Early-Career Designations

The Professional Risk Consultant (PRC®) and Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC™) designations are early-career training programs created by The Council and The Institutes. They are designed by brokers, for brokers, to help new-to-the-industry professionals build a strong foundation in Property/Casualty or Employee Benefits. These programs are ideal for hires with less than two years in the industry who are eager to grow into valued contributors.

Earning the PRC® or PEBC™ designation helps new insurance professionals gain credibility, technical expertise, and confidence early in their careers. Graduates stand out to clients and peers, accelerate their professional growth, and often qualify for Continuing Education (CE) credits — all while learning through flexible, on-demand, and hybrid formats.

Both designation programs are designed to fit busy schedules. Participants can complete coursework through on-demand or hybrid formats, combining self-paced online learning with live instruction. The timeline varies by learner, but most complete their designation within several months while applying lessons directly on the job.

Yes. The on-demand course via The Institutes offers corporate packages with discounted pricing for firms that hire at scale. These packages make it easy for HR, Learning & Development, and operations leaders to integrate PRC® or PEBC™ programs into their onboarding process — giving every new hire the same strong foundation in risk and insurance.

Early-career designation programs are structured learning experiences that help new insurance professionals quickly understand the fundamentals of risk, coverage, and client service. These programs are designed to build confidence, technical skills, and credibility in the first few years of a broker’s career — preparing participants to add value to their firms right away.

Earning a designation early helps professionals stand out in a competitive field. It signals a strong commitment to learning, accelerates career growth, and provides a foundation in real-world brokerage practices. Many employers view designations as a key differentiator when evaluating new talent for client-facing or production roles.

Yes. Participants in the PRC® and PEBC™ programs may earn Continuing Education (CE) credits, helping them maintain state licenses while developing practical, on-the-job skills. The programs are approved by multiple state regulators and align with professional development requirements for many firms.

Early-career programs build both technical and professional skills. Participants learn about risk management, coverage analysis, and policy design, while also developing communication, client-relationship, and problem-solving skills. These well-rounded capabilities prepare them to contribute meaningfully to their teams and clients from day one.

Insurance designation programs streamline the onboarding process by giving new hires a structured learning path that covers industry fundamentals, terminology, and client-service best practices. This helps firms save time and ensures every new employee develops consistent, high-quality knowledge — regardless of their background.

Yes. Participants gain access to instructor support, peer learning opportunities, and a library of reinforcement tools. Managers also receive guidance to help coach new hires, track progress, and connect program concepts to daily client work — ensuring that learning translates to performance.

Unlike many traditional certifications, the PRC® and PEBC™ programs were built by brokers, for brokers. They focus on real-world brokerage applications — not textbook theory — and are tailored to the specific needs of Property/Casualty and Employee Benefits firms. The programs are also faster to complete and more directly aligned with client-facing work.

Each program provides a comprehensive foundation in brokerage essentials.

• PRC® (Property/Casualty): Risk identification, policy structure, underwriting, claims, and client advisory skills.
• PEBC™ (Employee Benefits): Health plan design, compliance, funding strategies, and employee engagement.
Both include practical exercises, case studies, and tools managers can use to reinforce learning on the job.

Enrollment depends on how you prefer to learn.

• If you like structure and live instruction: Register through The Council’s website for the hybrid model, which includes guided sessions and instructor interaction.
• If you prefer self-paced learning: Register through The Institutes’ website for the on-demand course, which allows you to move through the material independently and on your own timeline.

Both pathways lead to the same respected PRC® or PEBC™ designation and provide access to best-in-class educational content for early-career insurance professionals.

Choosing the right format depends on your learning style and schedule:

• Hybrid (via The Council): Ideal for learners who thrive with structure, live instruction, and the accountability of scheduled sessions. You’ll benefit from guided discussions, peer interaction, and manager reinforcement tools.

• On-Demand (via The Institutes): Best for self-motivated learners who prefer flexibility. This format allows you to complete the coursework at your own pace with no fixed timeline or live sessions.
Both formats cover the same curriculum and lead to the PRC® or PEBC™ designation — so it’s all about how you learn best.

Graduates join a national network of trained professionals and gain access to continued development opportunities. Participants at Council member firms can further their growth through advanced Council programs such as Broker Smackdown and The Council at Lloyd’s. Many firms view these designations as a key milestone within producer or leadership development tracks, recognizing graduates as ready to take on expanded client and management responsibilities.