Top 11 Insurance Sales Certifications

Certifications are important for insurance sales in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. They show potential employers that the individual has taken the time to learn about the industry and gain a deeper understanding of how insurance works, as well as any legal requirements or regulations relevant to the field. Certifications also provide evidence of experience, which is vital for those seeking jobs in insurance sales. Finally, certifications can give applicants an edge over other candidates who may not have taken the initiative to become certified.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the best certifications for insurance sales and provide insight into how they can help advance an insurance sales career.

What are Insurance Sales Certifications?

Insurance sales certification is a voluntary program designed to help insurance agents, brokers, and other financial professionals increase their knowledge of the insurance industry and develop their sales skills. Insurance sales certification can help by providing individuals with the necessary tools to better understand the complexities of the insurance marketplace. It also provides an opportunity for agents, brokers, and other financial professionals to learn about new products, services, and regulations that affect their business. Additionally, it allows them to demonstrate their expertise in the field through certification exams, which are often required by employers. Certification can help individuals stand out among competing job candidates and may even lead to increased earnings or career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: Always make sure to keep your insurance sales certification up-to-date. This will ensure that you are knowledgeable about the latest insurance products and regulations in your state, giving you an edge when it comes to selling policies.

Related: What does an Insurance Sales do?

Top 11 Insurance Sales Certifications

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

1. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a professional designation program offered by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. The CIC program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and understanding in the field of insurance and risk management.

The CIC program consists of five courses and an exam, which must be completed within three years. The courses cover topics such as property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, business law, ethics, and agency operations. Upon completion of the coursework and passing the exam, individuals are awarded the CIC designation.

To get started on the CIC program, you must first become a member of the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. Membership costs $150 per year and includes access to online study materials, discounts on textbooks, and other benefits. After becoming a member, you can register for each course individually or purchase a package that includes all five courses at once. Each course costs around $400-$500 depending on whether you purchase it as part of a package or individually. Once you have completed all five courses and passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CIC designation.

2. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is a professional designation for individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the property and casualty insurance industry. The CPCU designation is administered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU).

The CPCU program consists of eight courses, each of which covers a different area of the insurance industry. Courses cover topics such as insurance contracts, risk management, legal liability, ethics, and underwriting principles. Each course includes an exam that must be passed in order to earn the CPCU designation.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all eight courses and exams required for the CPCU designation. However, some individuals may choose to complete the program more quickly or slowly depending on their schedule and availability.

To become a CPCU, you must meet certain requirements including having at least three years of experience in the insurance industry or related field and passing all eight courses with a grade of 70% or higher. You must also pass an ethics exam administered by AICPCU before you can receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPCU designation varies depending on where you take your courses and exams. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD to obtain the designation.

3. Certified Professional Liability Underwriter (CPLU)

Certified Professional Liability Underwriter (CPLU) is a professional designation offered by the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of professional liability insurance. The CPLU designation is awarded to those who complete a comprehensive program of study and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter through an examination.

The CPLU program consists of four courses: Professional Liability Insurance, Errors & Omissions Insurance, Cyber Liability Insurance, and Directors & Officers Liability Insurance. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of 80%, and all four courses must be completed within two years. Once the courses are completed, applicants must pass a written examination administered by IRMI.

The cost for the CPLU program varies depending on how many courses are taken at once. For example, if all four courses are taken at once, the cost is $1,795; however, if only one course is taken at a time, the cost is $595 per course.

In order to receive the CPLU designation, applicants must pay an additional fee of $195 for their application and examination fees. Once these fees are paid and applicants have passed their exam, they will receive their official CPLU certificate from IRMI.

4. Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services to individuals who have met the educational and experience requirements, passed a comprehensive examination, and agreed to abide by a code of ethics. It is the highest professional designation in the life insurance industry.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete the program and obtain the CLU designation. The program consists of nine courses covering topics such as taxation, estate planning, retirement planning, investments, financial planning, and risk management. Upon successful completion of all coursework, students must then pass an extensive exam administered by The American College of Financial Services.

To get your CLU designation you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include: having at least three years of full-time experience in providing advice or services related to life insurance or financial services; completing nine required courses from The American College of Financial Services; and passing an extensive exam administered by The American College of Financial Services.

The cost for obtaining your CLU designation will vary depending on how you choose to complete the program. If you take all nine courses through The American College of Financial Services it will cost approximately $3,000 plus any applicable taxes. You may also choose to take some or all of the courses through other institutions which may reduce your overall costs.

5. Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) is a professional designation 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 clients in the insurance industry.

The AIS designation is earned after completing a series of courses, passing an exam, and meeting experience requirements. It takes approximately one year to complete all of the required coursework and pass the exam.

To get the AIS designation, you must first become a member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. Membership costs $99 per year. After becoming a member, you can register for the AIS program which includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and other resources. The cost of the AIS program varies based on whether you are taking individual courses or enrolling in a comprehensive package that includes all of the courses needed to earn your AIS designation.

Once you have completed all of the required coursework and passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research indicating that you have earned your AIS designation.

6. Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI)

Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) is a professional designation offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of insurance, as well as an understanding of the legal and regulatory environment in which insurers operate.

The AAI program consists of four courses: Principles of Insurance, Personal Lines Insurance, Commercial Property and Liability Insurance, and Life and Health Insurance. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time over two or three months. After completing all four courses successfully, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their AAI designation.

To become an AAI, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. These include having at least two years of experience in the insurance industry or related field; being employed in a position that involves providing advice or services related to insurance; and holding a valid license from your state's department of insurance. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the AAI program through The National Alliance website.

