I highly recommend taking CPDM as it is an exceptional course with great instructors. It was a wonderful experience and I would suggest it to anyone looking for quality education.
Former Student
CPDM
Average Weekly Wage and Earning Capacity
Calculating benefits correctly starts with understanding how to determine an injured worker’s average weekly wage (AWW). This module explains the legal definitions, wage calculation methods, and how earning capacity influences benefit levels. You’ll learn to navigate special situations such as irregular earnings, multiple employers, and seasonal work.
Key Learning Outcomes
Define average weekly wage and its role in benefit calculation
Learn standard and alternative wage calculation methods
Understand the concept of earning capacity in WC
Apply calculations to different employment scenarios
Identify documentation and data needed to support wage decisions
Who Should Enroll
This course is ideal for claims professionals, adjusters, and employer reps responsible for benefit calculations and payment accuracy. It’s especially helpful for anyone who handles indemnity claims or coordinates wage-related benefits.
Sullivan on Comp
The Claims Practitioner in Workers’ Compensation (CPWC) program is powered by Sullivan on Comp (SOC) and SOC Essentials—the most trusted resources in California workers’ compensation.
These expert materials deliver:
In-depth legal analysis
Practical, real-world claims guidance
Current updates on laws, regulations, and case law
With SOC integrated into this course, you’ll gain the legal insight and practical tools needed to handle California workers’ compensation claims with skill and confidence.
Topics Covered
This module focuses on wage assessment and its impact on benefits:
Legal definition of AWW and earning capacity
Methods for calculating AWW
Special wage scenarios (seasonal, variable, multiple jobs)
Documentation and best practices
Connection between AWW and temporary/permanent disability benefits
Why Professionals Trust This Course
This course is designed for professionals who are ready to build—or strengthen—a career in California workers’ compensation:
✔ Updated for 2024 with real-world claims examples
✔ Aligned with California DWC training requirements
✔ Integrated with Sullivan on Comp for legal and practical clarity
✔ Flexible, on-demand format for working professionals
✔ Part of the full CPWC Certification path
CPWC17
- Complete in 5 Hours
- Earn CE credit
- Calculate Wages Accurately Across Claim Types
On-Demand
Payment plans available.
Upgrade to a Certification on Workers’ Comp
Students who chose certifications got:
- Comprehensive Skill Set
- Increased Career Opportunities
- Fast-Track to Advancement in Your Organization
Become a Workers' Compensation Expert
Ready to take the next step towards a rewarding career in the workers’ compensation industry? Look no further!
Connect with our experienced counselor to determine the best class or path for your goals.
Fill out the form to get in touch
What our students have to say
IEA helped launch my career in Workers’ Comp by facilitating my completion of necessary courses. I secured a job with the city of Los Angeles and am now thriving in my profession. Grateful for their support.
Former Student
WCCA
I greatly appreciated the teachers and how they have helped me grow. The process of taking their courses is simple and streamlined, which makes it much easier to complete them quickly.
Former Student
WCCA & WCCP
Real life and ambiguous examples and the time to work through them was a good way to practice the content/theory. Breakout groups were very helpful.
Bianca O
The presenter was great and the content was very relevant and interesting.
Unknown User
The information was well organized and easy to understand. The interactive learning activities along the way were a great way to keep the reader engaged and remember the material as the course progressed.
Bianca O
Instructor did a great job to keep students engaged while also making sure we learned and understood relevant topics to be prepared for a real Claims Examiner position.
Alex Fazeli
Claims Examiner / Work Comp, ICW Group
IEA’s CPWC certification has been a great training solution for our new hires. Meeting the required 120 hours of instruction and statutory topics in an On-demand turn-key program has made my job so much easier.
Dan Henley
Claims Training Supervisor, EMPLOYERS® Insurance
I liked and appreciated that it was a self-paced program, which allowed me to complete it according to my schedule. I received my CPWC through IEA in less than 6 months.
Rupee Atwal
Workers’ Compensation Manager, Pridestaff
The instructor was very educational, helpful, and present during the entirety of the course. The IEA portal and platform is very easy to navigate and use. The team is quick with emailing back. 10/10 experience.
George Y.
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