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FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CERTIFICATION AS A WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROFESSIONAL
What does it mean that a person is recognized as a Certified Workers' Compensation Professional (CWCP)?
It means that Michigan State University certifies that the individual has successfully completed its course for workers' compensation professionals. Successful completion of the course includes:
- Attendance at 34 hours of instruction
- Meaningful participation in the course activities
- Successful completion of written examinations
By whom is the CWCP designation recognized?
Since we began offering this program in 1999 it has gained wide recognition across the country. It is not however "sanctioned" by any organization other than Michigan State University. We have now certified over 1700 individuals. They have come from all 50 states and work in every aspect of the workers' compensation system.
It is our goal that eventually, when employers who are seeking to contract with an insurance company or third-party administrator, they will ask, "What percentage of your staff is certified as CWCPs by Michigan State University?"
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Who attends this program?
The largest group of attendees are people who manage workers' compensation for employers. These are usually people who spend most of their time dealing with workers' compensation claims but they often have other responsibilities including risk management, safety, and other disability programs. The next largest group is made up of individuals who manage claims for insurance companies and third-party administrators. A variety of other individuals attend the program including agents, underwriters, risk managers, safety managers, nurse case managers, state workers' compensation agency officials and employees, consultants, attorneys, and physicians.
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Is the certification process affiliated with some professional association?
There is no association that encompasses all workers' compensation professionals. That was one of the reasons we started this program. We thought there was a need for an official certification, and we had the capability to offer it.
Everyone who successfully completes the course is a member of an elite group, those who have obtained recognition as CWCPs from Michigan State University. We offer our graduates opportunities to get together at two follow-up programs. One is a large "reunion" held in East Lansing each spring. The other is a series of small workshops. Both of these programs are limited to CWCPs.
Will the certification help me get a new job or a pay raise?
Of course, we cannot give any guarantees. Graduates, however, are entitled to list this accomplishment among their credentials. We believe it will be valued.
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Can I use the initials, CWCP, after my name?
Yes, most of our graduates do.
Are the exams hard?
The five exams are not designed to "weed out" applicants. They are designed, instead, to insure that graduates have paid attention to the class discussions, have been willing to do a little research in the course materials provided, and have a basic understanding of the workers' compensation law in at least one jurisdiction.
Very few people who have taken the course have failed to obtain the certification. Anyone who does not pass the exam the first time is given an opportunity to take it again.
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Are there requirements for maintaining certification?
CWCPs are originally certified for a two-year period following the program they attend. At the end of that time, they must be recertified for successive two-year periods. There are two options for recertifictation: Individuals may provide evidence that they have attended 28 hours of continuing education courses during the two-year period, or they may take a recertification exam. Detailed information can be found at "Recertification Requirements and Forms for CWCPs."
Can you take the exams without attending the class?
No. Our graduates confirm that spending a week with a group of colleagues, studying and talking about workers' compensation, is a very important part of the experience. We have no plans to change this.
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Can the course materials be purchased separately?
Not at this time. The materials were developed for use in the class. Eventually, we may refine them into a format that would have value as a stand-alone product. That, however, is probably a couple of years down the road. Additional copies of the course materials may be purchased by CWCPs. More information is available here.
Can I get CEUs for the course?
We are now able to offer CEUs for a variety of professions. More information is available at CEUs for WCC.
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How much experience do I need to take the class?
Attendees should come with some experience in at least one area of workers' compensation. In addition, they should have a good understanding of the workers' compensation law in at least one state.
Is this a "national course"?
Yes, we do not concentrate on the law in any one state. We teach the general principles behind workers' compensation law that apply to all jurisdictions.
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Can I take the course a few days at a time?
No. When we first started the course, we allowed this option, but very few people chose it. Attendees tell us that one of the great values of the course is spending a week together with the same group of colleagues, studying and talking about workers' compensation.
Are scholarships available?
No. We are not able to grant any scholarships at this time.
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Is there a chance that you will be offering the Certification Program in a location near me?
We try to offer the program where there will be a demand. Generally this means larger cities near "hub" airports. (The exception is East Lansing where we are located.) We welcome suggestions and have sometimes made special arrangements to come to a location that we would not otherwise go to.
On a few occasions a local employer or government agency has agreed to send a certain number of people to a program if we would offer it in their area. In other words, if you would guarantee to buy the first 10 to 15 seats, we would be willing to offer an open enrollment program in your area. In this way you save travel costs for your people, but they are able to attend a program with people from outside your organization.
Can you prepare customized courses for a specific organization?
Yes. More information is available here Customized Course
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What else should I know about this program?
We think there are many excellent aspects of this program but attendees most frequently mention the "networking." Some people tell us that "it was great to spend time with other people who have the same problems I do." Others say "it was great to meet people from other parts of the workers' compensation system." Our expert instructors lead the program in a way that encourages a broad exchange of ideas. In this way, people learn from each other.
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