Top 11 Insurance Processor Certifications

Certifications are important for insurance processors in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job. Certifications provide evidence of a person's expertise, which can help them stand out from other candidates. Certification also serves as a sign of commitment to their profession and shows that they have invested in their career. Employers value certifications because it demonstrates that an individual is dedicated to staying up-to-date on industry regulations and standards, which helps ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Having certifications also increases an insurance processor’s marketability and can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Insurance Processors and explain how they can enhance an insurance processor's career.

What are Insurance Processor Certifications?

Insurance processor certification is a type of professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the various aspects of insurance processing. It is designed to help ensure that those who work in this field are knowledgeable about the industry and its rules, regulations, and procedures. Insurance processors are responsible for handling all aspects of insurance policy administration, from initial application to claims processing and payment. Certification provides employers with assurance that their employees possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs efficiently and accurately.

Insurance processor certification requires successful completion of both written and practical examinations. These tests assess an individual’s ability to understand insurance policies, interpret legal documents, apply relevant state laws, use computer applications related to insurance processing, understand financial practices related to policy administration, and provide customer service. Passing these exams demonstrates that a person has the skills to properly process insurance claims as well as handle customer inquiries regarding coverage options or billing issues.

Having an insurance processor certification can be beneficial for individuals looking for a job in this field because it shows employers that they have taken the time to become educated on the subject matter and have been tested on their knowledge of it. Additionally, having this credential may lead to higher wages since there is more competition for certified professionals in this field than those without it. Ultimately, obtaining an insurance processor certification can give someone a competitive edge when applying for positions within the industry.

Pro Tip: Before becoming certified as an insurance processor, make sure to research the requirements in your state or country. Different areas may have different regulations and requirements for certification, so it is important to be aware of these before you start the process.

Related: What does an Insurance Processor do?

Top 11 Insurance Processor Certifications

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

1. Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)

Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) is a professional designation program offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. It is designed to provide insurance professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve their clients and employers.

The CISR program consists of five courses: Personal Lines, Commercial Casualty, Commercial Property, Agency Operations, and Risk Management. Each course is composed of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course must be completed before taking the proctored exam.

It typically takes about 6-9 months to complete the entire CISR program. To get started, you will need to register for the CISR program through The National Alliance website. Once registered, you can purchase access codes for each of the five courses from The National Alliance or your local insurance education provider.

The cost of the CISR program varies depending on which courses you take and where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 in total to complete all five courses and exams.

2. Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA)

Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) is a designation awarded by the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in their knowledge of insurance principles, practices, and strategies. The CPIA designation requires successful completion of five courses that cover topics such as personal lines, commercial lines, life and health insurance, ethics, and risk management.

It typically takes between six months to a year to complete the program. To get the CPIA designation, you must first complete the five required courses and pass the corresponding exams with a score of 75% or higher. Once you have passed all five exams, you can then submit your application to receive your designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research.

The cost of the CPIA program varies depending on which provider you choose to take it through. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,500-$2,000 for all five courses and exams.

3. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is a professional designation awarded by The Institutes, a leading provider of risk and insurance education. It is the highest credential in the property and casualty insurance industry and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the technical skills required to manage complex risks.

To obtain the CPCU designation, individuals must complete eight courses, pass eight exams, and meet experience requirements. Most people take two to three years to complete all of the requirements.

The cost for each course is approximately $1,000-$2,000 depending on if you are an Institute member or not. Exam fees are also required and range from $225-$295 per exam. Additional costs may include study materials such as textbooks and practice exams.

In addition to completing the coursework and exams, individuals must also meet experience requirements which vary depending on their current job role in the insurance industry. Generally speaking, individuals must have at least three years of full-time work experience in order to qualify for the CPCU designation.

4. Associate in Claims (AIC)

Associate in Claims (AIC) 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 advance their careers in the claims field.

The AIC program consists of six courses that cover the fundamentals of claims management, including liability and property coverage, legal principles, claim investigation and adjustment, and customer service. To earn the AIC designation, students must complete all six courses within two years. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time and can be taken online or in person at an approved training center.

The cost to take the AIC program is $1,500. This fee includes all six courses as well as access to additional resources such as practice exams and webinars.

Overall, earning the AIC designation can help individuals gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in the claims field. It is also a great way to demonstrate commitment to professional development and stand out from other job applicants.

5. Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI)

Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the insurance industry. It is awarded by The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, an organization dedicated to providing insurance education and certification programs.

To become an AAI, applicants must complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, risk management, ethics, and legal issues. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of current trends in the insurance industry.

The process typically takes between 12-18 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level. During this time, applicants must pass all required courses and exams with a minimum score of 70%. In addition, applicants must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their designation.

The cost of obtaining an AAI designation varies depending on the number of courses taken and the type of materials used. The cost can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more.

Overall, obtaining an AAI designation is an excellent way for individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the insurance industry. It provides a valuable credential that can help individuals stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within the field.

6. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk in their organizations. It is designed for risk management professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise and stay abreast of industry best practices.

The CRM program is offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). To become certified, applicants must pass the CRM Exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk identification, measurement, monitoring, control, and reporting. The exam also covers topics related to enterprise risk management and strategic risk management.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any GARP-approved testing center worldwide. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $595-$795 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in risk management in order to receive their certification.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation requires dedication and hard work but can be an invaluable asset for those looking to advance their career in the field of risk management.

7. Certified Professional Liability Underwriter (CPLU)

Certified Professional Liability Underwriter (CPLU) is a professional designation offered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU). It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of professional liability underwriting.

