CLTC® Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I take the CLTC course?
The best way to protect families from the potential devastation of long-term care is not to sell a product, but rather to offer advice that leads to creating and funding a plan that will mitigate those consequences. The work associated with obtaining your CLTC designation will give you the competency, confidence, and credibility to do so.
Having a plan can allow your client to,
- Remain safe in the comfort of their own home (what all your clients want)
- Protect the emotional and physical well-being of their spouse/partner and children (by allowing them to supervise care, not provide care); and
- Protect all previous financial commitments that have been set up for the family, allowing them to maintain their lifestyle.
A professional with a CLTC designation has acquired the critical tools necessary to discuss the subject of longevity and its acute consequences on a client's family – financially, physically, and emotionally – years down the road. The CLTC course will provide competency in,
- Long-term care services
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- VA Benefits
- Self-funding
- All LTC insurance plan types
- Other funding options
- Partnership plans
- Tax Benefits
The CLTC Designation Course is approved for 7-15 hours of CE credit, depending on state approval.
2. How do I qualify for a discounted course tuition?
Many insurance carriers have approved the CLTC designation and subsidize tuition in full or in part. Please contact CLTC for more information at 877-771-2582.
3. Who recognizes the CLTC designation?
Most major insurance carriers recognize the CLTC designation. Educational institutions such as The American College of Financial Services and many professional associations also acknowledge the designation, including the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), and organizations such as the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).
The value of the CLTC designation has also been recognized in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal and the online financial advice site Smartassets.
4. Is CLTC the only professional designation associated with long-term care planning?
No, but the CLTC designation is the only independent, third-party designation that has no affiliation with an insurance carrier and has been the premier designation in the industry for over 20 years.
5. Do I need a CLTC to sell long-term care?
No, the CLTC designation is not required to sell long-term care insurance, but this prestigious designation allows you to stand out from the competition and immediately identifies you as a knowledgeable, ethical professional. In fact, a 2021 Wall Street Journal article recommended that consumers only work with a CLTC designee when creating a plan for extended care.
6. What are the graduate benefits?
All graduates enjoy a series of benefits, including access to,
- Monthly webinars hosted by industry experts
- Our quarterly Digest with articles addressing current industry issues, written by extended care subject matter experts
- A monthly newsletter highlighting important issues in the long-term care industry
- Quarterly coaching sessions facilitated by an instructor with other CLTC grads
- Ongoing access to our instructors for quick answers to your most pressing extended care questions
In addition, there are many sales tools and resources on our website, from one-page fliers to ghost-written articles, PowerPoint presentations, and tax and product overviews.
All of these resources are free to graduates and there to help you confidently discuss extended care planning with your clients and prospects.
7. How many continuing education (CE) credits will I earn by passing the CLTC designation exam?
Continuing Education credits vary by state. Please see our state-by-state list of CE approvals.
8. Do I have to renew my designation periodically?
Maintaining the CLTC designation requires all designees to meet an ongoing continuing education requirement every two years. Designees are encouraged to complete our CLTC renewal course. It is updated to include the most current information in the long-term care industry and is an excellent refresher for designees. Along with the renewal course, all designees are required to pay an annual renewal fee.
9. Is there a code of conduct associated with the CLTC designation?
Yes, designees are required to uphold the principles specified in the CLTC® Code of Conduct.
10. Once I pass the exam, how can I publicize my new status as a CLTC?
CLTC has prepared a press release which you can send to local magazines and newspapers after adding your name and contact information. When you pass your CLTC exam, and sign in to the website (as a CLTC), you will have access to many graduate resources, including a press release template as well as instruction on the proper use of your new designation.
11. What does CLTC stand for?
CLTC stands for "Certified in Long-Term Care," a designation granted by the Certification for Long-Term Care. CLTC graduates have completed a rigorous multidisciplinary course that focuses on the profession of extended care planning. State regulators granted the program continuing education credits after determining the course provides essential information necessary for making a proper long-term care insurance sale.
12. Why should I choose to work with a CLTC designee?
Long-term care insurance is a complex product that offers many forms of protection and pricing structures. CLTC professionals are highly trained in the field of long-term care and know how to uncover client needs and identify the right retirement solutions for your client.
Interested in learning more about CLTC®: A Designation For Long-Term Success?
View this video on how you may begin the Extended Care Planning conversation.