months. To maintain the certification, you are required to obtain 7 hours of approved construction risk and insurance continuing education credit every 12 months thereafter (generally one online course or a seminar).
REGISTRATION FEES:
Registration fees are $195 per course for Arizona Big I Members and $220 for Non-Members.
The 2024 CRIS schedule can be found on the Find a Class Page. Or you can click one of the registration links below.
Contractual Risk Transfer in Construction - Took place on May 30th Workers Compensation for Contractors
- Took place on August 29th Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPs & Misc. Lines
- Took place on September 25th Commercial Liability for Contractors
- Took place on October 3rd Property Insurance for Contractors
- Took place on November 5th
The 2025 schedule will be added before the end of 2024.
All CRIS classes are Hybrid hosted classes meaning you can attend online with GoToWebinar or physically in the class. Classes are hosted in Phoenix in the ITEC Classroom.
|