Top 11 Insurance Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for insurance coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties. Employers want to hire individuals who can hit the ground running and certifications provide a way for them to measure an individual’s competency in areas such as insurance policies, customer service, and compliance. Certifications also show potential employers that the candidate is committed to continuing their education, which is beneficial for long-term career growth. Finally, having certifications may help insurance coordinators qualify for higher-level positions or receive promotions within their current organization.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Insurance Coordinators and explain how they can further an insurance coordinator's career.

What are Insurance Coordinator Certifications?

Insurance coordinator certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of insurance coordination. This certification can be obtained by taking a course or attending a workshop to gain the necessary skills. Insurance coordinators are responsible for managing, analyzing, and coordinating benefits, claims, and other matters related to insurance policies.

Having an insurance coordinator certification can help individuals advance their career and increase their job opportunities. It can also lead to higher wages as employers may be more willing to pay for someone with this type of certification. Additionally, having this certification provides individuals with the confidence that they have the necessary skills to properly manage insurance policies and handle any potential issues that may arise. With an insurance coordinator certification, individuals can be assured that they are up-to-date on industry trends and best practices when it comes to handling insurance matters.

Pro Tip: It is important to research the various insurance coordinator certification programs available before deciding which one is right for you. Make sure that the program includes all of the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful insurance coordinator, such as customer service, billing and coding, claims processing, and more. Additionally, make sure that the program is accredited by a recognized organization in order to ensure that you are receiving quality training and education.

Related: What does an Insurance Coordinator do?

Top 11 Insurance Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Insurance Coordinators today.

1. Certified Insurance Coordinator (CIC)

Certified Insurance Coordinator (CIC) is a professional designation offered by the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the insurance industry. The CIC program provides comprehensive training in all areas of the insurance business, from personal lines to commercial lines, and from underwriting to claims.

The CIC program consists of five courses that are taken over a period of two years. Each course covers a different aspect of the insurance industry, such as risk management, underwriting, sales, customer service, and claims handling. Upon successful completion of all five courses, candidates must pass an exam in order to receive their CIC designation.

To get your CIC designation you must first complete the five required courses and pass the exam. The cost of each course varies depending on which provider you choose to take it through. However, most providers offer discounts for those who purchase all five courses at once. In addition to the cost of the courses, there is also an exam fee that must be paid before taking the exam.

In total, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD to become certified as a CIC depending on which provider you use for your courses and how much you pay for each one individually or bundled together.

2. Certified Professional Insurance Coordinator (CPIC)

Certified Professional Insurance Coordinator (CPIC) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of insurance coordination. The program is administered by the National Association of Insurance Coordinators (NAIC).

The CPIC certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk management, claims processing, underwriting, and other aspects of insurance coordination. Applicants must also demonstrate two years of experience in the insurance coordination field.

To obtain the CPIC certification, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to NAIC along with a fee. Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive an invitation to take the CPIC exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost for obtaining the CPIC certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAIC. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members, it is $295.

3. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). The CRMP designation recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in risk management, including risk assessment, risk control, and risk financing.

The CRMP certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as risk management principles, legal considerations, financial analysis, and insurance products. The exam also includes case studies and scenarios to test the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. The exam is administered online and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to qualify for the CRMP certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in a related field and must have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in risk management or related topics within the past five years. Applicants must also submit a resume detailing their professional experience as well as letters of recommendation from two individuals who can attest to their qualifications for the certification.

The cost of the CRMP certification varies depending on the country you are applying from but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

4. Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)

Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) is a professional designation program developed by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. It is designed to provide insurance agents and brokers with the knowledge and skills they need to better serve their clients.

The CISR program consists of five core courses in personal lines, commercial lines, agency operations, customer service, and risk management. Each course must be completed within a two-year period in order to receive certification.

In order to become certified as a CISR, you must complete all five courses and pass an exam for each one. The cost of the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and the location of the classes. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 to become certified as a CISR.

