Built to meet the demands of California employers, the CPWC Certification delivers:
Get Certified as a Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster
Fast-track your career with California’s leading workers’ compensation training
Looking to start—or grow—your career in California workers’ compensation? IEA’s CPWC Indemnity Certification gives you everything you need to succeed: state-required training, expert-led instruction, and practical case-based learning. You’ll build the confidence, skills, and credentials to qualify for adjuster roles and stand out to employers.
- Satisfy California’s 120-hour adjuster training requirement
- Learn claims handling, benefits, legal compliance, and file management
- Gain job-ready skills employers recognize and respect
"Your training has provided me with the essential vocabulary and concepts that help me understand the “why” behind the claims work we do each day. Thanks for creating such an accessible entry point into the complex world of Workers’ Compensation!"
Jerold Johnson, CPWC
Workers’ Comp Claims Adjuster, Sedgwick
Why CPWC Certification Sets You Apart
Real-world claims skills. Courses are grounded in current industry practices and state compliance requirements.
State-aligned curriculum. Developed in partnership with leading experts and aligned with California’s 120-hour training requirement.
Credibility with employers. Show hiring managers you’re prepared from day one with a recognized and respected credential.
Flexible, self-paced format. Complete your training on your schedule—anytime, anywhere.
Who Should Enroll
This certification is ideal for new and aspiring adjusters, as well as professionals looking to formalize their experience in California workers’ compensation. Whether you’re entering the industry, transitioning from roles in HR, legal, or healthcare, or working as an indemnity adjuster aiming to meet state training requirements, CPWC equips you with the knowledge and credentials employers are looking for. It’s also a great fit for TPAs, carriers, and self-insured employers seeking to strengthen their claims teams with state-aligned training.
24 Modules
This certification includes 24 on-demand modules covering every major aspect of California workers’ comp.
Origins and Overview
Coverage and Claim Administration
Claim Initiation and Set Up
Injuries and Exclusive Remedy
Claim Compensability Part 1
Claim Compensability Part 2
Overview of Benefits
Medical Terminology and Examinations
Medical Treatment Issues and UR
Medical Legal Dispute Resolution
Fee Schedules and Billing Codes
Defense and Resolution of Liens
Ethics and Claims Administration Issues
DWC and Claim Audits
Workers’ Compensation Fraud
WCAB Jurisdiction and Authority
AWW and Earning Capacity
Temporary Disability
Permanent Disability
PD Rating and Apportionment
Return to Work and Supplemental RTW
Death and Dependency Benefits
Discovery and Claim Evaluation
Claim Resolution, Subrogation/Contribution
- Want to dive deeper? Scroll down to explore each module in more detail.
What You’ll Gain From This Certification
This isn’t just a certificate—it’s a competitive edge. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- Confidence in California WC regulations and claim timelines
- Practical experience through real-world scenarios and case studies
- A recognized credential that signals your expertise to employers
- Strong foundation to pass audits, reduce claim delays, and handle complex files
- Clear understanding of medical reports, benefits, and legal terms
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:
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In-depth legal analysis
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Practical, real-world claims guidance
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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.
Get certified to launch or advance your career in California workers’ compensation claims.
- Hands-on training for real claims work
- Covers all critical WC topics, start to finish
- Respected credential trusted by employers
Start Anytime – Train at Your Own Pace
Payment plans available.
Related Adjuster Paths
Complete California’s required 50-hours of training for medical-only adjusters with focused instruction on claims handling, treatment authorization, and compliance—earn your CPWC-MO certification and manage claims with confidence!
Meet California’s 30-hour training requirement for medical bill reviewers with specialized instruction in billing regulations, fee schedules, and utilization review—earn your CPWC-MBR certification and ensure accurate, compliant payments!
Prepare for California’s Self-Insured Administrator Exam with focused, on-demand training. Review key regulations, reporting, and claims handling—build confidence and pass the test with expert-backed guidance!
24 Individual Modules of CPWC
WC Origins & Overview
Explore the historical foundations and evolution of California’s workers’ compensation system. Understand the purpose, key principles, and legal framework that shape claims handling today.
$119
Coverage & Claims Admin Options
Learn the fundamentals of workers' compensation coverage, financing, and policy structures. Discover how claims are administered, including employer responsibilities and third-party administrators.
$119
Claim Initiation & Set Up
Master the first steps of a workers’ compensation claim. Gain hands-on knowledge in gathering critical documentation, establishing compensability, and setting up claims for success.
$119
WC Injuries & Exclusive Remedy
Delve into the legal doctrine of exclusive remedy and its exceptions. Explore different types of workplace injuries and alternative liability theories that may impact claims.
$119
Claim Compensability Part 1
Understand the key elements that determine if an injury is compensable under California law. Learn about AOE/COE (Arising Out of and In the Course of Employment) and legal causation.
$119
Claim Compensability Part 2
Explore statutory defenses and exceptions to compensability. Analyze legal exclusions such as intoxication, self-inflicted injuries, horseplay, and post-termination claims.
$119
Overview of WC Benefits
Get a complete breakdown of the benefits available to injured workers, including medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability, death benefits, and supplemental job displacement.
$119
Medical Terminology & Examinations
Navigate complex medical terminology used in workers' compensation. Learn about common diagnostic procedures, impairment assessments, and how medical evidence influences claims.
