Delaware Continuing Education Requirements

Delaware requires licensed producers to complete ongoing education to maintain competency and stay current with industry developments and regulatory changes.

CE Requirements Overview

Biennial CE Requirement

Who Must Complete CE

Required:

• All resident Property & Casualty producers
• Resident producers with P&C line of authority
• Non-resident producers if home state has reciprocity

Exemptions:

• New licensees (exempt until first renewal after licensing)
• Limited lines producers (some exemptions)
• Military service members (potential deferrals)

Required CE Topics

Ethics Requirement (3 Hours)

All producers must complete 3 hours in ethics, which covers:

Ethics Topics:

• Professional conduct and responsibilities
• Fiduciary duties to clients and insurers
• Conflicts of interest and disclosure
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Ethical claims handling
• Regulatory compliance and honesty

Importance of Ethics CE:

• Reinforces professional standards
• Reduces consumer complaints
• Promotes industry integrity
• Mandatory for all lines of authority

Exam Tip: The 3-hour ethics requirement is MANDATORY and cannot be waived. It must be completed in addition to the 21 hours of general content.

Flood Insurance Requirement (2 Hours)

Producers authorized to write homeowners or personal lines coverage must complete:

• 2 hours of flood insurance and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) CE
• Purpose: Educate producers on flood risks and coverage options
• Topics Covered:
  • National Flood Insurance Program overview
  • Flood zones and flood maps
  • Flood insurance coverage and exclusions
  • Coastal flood risks (relevant for Delaware)
  • Private flood insurance options
  • Consumer flood insurance education

Why Flood CE Matters in Delaware:

• Delaware has significant Atlantic coastal exposure
• Many Delaware properties are in flood zones
• Hurricane and coastal storm surge risks
• Producer must understand NFIP and private options

General CE (21 Hours)

The remaining 21 hours can cover:

Acceptable Topics:

• Property insurance products and coverages
• Casualty insurance products and coverages
• Auto insurance coverage and regulations
• Commercial insurance topics
• Risk management and loss control
• Insurance law and regulation updates
• Technology and insurance industry trends
• Customer service and sales techniques

NOT Acceptable:

• Motivational seminars
• Time management courses
• Purely sales or marketing courses (unless insurance-specific)
• Office management unrelated to insurance

CE Completion and Reporting

Approved CE Providers

CE courses must be taken from Delaware-approved providers:

Provider Requirements:

• Approved by Delaware Department of Insurance
• Courses meet Delaware CE standards
• Provider reports completion to Delaware DOI
• Courses offered in-person, online, or self-study

Finding Approved Providers:

• Check Delaware DOI website for approved provider list
• Verify provider approval before taking course
• Only approved provider courses count toward CE requirement

CE Reporting

Automatic Reporting:

• Most approved providers electronically report course completion to Delaware DOI
• Producer doesn't need to submit proof if reported electronically
• Verify completion reported through DOI online portal

Manual Reporting:

• If provider doesn't report electronically, producer must submit proof
• Submit CE certificate with producer name, course title, hours, completion date
• Keep copies of all CE certificates for your records

Verifying CE Compliance

Online Verification:

1. Log into Delaware DOI producer portal
2. View CE transcript
3. Verify total hours, ethics hours, and flood hours (if applicable)
4. Address any missing courses before renewal deadline

Maintaining Records:

• Keep CE certificates for at least 5 years
• Maintain proof of completion
• Have records available if DOI audits compliance

CE Exemptions and Credits

25-Year Exemption

Producers continuously licensed for 25 years or more receive:

• Automatic Credit: 12 hours credited automatically each biennial period
• Remaining Requirement: Must still complete 12 hours (including 3 ethics)
• Calculation: 25 years counted from initial license date (any state)
• Application: Submit proof of licensure history to Delaware DOI

Example:

• Producer licensed continuously since 1995 = 30+ years
• Automatic 12-hour credit each biennial period
• Must complete 12 hours (including 3 ethics, 2 flood if applicable)
• Total = 24 hours satisfied (12 credit + 12 completed)

Professional Designation Credit

Holders of certain professional designations receive:

• Automatic Credit: 12 hours credited automatically each biennial period
• Remaining Requirement: Must still complete 12 hours (including 3 ethics)
• Qualifying Designations:
  • CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter)
  • CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter)
  • ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant)
  • CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor)
  • Other designations as approved by Delaware DOI

Proof Required:

• Submit copy of designation certificate
• Provide designation number or verification
• Must maintain designation in good standing

New Licensee Exemption

Newly licensed producers are exempt until first renewal:

• Initial License: No CE required in first biennial period
• First Renewal: Must complete 24 hours before first February 28 deadline
• Example: Licensed June 2024 → First renewal February 28, 2026 → No CE required for 2026 renewal

Renewal Process

License Renewal Steps

Step 1: Complete CE Requirements (by February 28)

• Complete 24 hours approved CE
• Ensure 3 hours in ethics
• Complete 2 hours flood insurance (if applicable)
• Verify CE reported to Delaware DOI

Step 2: Verify CE Compliance

• Log into Delaware DOI portal
• Review CE transcript
• Confirm all required hours completed and reported

Step 3: Submit Renewal Application

• Renew online through Delaware DOI or NIPR
• Verify contact information and legal name
• Answer renewal questions (criminal history, regulatory actions)

Step 4: Pay Renewal Fee

• Pay $165 renewal fee online
• Receive electronic payment confirmation
• Fee non-refundable

Step 5: Receive Renewed License

• License renewed electronically
• Print renewed license from DOI portal
• Verify expiration date (February 28, two years later)

Late Renewal Consequences

After February 28 Deadline:

• Grace Period: None—license expires on February 28
• Lapse: Cannot sell insurance while license lapsed
• Reinstatement: May reinstate within certain period with late fees
• Reapplication: If lapsed too long, must reapply as new applicant

Penalties for Late Renewal:

• Late renewal fees and penalties
• Possible reinstatement application required
• Cannot conduct insurance business until reinstated
• Appointing companies may terminate appointments

Exam Tip: Delaware licenses renew every 2 years by February 28. There is NO grace period—the license expires on February 28 if not renewed. Complete CE well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

CE Best Practices

Recommended Approach

1. Plan Ahead

• Don't wait until renewal deadline approaches
• Complete CE throughout the 2-year period
• Schedule courses early to ensure availability

2. Track Progress

• Monitor CE hours completed
• Verify courses reported to Delaware DOI
• Keep personal records of all CE certificates

3. Diversify Topics

• Take courses in various P&C topics
• Stay current on industry trends and regulatory changes
• Focus on areas relevant to your practice

4. Verify Provider Approval

• Always confirm provider is Delaware-approved
• Check course approval before registering
• Save course confirmation and certificates

5. Exceed Minimum

• Consider completing more than 24 hours
• Excess hours demonstrate commitment to professionalism
• Note: Excess hours don't carry over to next period

Common CE Mistakes to Avoid