The cost to become an AAI varies depending on whether or not you are a member of The National Alliance. For non-members, the total cost is $1,295 which includes registration fees for each course ($495 per course) plus the exam fee ($195). For members, the total cost is $995 which includes registration fees for each course ($395 per course) plus the exam fee ($195).

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your official Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

7. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of risk management. The CRM designation is offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). The CRM program is designed to provide risk managers with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage risk in their organization.

The CRM program consists of four courses: Fundamentals of Risk Management, Advanced Risk Management, Enterprise Risk Management and Financial Risk Management. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study and must be completed within one year. Upon successful completion of all four courses, an individual will receive a certificate from GRMI indicating they have achieved the Certified Risk Manager designation.

To become a Certified Risk Manager, an individual must first complete the four courses required for certification. After completing the courses, an individual must pass a written exam administered by GRMI to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to risk management theory and practice.

The cost for becoming a Certified Risk Manager varies depending on how many courses are taken at once and which institution offers them. Generally speaking, taking all four courses at once will cost around $2,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if it is not offered locally.

8. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and experience necessary to provide financial planning services. To become a CFP, individuals must complete a rigorous education program and pass an exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

The CFP program is designed to help professionals develop expertise in areas such as insurance planning, investments, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and risk management. This certification also requires practitioners to adhere to a code of ethics and professional responsibility.

It typically takes two to three years for an individual to complete the CFP program. During this time, individuals must take courses in financial planning topics such as investments, taxation, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance products, and more. After completing the required coursework and passing the CFP exam, individuals are eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining a CFP designation varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD depending on the location and type of institution offering it. Additionally there are other associated costs such as textbooks or study materials which may be necessary for successful completion of the program.

9. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. It is an advanced certification that demonstrates expertise in comprehensive financial planning and wealth management.

To become a ChFC, candidates must have at least three years of full-time experience in the financial services industry and complete eight college-level courses in financial planning, insurance, taxes, investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This program typically takes between two to four years to complete.

The cost of the ChFC program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, the tuition fee for the entire program ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 USD. In addition to tuition fees, candidates may be required to pay for textbooks and other materials related to their studies.

In order to become a ChFC, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by The American College of Financial Services. After passing this exam, they will receive their ChFC designation from The American College of Financial Services and can begin practicing as a Chartered Financial Consultant.

10. Associate in Reinsurance Administration and Management (ARAM)

Associate in Reinsurance Administration and Management (ARAM) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP). The ARAM program is designed to provide insurance professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage reinsurance operations.

The ARAM program consists of three courses: Introduction to Reinsurance, Reinsurance Administration and Management, and Advanced Reinsurance Techniques. Each course is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamentals of reinsurance, as well as the ability to apply those concepts in a practical setting.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three courses. Students can enroll in any or all of the courses at any time, but must complete all three within two years from the start date.

To get started with the ARAM program, students must first become members of IAIP by completing an application form and paying a one-time membership fee. Once they are members, they can then enroll in any or all of the courses online through IAIP’s website.

The cost for each course varies depending on whether you are an IAIP member or not. For non-members, each course costs $400 USD; for members, each course costs $200 USD.

11. Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR).

Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry. It is issued by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, an organization dedicated to providing quality education and training for insurance professionals.

In order to obtain the CISR designation, individuals must complete five courses covering topics such as commercial property and casualty insurance, personal lines insurance, risk management, customer service, and ethics. These courses can be taken online or in person at approved schools or universities. Upon successful completion of all five courses, individuals must pass an exam administered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

The cost of obtaining the CISR designation varies depending on where you take the courses and whether you choose to take them online or in person. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 to complete all five courses and take the exam.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all of the requirements for obtaining the CISR designation.

Do You Really Need a Insurance Sales Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are interested in becoming an insurance salesperson, then yes, you do need an insurance sales certificate. This certificate is a necessary step for anyone who wants to become an insurance salesperson and is required by most states.

Having an insurance sales certificate will help demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and give you the necessary credentials to be taken seriously by potential employers or customers. It also provides proof that you have completed the required training and understand the laws, regulations, and best practices related to selling insurance products.

In some cases, having a certification may also provide certain advantages when it comes to getting hired as an insurance agent or broker. Insurance companies may be more likely to hire someone with a certificate because they know they have been properly trained and will be able to handle their responsibilities with greater competence.

Overall, if you want to work in the field of insurance sales, then obtaining an insurance sales certificate is essential. It not only demonstrates your knowledge of the industry but can also make you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or contracts.

Related: Insurance Sales Resume Examples

FAQs About Insurance Sales Certifications

1. What is an insurance sales certification?

Answer: An insurance sales certification is a professional designation that demonstrates knowledge and experience in selling insurance products. It is earned after passing an exam from an accredited organization, such as the Insurance Institute of America or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

2. How can I obtain an insurance sales certification?

Answer: To obtain an insurance sales certification, you must pass a qualifying exam administered by an accredited organization, such as the Insurance Institute of America or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. You may also need to complete additional coursework or training to meet specific state requirements for licensure.

3. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are a variety of different certifications available depending on your experience level and area of expertise. Common certifications include Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Professional Life Underwriter (CPLU), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI).

4. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require continuing education credits to maintain your certification status. The amount and type of continuing education credits vary depending on your specific field and organization but generally range from 10-20 hours per year.

5. What are the benefits of obtaining an insurance sales certification?

Answer: Obtaining a professional insurance sales certification demonstrates that you have achieved a certain level of expertise in your field which can help you stand out from other applicants when looking for jobs or promotions within the industry. Additionally, some states may require certain levels of licensure before allowing individuals to sell certain types of policies, so having a professional designation can make it easier to meet those requirements.