Master the Rules of Compensability in California Workers’ Comp
Learn how to evaluate claim eligibility, apply AOE/COE standards, and recognize key legal defenses. Strengthen your ability to determine whether a claim is compensable — and defend that decision with confidence.
Apply AOE/COE Standards
Understand how to evaluate claims based on injury arising out of and occurring in the course of employment.
Identify Non-Compensable Claims
Learn to recognize red flags, legal exclusions, and statutory defenses under Labor Code §3600.
Strengthen Eligibility Decisions
Build confidence in claim acceptance or denial through structured legal reasoning and documentation.
What You’ll Learn in the Compensability Track
Build the analytical and legal skills needed to evaluate claim eligibility, defend compensability decisions, and apply statutory exclusions confidently.
Apply the AOE/COE framework to assess injury-related claims under California law
Recognize and interpret Labor Code §3600 exclusions in real-world claim scenarios
Evaluate medical reports and workplace evidence to support or challenge compensability
Document and defend claim denials using statutory language and case law precedent
Explain compensability decisions clearly to employers, attorneys, and injured workers
Claim Compensability Essentials
CPWC Track 2
- Understand AOE/COE principles and proximate cause
- Identify and apply statutory defenses under California law
- Strengthen claim investigation and eligibility documentation skills
- Complete in 12 hours
Strengthen your skills in claim eligibility and defenses with focused training on AOE/COE and statutory exclusions.
Payment plans with Shop Pay Installments
Modules Included in the Compensability Essentials Track
Complete these two critical modules to develop the skills necessary for evaluating workers’ compensation claim eligibility and defending your decisions with confidence.
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.
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.
Advance Through the Remaining CPWC Tracks
Take the next steps toward full CPWC certification by completing additional focused tracks.
Each track builds specialized knowledge to help you master California workers’ compensation claims from start to finish.
Foundations of Workers' Compensation
Track 1
Start your CPWC journey by mastering the essentials of California workers’ compensation. This track covers system origins, coverage requirements, claim initiation, and the principle of exclusive remedy. Build the strong legal and administrative foundation you’ll need for success in the field as a qualified workers' compensation adjuster.
Claim Compensability Essentials
Track 2
Dive deep into how claims are evaluated for compensability under California’s workers’ compensation system. This track explores AOE/COE principles, proximate cause, and statutory defenses like those found in Labor Code 3600. Sharpen your ability to assess claims accurately and make informed eligibility determinations.
- You Are Here: Current Track
Medical Benefits & Billing in WC
Track 3
Master the critical aspects of medical treatment in workers’ compensation claims. This track covers medical terminology, treatment guidelines, utilization review, billing regulations, and dispute resolution processes. Gain the expertise needed to manage medical benefits efficiently and navigate complex billing systems.
Advanced Issues in WC Claims
Track 4
Expand your expertise by addressing complex challenges in workers’ compensation claims. This track covers lien resolution strategies, ethical considerations for claims administrators, Division of Workers’ Compensation audit processes, and the identification and handling of fraud within the system. Strengthen your ability to manage high-risk files and protect against compliance pitfalls.
Legal & Disability Resolution
Track 5
Master the legal framework and benefit structures that govern workers’ compensation claims in California. This track explores the jurisdiction and authority of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), calculation of average weekly wage, temporary disability, permanent disability ratings, and apportionment issues. Build the legal and analytical skills necessary to navigate complex claim disputes and maximize resolution outcomes.
Claim Closure and Resolution
Track 6
Learn how to bring workers’ compensation claims to a successful conclusion through effective discovery, negotiation, and resolution strategies. This track focuses on return-to-work programs, death and dependency benefits, subrogation and contribution, and finalizing claims through settlements or adjudication. Develop the skills to close claims efficiently while protecting your organization’s interests.
Advance Your Career in Workers’ Compensation
Take the next step with CPWC certification — a comprehensive, on-demand program built to prepare you for success in California workers’ comp claims.
- 24 Modules Covering Every Phase of a Claim
- Trusted Credential for CA Claims Professionals
- Self-Paced Learning Designed for Busy Schedules
Earn the Full CPWC Certification
Enroll now to get immediate access to all 24 CPWC modules, including the Foundations Track. Build your skills, boost your credentials, and lead with confidence in California workers’ compensation.
Connect with our experienced counselor to determine the best class or path for your goals.
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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
EMPLOYERS® Insurance
What our students have to say
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
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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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 classes 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 Medical Bill Review (MBR) certification has 10 classes. You can move through the classes as quickly as you like but you must complete the training within 365 days from starting to meet compliance requirements.
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?
There is no expiration date when you enroll in the individual classes or the full certification course. All classes purchased will be added to your dashboard and must be taken in order. All 10 classes must be completed within 1-year for state compliance.
What Happens if I don't pass a lesson?
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 will help you meet your goals.
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 offer Payment Plans
Yes! IEA can help you optimize your budget. We have payment plan options at checkout. Simply choose the “Shop Pay” option during enrollment and then choose the plan that’s best for you.
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