$119
Medical Treatment Issues & UR
Understand the processes for authorizing and disputing medical treatment. Learn about the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS), utilization review (UR), and independent medical review (IMR).
$119
Medical Disputes & Process
Explore the role of Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) and Agreed Medical Evaluators (AMEs). Gain expertise in resolving medical-legal disputes through proper reporting and procedural compliance.
$119
Fee Schedules & Billing Codes
Master California’s workers’ compensation fee schedules, medical billing codes, and reimbursement guidelines. Learn how to analyze bills and avoid overpayment pitfalls.
$119
Defense & Resolution of Liens
Gain practical skills in managing liens, including medical provider liens, interpreter fees, and copy service disputes. Learn negotiation strategies to minimize claim costs.
$119
Ethics and Claims Administration Issues
Understand ethical obligations in claims handling. Learn about conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and best practices for maintaining integrity in workers' compensation administration.
$119
DWC Organization & Claim Audits
Prepare for claim audits by mastering the regulatory framework enforced by the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). Learn how to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
$119
Workers' Compensation Fraud
Detect and prevent fraud at every level of a workers’ compensation claim. Learn investigative techniques for employer, employee, and provider fraud cases.
$119
WCAB Jurisdiction & Authority
Understand the role and jurisdiction of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Learn about the dispute resolution process, trial procedures, and appeals.
$119
Earning Capacity
Calculate workers’ compensation benefits accurately by mastering average weekly wage (AWW) and earning capacity formulas. Understand wage-loss replacement and statutory adjustments.
$119
Temporary Disability
Learn the rules governing temporary disability (TD) benefits. Understand payment structures, duration limits, wage replacement calculations, and exceptions.
$119
Permanent Disability
Master the process of evaluating and awarding permanent disability (PD) benefits. Learn about impairment ratings, physician assessments, and determining disability percentages.
$119
PD Apportionment
Understand how PD ratings are calculated using the AMA Guides and California’s Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS). Explore apportionment and its impact on benefits.
$119
Return to Work
Explore strategies for returning injured workers to modified or alternative positions. Understand the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) and the Return-to-Work Fund.
$119
Death and Dependency Benefits
Learn the criteria for awarding death benefits to dependents of deceased employees. Understand eligibility, benefit calculations, and the legal process for resolving disputes.
$119
Discovery & Claim Evaluation
Master discovery procedures in workers’ compensation claims. Learn about depositions, subpoenas, witness testimony, and evidence collection for claim resolution.
$119
Claim Resolution Subrogation/Contribution
Explore settlement strategies, subrogation rights, and contribution claims. Learn how to close claims efficiently while maximizing cost recovery for employers and insurers.
$119
Why Choose IEA?
Industry-Specific Expertise: Our training programs are tailored to the unique demands of the insurance industry in California, ensuring you receive practical and relevant knowledge.
Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace with our online courses. Whether you’re starting your career or advancing, we’ve got you covered.
Proven Success: Join the ranks of successful professionals who have transformed their careers with IEA’s training programs.
Certifications That Matter: Earn valuable certifications that open doors to higher-paying jobs and exciting career opportunities in California.
Ready to Transform Your Career?
Don’t wait any longer – take the first step towards a brighter future today! Choose your persona and let us guide you on your journey to success.
Unlock your potential, embrace the future, and embrace a successful career in the insurance industry with IEA. Enroll today and pave your path to professional growth and financial security!
Connect with our experienced counselor to determine the best class for your goals
Fill out the form to get in touch
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take the CPWC
The CPWC is designed to provide aspiring California workers’ compensation adjusters with the day-to-day skills needed for on-the-job adjusting AND to provide the statutorily required topics and training hours for State of California compliance.
Can I take CPWC if I am not planning to be an adjuster
Although CPWC was developed for aspiring adjusters, the content is applicable and relevant for anyone who needs to know and understand California workers’ compensation. Individual lessons can be picked a-la-carte for this purpose depending on what particular area you’d like to review or learn about.
How long will it take to complete the certification
The indemnity designation has 24 lessons. Each lesson takes about five hours. You can move through the lessons as quickly as you like but you must complete all 24 within 365 days from starting.
Do I need to buy materials?
CPWC reading assignments are hosted on Sullivan on Comp and are an integral and required component of the program. Use coupon code IEAstudent to receive $65 off an annual subscription, or the first month of a monthly subscription at no cost.
Other required materials can be downloaded free:
California Labor Code
California Code of Regulations
California Insurance Code
How long is each class available?
You have two chances to pass each class exam, We really want you to learn the material and succeed so if you don’t pass, let us know at support@ieatraining.org and we help you reach your goals.
What Happens if I don't pass a lesson?
We want you to really learn the material and we want to succeed. Re-takes on quizzes can be taken on request.
I completed the course…now what?
Congratulations! You have earned your Claims Practitioner in Workers Compensation (CPWC) Certification. We will send you the details about the annual credit submission requirement.
Important:
The State of California requires that you complete continuing education hours every 2 years (this is separate to your IEA requirement although you can use the same hours for both). To learn more about the number of hours for your particular adjuster certification, click here.
Does IEA have any payment plans?
Yes! IEA can help you optimize your budget. We have payment plan options at checkout. Simply choose the u0022Shop Payu0022 option during enrollment and then choose the plan that’s best for you.
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