Once you have successfully completed all five courses and passed all exams, you will receive your official certificate from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. This certificate serves as proof that you have met the requirements for becoming a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR).

5. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is a professional designation awarded by The Institutes, an organization that provides education and research for the insurance industry. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the field of property and casualty insurance.

To obtain the CPCU designation, applicants must complete eight college-level courses and pass eight examinations. The courses cover topics such as risk management, business law, finance, economics, accounting, ethics, and insurance operations. The exams are administered by Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the United States.

The cost of obtaining the CPCU designation varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not a student opts for self-study or classroom instruction. In general, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 to obtain the designation.

It typically takes between two and five years to complete all requirements for the CPCU designation. Once all coursework is completed and exams are passed with a minimum score of 70%, applicants will receive their official certificate from The Institutes.

6. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a designation awarded to insurance professionals who have completed an extensive program of study in the field of insurance. The CIC designation is one of the most recognized and respected credentials in the industry, and it is held by more than 30,000 insurance professionals across the United States.

The CIC program consists of five courses that cover all aspects of risk management, insurance principles, and insurance products. The courses are offered online or in-person at various locations throughout the country. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes a comprehensive exam at the end.

To get the CIC designation, you must complete all five courses within three years. After completing each course, you must pass a comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher to receive credit for that course. Once you have completed all five courses and passed all five exams, you will be eligible to apply for your CIC designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

The cost for enrolling in the CIC program varies depending on where you take the courses, but typically ranges from $2,500-$3,000 total for all five courses. In addition to this cost, there may also be additional fees associated with taking each individual course or exam.

7. Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is a professional designation awarded by The Institutes, a leading provider of risk management and insurance education. The ARM designation is designed to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, evaluate, and manage risk. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of risk management and insurance principles.

The ARM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Risk Management & Insurance, Principles of Risk Management & Insurance, Enterprise Risk Management, and Business Applications of Risk Management & Insurance. Each course is offered online or in-person, depending on the student's preference. The program typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

To become an ARM designee, you must successfully pass all four courses with a minimum grade of 70%. You will also need to pass the Associate in Risk Management Exam administered by The Institutes. This exam covers topics such as insurance contracts, risk management techniques, legal issues related to risk management, and financial analysis methods used in risk management.

The cost for the program varies depending on whether you take it online or in-person. Online courses usually cost around $1,000 per course while in-person courses can range from $2,500-$3,000 per course. In addition to course fees there is also a one-time fee for taking the Associate in Risk Management Exam which costs $250.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam you will be awarded your ARM designation and can use it as part of your professional credentials when applying for jobs or promotions within the field of risk management or insurance.

8. Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU)

Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) is a professional designation offered by The Institutes, a leading provider of risk management and insurance education. It is designed for individuals who wish to become commercial underwriters and specialize in assessing the risk associated with commercial insurance policies.

The AU program consists of three courses that cover the fundamentals of commercial underwriting, including topics such as policy forms, endorsements, and rating plans. Each course takes approximately six months to complete, and students can work at their own pace. After passing all three courses, students are eligible to receive their AU designation.

The cost of the AU program varies depending on the delivery format chosen. Online courses typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 per course; however, some schools offer discounts for enrolling in multiple courses at once. In-person classes may cost more due to additional expenses such as travel and lodging.

In addition to completing the AU program, candidates must also have two years of experience in a related field before they can apply for their AU designation. Once approved by The Institutes, candidates will receive an official certificate verifying their status as an Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU).

9. Associate in Personal Insurance (API)

Associate in Personal Insurance (API) is a professional designation offered by The Institutes, a leading provider of insurance and risk management education. It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful personal lines insurance agents or brokers.

The API program consists of four courses: Principles of Insurance, Personal Lines Coverage, Personal Lines Underwriting, and Personal Lines Risk Management. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and must be completed within a year of enrollment. Upon completion of all four courses, students are eligible to take the API exam.

To enroll in the API program, applicants must possess a valid property/casualty insurance license from their home state and have at least one year of experience working in the personal lines insurance industry. Applicants should also have basic computer skills and access to an Internet connection for completing the online coursework.

