For more information, visit our section for Continuing Education Providers.
How do I become a provider?
You will need to request a continuing education packet by contacting the CE coordinator at dawn.kilgore@maine.gov. The packet will include all the necessary forms including Rule 542 which governs the continuing education program. We do not have a separate form for new provider approvals. We use the course approval form to approve the first course and the provider at the same time, from the same form. In order to approve the course, we require the course approval form, a timed outline, a course description and any promotional brochures or similar materials that may be helpful in explaining the course content along with the $20 fee per course and the $100 fee for a new provider. The course approval forms will be reviewed by the continuing education advisory committee the 4th Friday of every month. Upon approval the courses will be entered into the system and assigned a course number.
What is the difference between the NAIC reciprocity form and the state specific form?
The NAIC reciprocity approval form is used if the course has already been approved in the providers’ home state. The Maine specific form is used if the course has not been approved in the home state or if the providers’ home state is Maine.
Are there any fees?
Yes, there is a $100 fee for a new provider, a $20 for each course submitted for approval, and $100 fee for provider renewals due October 1st of even years
How are credits calculated?
Credits are calculated as 1 credit is equal to 50 minutes of classroom instruction time. For online/correspondence courses the time needs to be equivalent to what would be offered in a classroom. Credits can also be calculated using word count based on Method B of the NAIC recommended guidelines for online courses.
What are the topics Maine does not approve for credit?
Maine does not approve the following topics for credit:
- Technical office skills, such as typing, speed reading, and the operation of office machines and equipment
- Motivation, psychology, sales promotion, time or stress management, or communications
- Office management, customer service, or the operation of the student’s business, if the course is general in focus and is not specifically directed towards the business of insurance
- Courses which primarily instruct the student in the promotion or sales of the products of a specific company.
How often are courses approved?
Courses are approved by the continuing education advisory committee the 4th Friday of every month.
How are course approvals sent?
We mail out the course approval form with the course number, number of credits approved and the approval date after the course has been approved.
What happens if a course is disapproved?
The course approval form will be mailed advising the reason the course was not approved.
Can providers view their approved courses online?
You can find a list of a specific providers’ approved courses on the Maine website https://www.pfr.maine.gov/almsonline/almsquery/SearchProvider.aspx
When do the courses expire?
Courses have no expiration dates. They are based on the renewal of the provider.
Do providers have a renewal?
Yes, providers renew October 1st of every even year. We will send out a renewal notice with a list of active courses 6 – 8 weeks in advance.
Do providers need to notify of a course offering?
No, Maine does not require notification of when a course will be offered.
How do we report a course completion?
Rosters can be uploaded at Regulatory Licensing and Permitted Application. They can also be e-mailed to dawn.kilgore@maine.gov; faxed to 207-624-8599 or mailed to 34 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
What is the timeframe for reporting rosters to Maine?
Rosters need to be reported within 30 days of the course completion.
How can the certificate of completions be sent to the student? E-mail or postal service?
The Certificates of completion can be e-mailed, mailed or given to the student at the end of the course. The certificates need to be provided to the student within 30 days of the course completion.