The CPLU program consists of five courses that cover topics such as risk management, liability coverage, and claims handling. To earn the designation, individuals must complete all five courses and pass an examination. The courses can be taken online or in person at an AICPCU-approved school.

It typically takes about three months to complete all five courses and pass the exam. The cost of the program varies depending on where you take the courses and whether you are taking them online or in person. The cost can range from $1,000 to $2,500 for all five courses.

Once you have successfully completed all five courses and passed the exam, you will receive your CPLU designation and be eligible to work as a professional liability underwriter.

8. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a professional designation awarded by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. It is a comprehensive program of study and examination designed to recognize insurance professionals who possess a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of risk management and insurance.

The CIC program consists of five courses, each focusing on different aspects of the insurance industry. The courses are: Personal Lines, Commercial Property & Liability, Life & Health, Agency Management & Business Planning, and Professionalism & Ethics. Each course must be completed with a passing grade prior to taking the CIC examination.

The CIC exam is proctored online and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics from all five courses. Candidates have three hours to complete the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their CIC designation within six weeks.

In order to become certified as a CIC, candidates must have at least three years’ experience in the insurance industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The cost for the entire CIC program varies depending on how many courses are taken at once and whether or not you purchase any additional study materials. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 for all five courses plus exam fees.

9. Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

The Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is a professional designation offered by the Insurance Institute of America (IIA). It is designed for individuals who wish to specialize in risk management, insurance, and related topics. The ARM program provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of risk management, including how to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with businesses and organizations.

The ARM program consists of four courses and an exam. Students must complete all four courses before they can take the exam. Courses include Introduction to Risk Management, Property & Liability Risk Management, Enterprise Risk Management, and Personal Lines Risk Management. Each course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete.

To get the ARM designation, you must first enroll in the IIA's ARM program. The cost for this program varies depending on your location; however, it typically costs around $1,000 USD for all four courses. After completing the courses and passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your ARM designation from the IIA.

Overall, it takes about 40-60 hours to complete the entire ARM program and obtain your designation.

10. Associate in Reinsurance Administration and Management (ARMA)

Associate in Reinsurance Administration and Management (ARMA) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful reinsurance professionals.

The ARMA program consists of three courses: Introduction to Reinsurance, Advanced Reinsurance, and Risk Management. Each course covers topics such as reinsurance principles, legal considerations, underwriting practices, risk management techniques, and more. Upon completion of all three courses, students will receive their Associate in Reinsurance Administration and Management certification.

The ARMA program takes approximately six months to complete. Students must pass all three courses with a grade of at least 70% in order to receive the certification.

The cost for the ARMA program varies depending on which school you attend. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $4,000 for the entire program.

In order to get started with the ARMA program, students must first apply for admission at an accredited institution offering the IAIP's ARMA certification program. Once accepted into the program, students will need to register for classes and begin studying for their exams.

11. Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI).

Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) is a professional certification program offered by the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA). The CIFI credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of insurance fraud investigation.

The certification process includes an examination that covers topics such as investigative techniques, legal principles, and fraud prevention strategies. It also requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field through a portfolio review. To qualify for the CIFI credential, applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience in insurance fraud investigation or related fields.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio review before taking the exam. The exam fee is $350 for NHCAA members and $450 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Insurance Processor Certificate?

It depends on the field of insurance you are looking to pursue. An insurance processor certificate is a certification that proves you have the knowledge and skills required to process insurance claims. Some employers may require an insurance processor certificate, while others may not.

If you are looking to work in the field of life and health insurance, then having an insurance processor certificate will give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have one. This certification demonstrates that you have the ability to properly assess risk factors, identify potential legal issues, and efficiently process claims. It also shows employers that you can handle complex documents related to insurance processing.

On the other hand, if you are looking to pursue a career in property and casualty insurance, then it is unlikely that employers will require an insurance processor certificate. Property and casualty insurance involves more technical aspects such as assessing property values and analyzing statistical data which may not be covered in an insurance processor course.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an insurance processor certificate depends on your specific goals and interests within the field of insurance. If obtaining a certificate would benefit your career path, then it would be wise to invest time into completing one.

Related: Insurance Processor Resume Examples

FAQs About Insurance Processor Certifications

Q1. What is an Insurance Processor Certification?

A1. An Insurance Processor Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of insurance processing. This certification is awarded by organizations such as The Institutes, The American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU) and the CPCU Society.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Insurance Processor Certification?

A2. Obtaining an Insurance Processor Certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field and increase their employability potential in the insurance industry. It also serves as an assurance to employers that prospective employees are qualified to handle insurance processing tasks accurately and efficiently.

Q3. How long does it take to obtain an Insurance Processor Certification?

A3. The amount of time required to obtain an Insurance Processor Certification varies depending on the organization offering the certification and the individual’s prior experience in the field. Generally, it takes anywhere from several months to one year or more to complete all of the requirements for certification.

Q4. What are some common topics covered during an Insurance Processor Certification program?

A4. Common topics covered during an Insurance Processor Certification program include insurance regulations, risk management principles, claims processing procedures, customer service skills, data entry techniques, and software systems used in insurance processing operations.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an Insurance Processor Certification?

A5: Yes, most organizations require applicants to have a minimum of two years’ experience working with insurance policies before they can become certified as an insurance processor. Additionally, many organizations require applicants to pass a written exam covering topics related to insurance processing before they can receive certification.