Education Corner - Spring 2026

Why Continuing Education Still Matters

The intent of continuing education (CE) is simple: ensure that designees remain informed, agile, and aligned with the rapidly changing insurance landscape. For today’s insurance regulators and compliance professionals, CE isn’t just a requirement, it’s part of the professional rhythm. Whether you’re a long‑time designation holder or newly credentialed, staying current with CE requirements has never been more important.

The NICE Program requires all AIE®, CIE®, and CICSR® holders to earn at least 15 hours of qualifying CE each compliance period. This year, the compliance period runs from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, with CE reporting due no later than September 30, 2026. Now that we’re halfway through the current compliance year, this is the perfect time to review your progress and map out the remainder of your CE plan.

Submitting CE: What Today’s Members Need to Know

Reporting CE is straightforward, but accuracy matters. Following these guidelines will help IRES process your submissions more quickly and keep your transcript clean and up to date.

1. Submit as You Go

The NICE submission form is always open. Submitting early helps you track progress and avoid last‑minute surprises.

2. Attach Proof Every Time

The most common submission error is missing documentation. Always upload certificates of attendance or other proof that CE credit was earned.

3. Use the Correct ‘Credit Type’

Most activities fall under Courses & Seminars. Do not select administrative credit types such as IRES Webinar, MCM Program, or Committee Service—those are entered automatically by IRES.

4. Enter the Right Dates

Ensure the Entry Date reflects when the CE was completed, not when you submit it.

5. Watch the Expiration Rules

Credits always expire on August 31 of the compliance period in which they apply. Reachback and Extension Credits follow special rules but still use the August 31 expiration date of the period they are applied to.

6. Avoid Duplicative Entries

Check your transcript before submitting a new entry to ensure that the event hasn’t already been recorded.

7. Enter the Correct Credit Amount

The number of credits you enter should match the amount shown on your certificate. IRES will make any necessary adjustments to account for credit caps based on the type of CE.

8. Use the Event Title

Enter the event name exactly as it appears on your documentation.

9. Report Events, Not Individual Sessions

CE is earned for the event, not each session within it. Submit the entire event as a single entry, even if the certificate breaks credit down by session.

Tracking Your Progress

The Professional Development area in the Members‑Only section of the IRES website remains your CE command center. In addition to reporting CE, this is where you’ll find:

• Your CE history

• Your designations

• Your NICE Program Requirement status

• How many credits have been accepted this period

This dashboard makes it easy to monitor your progress and ensure you stay on track throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

If you have questions about CE requirements, reporting, or qualifying activities, the IRES office and the NICE Program Manual remain your best resources. Staying engaged throughout the year makes CE manageable and ensures that you continue to grow as a regulatory compliance professional.

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Jo LeDuc, CIE, MCM, CPCU, FLMI, AIDA, APIR, is a member of and a past President of the Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society (IRES). She has an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Business Administration. In addition, she has earned the CIE (Certified Insurance Examiner), MCM (Market Conduct Management), CPCU (Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter), FMLI (Fellow, Life Management Institute), AIRC (Associate, Insurance Regulatory Compliance), AIC (Associate in Claims), Associate in Insurance Data Analytics (AIDA) and API (Associate in Personal Insurance) designations.