Don's Discussion

Are you a member with a question? Contact IA&B Legal & Corporate Affairs Director Don Bankus to find the answer at 800-998-9644, ext. 603 or DonB@IABforME.com.

Is there an age at which licensed producers become totally exempt from the requirement to take continuing education (CE) in order to renew their license?

While the statutes and regulations governing CE requirements vary for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, the good news is each state provides at least some degree of exemption or credit for the seasoned producer.

DELAWARE

General requirement: Resident licensees are required to complete 24 credit hours during each 24-month licensing period.

Exemption/credit: A licensee who has been continuously licensed for 25 years or longer prior to the start of their licensing period, or who holds an approved professional designation, shall receive an automatic 12 credits in each biennium. Of note, the 12 automatic credits cannot be applied to fulfill any applicable flood (2 hours), ethics (3 hours), or long-term care (3 hours) CE requirement.

Applicable statutes/regulations: 18 DE Admin. Code 504, at Section 8.0 – Licensee’s Responsibility (specifically at subsection 8.3 – Automatic Credit)

PENNSYLVANIA

General requirement: Licensees are required to complete 24 credit hours during each 24-month licensing period.

“Grandfathering” exemption: A licensee who was licensed prior to Jan. 1, 1971, and who has been continuously licensed for all lines of authority since that time, is exempt from CE requirements. If the licensee adds a line of authority, the exemption becomes inapplicable.

Applicable statutes/regulations: 40 P.S. Section 310.8 (specifically subsection 310.8(c)(1)

MARYLAND

General requirement: Licensees are required to complete 24 credit hours during each 24-month licensing period.

Exemption/credit: If a licensee has held a license for 25 or more consecutive years as of Oct. 1, 2008, the licensee shall only be required to complete 8 hours of CE in each renewal period. Of note, If you qualify for the above exemption, you’re still required to meet the flood (2 hours), ethics (3 hours), or long-term care (2 hours) CE requirement, if applicable.

“Grandfathering” exemption: In addition, per MIA Producer Bulletin 13-07, licensees who were age 70 and older as of April 30, 2013 are exempt from the general CE requirements. However, if you qualify for the “grandfathering” exemption, you’re still required to meet the flood (2 hours) and long-term care (2 hours) CE requirements, if applicable.

Applicable statutes/regulations: MD Ins. Code Section 10-116 (specifically at subsection 10-116(a)(3)(iii); Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Section 31.03.02.03 (specifically at subsection B); Maryland Insurance Administration Producer Bulletin 13-07 (specifically at subsection II)

This document is not a legal opinion and should not be relied upon as such. The intent of this document is to provide a general background regarding the topic or topics discussed, not to provide legal advice. Producers and agencies should consult an attorney regarding specific situations and specific questions with respect to the topic or topics covered in this document. Neither the Insurance Agents & Brokers nor any of its employees shall be responsible for any errors or omissions regarding any statements made in this document, nor any errors or omissions regarding any statutes, regulations, court rules, and/or any other government documents cited in this document