List of approved CE providers (PDF, 188KB)
Note: We suggest searching the internet by typing "insurance continuing education" and then using our list to verify the provider is approved to offer CE courses in Washington.

List of CE provider web sites

Questions

How do I sign up for my CE?
What kinds of courses do I have to take?
How do I know my courses are valid?
How long are my CE credits good for?
How do I know if I need to renew or reinstate my license?
What do I do once I’ve finished my CE?
Can I carry credits from one renewal cycle to the next?
How long should I keep my records?
Are there any waivers or special notices that apply to me?
If Washington is not my home state, do I have to do CE?

Answers

1. How do I sign up for my CE?

Our approved CE provider list (PDF, 188KB) contains available continuing education providers. This list is current as of 02/07/2012 and is updated twice a year. You should contact the listed organizations to determine which courses are currently offered.
Note: We suggest searching the internet by typing "insurance continuing education" and then using our list to verify the provider is approved to offer CE courses in Washington state.

You can also find links directly to CE provider websites to explore online study options.

2. What kinds of courses do I have to take?

You may take any of the approved insurance continuing education courses.
You don't have to take courses with subject matter that matches the lines of authority on your license.

3. How do I know my courses are valid?

You took them from an approved provider. “Approved” means a provider has been granted authority by our office to offer insurance courses with CE credit.
You are not repeating a course you completed in the preceding three-year period. (Many courses have similar titles so make sure you're not repeating the same course number.)
You completed your courses during your current renewal cycle (between your last expiration date and current expiration date).

4. How long are my CE credits good for?

A certificate of completion is valid for 24 months from the date of completion. Course credit may only be applied toward renewal if completed within the current renewal cycle (between your last expiration date and current expiration date).
For reinstatement, courses must be completed within the 24 months prior to your application for reinstatement.

5. How do I know if I need to renew or reinstate my license?

Take a look at your license expiration date.

If you're within a 60-day period either before or after your expiration date you may renew your license. Remember, if you're within the 60-day period following your expiration date, you will be subject to additional fees for late renewal.
If you are 61 days past your expiration date but not more than 12 months, you will need to reinstate your license. You will be subject to additional fees for reinstatement.

6. What do I do once I’ve finished my CE?

When you successfully complete an approved course, the course provider will issue you a certificate of completion.

The course provider will also report your CE credits to us within 10 days of course completion.

7. Can I carry credits from one renewal cycle to the next?

No. Excess credit cannot be carried over.

8. How long should I keep my records?

We recommend that you retain each certificate of completion for a minimum of three years from the date the course is used for renewing your license.

9. Waivers and special notices

Course work required to obtain an insurance professional designation, if successfully completed, may be substituted for CE credit hours.

View a current list of approved designations. (PDF, 53KB)
If you have a question about a waiver of your CE requirements, contact our education analyst.

10. If Washington is not my home state, am I required to complete CE?

Non-residents do not have to meet our CE requirements to renew their Washington state license however, there are some education requirements for transacting long-term care insurance business.

There are also federal requirements for flood insurance education and annuity suitabilities training, but you may have met these education requirements in your home state.

Questions?

Email our education analyst, or
Call 360-725-7146

Updated 05/07/2012

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