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Have not heard feedback on RPA I know two and they have what it takes. This seems to be a time in the business and more than one line of coverage on large losses. I probably qualify. I would welcome an invitation to apply.

I’m an AIC and CPCU. The AIC is obviously claims specific while the CPCU covers all areas of Property/Casualty. If you are just going to do one, then I’d get the CPCU.

I took the majority of my CPCU exams under the old format, but I’d say the CPCU is 2-3 times as difficult as the AIC. The course work for the CPCU is longer and more complex. I would avoid the pricey prep classes and study aids they will try to sell you. The books, course guides and tests are expensive enough and if you are lucky enough to be working for a vendor or carrier that will pay for study materials and testing then definitely take advantage of it.

Taking either the CPCU or AIC, I would just buy the required texts and the course guides. A little secret is that ALL test questions come directly from the course guides. I found this to be the case 100% of the time. Never waste time reading parts of the texts that are not in the course guide-it won't be on the test. If you have answered the course guide questions correctly and studied them at length, there is no way to fail the exams because you know what questions will be asked. In fact I never came close to failing an exam. The hard part is taking the time to answer all the questions in the course guide correctly-it is time consuming because you have to read the texts to find the answers. There are also companies that sell answers to the course guide (see here: http://www.keirinsurance.com/us/sup...ourses.asp )

Cat adjusting does provide a unique opportunity to take a lot of tests in a short period of time if you aren’t working. About 10 years ago I was not working for 6 months, but used that time to take 6 CPCU exams. Back then everything was handwritten and the tests were taken at set times-I even signed up for 4 CPCU exams in two days – 2 morning/afternoon sessions back to back. The CPCU guys called and tried to not let me take the tests (they advise one per quarter), but luckily I talked them into it. It all depends on your level of work. If it’s a big time CAT, then there probably is not enough time to take tests. If you have a 40 hr/week job, then shoot for 2-4 CPCU exams in a year if you can do it. If you aren’t working, then spend the day studying and take all the tests you can.

Thanks for the response everyone. Cechricat, your insight is a big help. Larry, the part you said about agents being able to better use some of this really hit the nail on the head for me. My ultimate goal is to have an agency, as i may not feel like climbing roofs in 10 years, and this goal is part of my "active retirement" strategy. But you are absolutely right about an IA storm boss not giving two cents about what kind of extra initials you can put on your business card, as long as you can close files effectively