Home Programs Information for Students Learning options

Learning options

Table of contents
Learning options Online learning In-person learning Hybrid learning Independent study Transferring to a different learning method: CIP and GIE courses
Learning options Online learning In-person learning Hybrid learning Independent study Transferring to a different learning method: CIP and GIE courses

Learning options

Insurance Institute courses use a variety of different learning formats. Here is an overview.

Online learning

The course is usually instructor-led and is offered online through our learning management system. The instructor provides guidance and grades your work, and you will need to meet deadlines for completing graded activities. 
  • In some online courses, the instructor also hosts scheduled live sessions online. You can attend these in real time or view the recordings later. Examples: Many CIP courses are offered in this format.
  • In other online courses, the instructor does not hold a live class but is available for guidance if you need it. You will still need to log in to the course website every week and meet regular deadlines for activities. Examples: FCIP and ACIP courses use this format, as do most courses in the Commercial Insurance and Risk Management certificate programs.

In-person learning

The course instructor holds scheduled sessions in a specific location, and you are expected to attend in person. You will also have access to a course webpage with additional resources and assessments. You will need to meet deadlines for completing graded activities. The instructor hosts the live sessions, provides guidance, and grades your work. Examples: Some CIP and GIE courses are offered in this format.

Hybrid learning

The course is instructor-led and includes scheduled in-person sessions in a specific location, as well as online, recorded sessions through a course webpage. You will need to meet deadlines for completing graded activities. The course instructor hosts the live sessions, provides guidance, and grades your work. Examples: Some CIP and GIE courses may be offered in this format.

Independent study

The course has a start and end date, and you must meet the deadline for submitting graded course assessments, but you determine your own study schedule and manage your own time. There is no instructor. Examples: All CIP and GIE courses are available in this format.

Transferring to a different learning method: CIP and GIE courses

CIP and GIE courses may be offered in multiple formats in the same semester. Independent study courses open for registration earlier than other formats. To avoid missed opportunities, students may register for the independent study course first and then transfer to an instructor-led class of the same course if one becomes available during the independent study semester. Students should contact Member Services to request the transfer. The student is responsible for paying the difference of any associated fees, such as the classroom tuition. No other refunds or credits will be made.

Transferring from an in-person or online instructor-led course to independent study is not permitted. Students are required to withdraw from their in-person or online course, before the withdrawal deadline, and re-enroll in the independent study course. Withdrawal fees will apply.