Insurance Continuing Education keeps agents licensed, updated, and competitive. Most states require a certain number of CE credits, but how you complete those credits is up to you. The two main paths are online courses and classroom sessions. Both work, but they offer very different experiences. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide which one fits your schedule, budget, and learning style.
Table of Contents
What Is Insurance Continuing Education?
Insurance continuing education is a state-regulated requirement for insurance agents and adjusters. These courses cover ethics, product updates, compliance rules, and industry changes. After completing your required credits, you report them to your state to keep your license active.
Online Insurance Continuing Education
Online CE has become the preferred choice for many agents. It offers flexibility and saves time, especially for those managing a busy schedule.
Key Advantages
1. Learn at your own pace
You can stop, continue, or repeat lessons whenever you want. This works well if you have unpredictable working hours.
2. Accessible from anywhere
As long as you have internet access, you can take your course at home, at the office, or while traveling.
3. More affordable
Most online CE providers offer lower prices compared to in-person classes. Many even run promotions or bundle discounts.
4. Large course variety
Online platforms offer more topics, from ethics to advanced life, health, or property insurance training.
5. Easy recordkeeping
Your progress and certificates stay stored in your online account, making compliance reporting simple.
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires self-discipline
- No real-time interaction unless the provider offers live webinars
- Can feel boring if you prefer hands-on learning
Classroom Insurance Continuing Education
Classroom CE is the traditional option. It works best for agents who like structured learning and face-to-face interaction.
Key Advantages
1. Direct interaction
You can ask questions on the spot and discuss real cases with instructors and peers.
2. Structured schedule
A fixed time and place help some people stay accountable and avoid procrastination.
3. Networking opportunities
Meeting other agents in your field can lead to new business relationships.
4. Fewer distractions
Being away from home or office helps you stay focused.
Potential Drawbacks
- Less flexible and harder to fit into a busy schedule
- More expensive due to instructor fees and venue costs
- Travel time adds inconvenience
- Limited course options depending on your location
Online vs Classroom: Which One Should You Choose?
Both formats can help you complete your CE credits, but the better choice depends on your personal needs.
Choose Online CE if:
- You want a flexible schedule
- You prefer learning independently
- You want lower-cost options
- You have reliable internet access
- You need quick completion
Choose Classroom CE if:
- You learn better through face-to-face interaction
- You want to network with other agents
- You prefer structured sessions
- You don’t mind traveling or paying more
Final Thoughts
Online insurance continuing education is usually the best fit for most agents because it’s flexible, affordable, and convenient. Classroom CE still has value, especially if you appreciate interaction and structure. The best choice comes down to how you learn and what works for your schedule.
