"Utilization of the Internet to complete continuing education requirements enables producers to use technology to meet the necessary standards more efficiently," said New York Insurance Superintendent Gregory V. Serio.

Kathy Weinheimer, senior vice president of industry relations and education for the Independent Insurance Agents Association of New York Inc., based in Syracuse, N.Y., said that the association is supportive of the changes and that this is a recognition of the variety of quality educational programs available to agents.

She said that the revisions give the agents options and particularly benefits those agents who work in the outlying rural areas where education classes are not convenient for them.

The changes could impact the classroom courses the association offers, but Ms. Weinheimer added that there would always "be those who want the personal option."

Although New York is allowing the study online option, the requirement that students appear for a monitored final exam remains.

Diane Kattrein, assistant executive director of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York based in Glenmont, N.Y., said, in an e-mail statement, that the association supports the changes, which gives agents a choice.

"Now licensees can select the CE medium that makes the most sense to them: classroom, book or online self-study programs," said Ms. Kattrein. "For some, self-study is the delivery system of choice; for others, the traditional classroom program is a better option."

The changes, the department said, become effective immediately. They apply to all future license renewals and to current renewals for life insurance agents.