You can access the course at www.nicta.org and by following these steps: If you are already signed up as a NICTA student just login and the course is located under "Other Learning" in the course selection area. If you're new to NICTA click on the "New Student" link and agree to the terms. Then fill in your email along with a password and submit (no corporate code required). Complete the name and address information section and submit. Once you're in the system you can find the ethics course located under "View Course List" link. Then "Other Learning" link and select "IASIU Ethics Course" and then enroll. Technical problems email support@nicta.org.

CIFI Application

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EXAM DATES
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To be eligible for the examination, you must score a minimum number of points on the Education and Experience form included in this package.

Examination applications are currently being accepted. Tests will be given at least three times a year, one of which will be at the annual seminar. One test will be given in the eastern, central and western parts of the United States. If an IASIU chapter wishes to sponsor an exam, they must contact Headquarters, Mary Carol Bruff 410-931-3332 x110 or mbruff@managementalliance.com for approval at least 90 days prior to the test date.

A full explanation of the requirements and procedures for applying for the examination are included with this packet.

Non-members of IASIU will be charged a higher fee ($400.00) to take the examination.

If you qualify for membership, your membership application and payment fees must be received and application approved prior to submitting your CIFI application in order to qualify for the lower member fee of $200.00.

Once an individual receives certification, they must be re-certified every three years. In order to qualify for re-certification, the individual must maintain the standards set forth in IASIU's Code of Ethics and obtain 60 continuing education units (CEUs) over a three year period. For CEUs to qualify, they must relate to the investigation of insurance fraud, and a certificate of completion or other proof of attendance must be submitted for all CEUs claimed.

Why become a certified insurance fraud investigator? The reasons are numerous, but here are a few:

It gives the individual professional recognition in their field.
It adds to the individual's qualifications needed for expert court testimony.
It can be used as an advertising/marketing tool for insurance company SIU's.
It ensures consistent high standards throughout the industry.
It provides highly qualified individuals to investigate suspected insurance fraud.
It inspires public confidence in the integrity, objectivity and professionalism of insurance investigators.

Point Guidelines
Education
To receive points in this category, the applicant must have one or more of the following:
Bachelor's Degree: This degree must be from an accredited college. A photocopy of the transcript and/or diploma must accompany the application.
Master's Degree: This degree must be from an accredited college. A photocopy of the transcript and/or diploma must accompany the application.
Ph.D., J.D.: These degrees must be from accredited colleges. Photocopies of the transcripts and/or diplomas must accompany the application.

Experience
Law Enforcement Investigate Experience: To receive points in this category, the applicant must be, or have been a local, state or federal law enforcement officer and/or investigator; or a fire department investigator.

Insurance Adjuster Experience: To receive points in this category, the applicant must be or have been:
An insurance company employee whose primary purpose is the investigation and/or supervision of investigation of insurance claims, or
A self-insured corporation company employee who is assigned to a claims handling unit and whose primary purpose is the investigation and/or supervision of investigation of insurance claims.

Licensed Private Investigator: To receive points in this category, the applicant must be or have been a licensed private investigator by a state or local government agency. Attach a copy of PI license to the application.

Certification
To receive points in this category, the applicant must have certification(s) from a professional organization concerned with the detection and/or prevention of fraud. Photocopies of all certifications must be attached to the application.

Other Experience
To receive points in this category, the applicant must have:
Published a book on a subject directly related to the investigation of insurance fraud. Attach a list showing the title and publishers name for all books authored, and attach a copy of the copyright page with the Library of Congress catalog number.
Published a paper or article in a professional magazine or journal on a subject directly related to the investigation of insurance fraud. Attach a list showing title and publisher's name for all authored articles, and attach a copy of the article pages which show the magazine or journal name, date, article title and your name.
Given lecture(s) at professional industry organization meetings, seminars or conferences on a subject directly related to the investigation of insurance fraud. Industry organizations are defined as: IASIU, IAAI, ACFE, IATTI, etc., national and chapter functions. Attach a list showing organization, topic, location and date of each lecture.

Study Materials
The following is a list of resource materials for investigators who take the CIFI examination. It is difficult to list many as there is a scarcity of written materials to study. This is a test of knowledge rather than a course of study.

Materials used to develop the exam include:
Past IASIU seminar presentations, 1996 to present, are available on disk for $25 each.
Law of Claims Fraud Investigation and Defense, American Educational Institute, 1992
Property Investigation Checklists: Uncovering Insurance Fraud, 8th edition, Michael H. Boyer, West Group, 2002.
Claims Fraud Fundamentals Course, American Educational Institute, 2006
Additional Sources include periodicals such as The John Cooke Fraud Report, SIU Today, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud's Fraud Focus and Mealey Publications Insurance Fraud.

There will also be questions arising out of investigation matters and legal experience that do not come from a specific written source.

Examination Requirements
The applicant must comply with the IASIU code of ethics to take the examination. In addition, to be eligible for the examination, the applicant must score a minimum of 30 points in the SIU Investigative Experience category and a minimum of 100 points overall on the Education and Experience Form.

Three letters of professional recommendation must be submitted, one of which must be from a regular IASIU member.

Examination Qualification Forms
After reviewing the point guidelines for certification, please complete the education and experience form, and the personal information form. Enclose the letters of recommendation, the documentation required, and the appropriate application fee. Mail them at least 3 weeks prior to the exam date to:

IASIU Headquarters
8015 Corporate Drive
Suite A
Baltimore, MD 21236

Phone: (410) 931-3332
Fax: (410) 931-2060

Examination Fees
Current Members of IASIU: $200.00 USD
Non-Members of IASIU: $400.00 USD