The cost for the API program varies depending on which materials are purchased and whether or not students opt for self-study or instructor-led courses. Self-study materials range from $200 - $400 per course while instructor-led courses typically cost between $500 - $600 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $150 that must be paid prior to taking the API exam.

10. Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR)

Accredited Customer Service Representative (ACSR) is a professional certification program designed to provide customer service professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve customers. The program is offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) and is open to anyone who has at least two years of experience in customer service.

The ACSR certification consists of three levels: Entry Level, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires the completion of an online course and test. Entry Level requires approximately 10 hours of study time, Intermediate requires 20 hours, and Advanced requires 30 hours. All courses must be completed within 12 months from the date of registration.

In order to receive the ACSR certification, applicants must pass all three levels with a score of 80% or higher on each exam. Upon successful completion, applicants will receive an official certificate as well as a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

The cost for the ACSR certification program varies depending on the level chosen; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per level.

11. Life and Health Insurance License

Life and Health Insurance License is a type of professional license that allows an individual to legally sell life and health insurance products in their state. It requires the individual to pass a licensing exam, as well as meet certain educational requirements.

The amount of time it takes to get a Life and Health Insurance License varies by state, but typically it can take anywhere from four to six weeks. The process usually involves taking a pre-licensing course, passing the licensing exam, submitting an application with the appropriate fees, and providing proof of identity.

To get a Life and Health Insurance License, individuals must first complete a pre-licensing course approved by their state’s Department of Insurance. This course covers topics such as insurance laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and more. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals must submit an application with the appropriate fees to their state’s Department of Insurance. They must also provide proof of identity such as a driver’s license or passport.

The cost for obtaining a Life and Health Insurance License varies by state but typically ranges from $50-$200 depending on the type of license being applied for (life only or life & health). In addition to these costs there may be additional fees associated with taking the pre-licensing course or purchasing study materials for the licensing exam.

Do You Really Need a Insurance Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. If you are looking for a job in an insurance field, whether it is as an agent, broker, or adjuster, then having an Insurance Coordinator Certificate can be beneficial. Having this certification shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and that you understand the basics of insurance policies and procedures. It also shows employers that you are dedicated to learning and staying up-to-date on the latest trends in insurance.

On the other hand, if you already have a job in the insurance field or if you are just starting out, then having an Insurance Coordinator Certificate may not be necessary. A lot of companies will look for experience rather than certifications when hiring new employees. However, if you want to stand out from other applicants who do not have any formal training in the industry, then obtaining a certificate could give you a competitive edge.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an Insurance Coordinator Certificate really depends on your individual goals and career aspirations within the insurance industry. If you feel like having a certificate would help further your career goals and make you more attractive to potential employers, then it is worth considering investing in one.

Related: Insurance Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Insurance Coordinator Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming an Insurance Coordinator?

Answer: Requirements for becoming an Insurance Coordinator vary depending on the employer, but most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and previous experience in the insurance industry. Some employers may also require additional certifications or licenses specific to their organization or state.

2. How long does it take to complete an Insurance Coordinator certification program?

Answer: Generally, it takes between 6-12 months to complete a certification program in Insurance Coordination. However, this time frame can vary depending on the program and individual circumstances.

3. What topics are covered in an Insurance Coordinator certification course?

Answer: Topics covered in an Insurance Coordinator certification course typically include insurance regulations and laws, risk management principles, customer service techniques, policy development and implementation, claims processing and payment procedures, data analysis and reporting methods, communication strategies, financial planning and budgeting practices.

4. Is there any type of continuing education required for maintaining an Insurance Coordinator certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that certified professionals maintain current knowledge of industry developments by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years to remain certified.

5. Are there any online programs available for obtaining an Insurance Coordinator certification?

Answer: Yes, there are several online programs available that offer comprehensive training in the fundamentals of insurance coordination as well as more specialized courses focusing on specific areas such as customer service or claims processing.