Top 11 Insurance Sales Manager Certifications

Certifications for an insurance sales manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the role. Certifications can also give a competitive edge over other candidates, as employers often prefer those with certifications when making hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can help managers stay current on industry trends and regulations, which can be beneficial for both them and their employers. Finally, certifications may also provide access to professional networks or resources that can help managers grow professionally.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Insurance Sales Managers, and explains how they can help to advance an insurance sales manager's career.

What are Insurance Sales Manager Certifications?

Insurance sales manager certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of insurance sales. This certification is offered by various organizations, including the Insurance Institute of America (IIA). It is designed to help insurance sales professionals become more successful in their role by providing them with the necessary skills to manage a team and increase sales.

The certification program typically consists of courses that cover topics such as customer service, product training, marketing, ethics and compliance, negotiation tactics, and financial planning. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate from IIA or another organization that verifies their expertise in insurance sales management.

Having this certification provides many benefits to both employers and employees. On the employer side, it gives assurance that they are hiring someone who has been trained and educated in the proper techniques for handling customers and selling insurance products. Additionally, having certified employees can boost customer trust since they know their money is going to be handled responsibly. On the employee side, having this certification increases job opportunities since it shows potential employers that they have taken steps to advance their career in the insurance industry. Furthermore, it can also lead to higher salaries due to increased experience and knowledge in the field.

Overall, obtaining an insurance sales manager certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees alike. It provides assurance for employers that they are hiring someone with appropriate training while also increasing job prospects for employees who wish to pursue a career in this field.

Pro tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for insurance sales manager certification in your area, as these can vary by state. Additionally, look into any additional training or certifications that may be required beyond the basic certification. This will ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and are able to provide the best service possible to your clients.

Related: What does an Insurance Sales Manager do?

Top 11 Insurance Sales Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Insurance Sales Manager (CISM)

Certified Insurance Sales Manager (CISM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of insurance sales management. The program is administered by the Insurance Institute of America (IIA), an organization dedicated to providing education, training, and resources for professionals in the insurance industry.

The CISM designation requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk management, customer service, sales techniques, marketing, finance, and legal issues related to insurance sales. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the CISM designation, applicants must possess at least two years of experience in a management or supervisory role in the insurance industry.

To get the CISM designation, applicants must first register with IIA and pay a fee of $395 USD. After registering with IIA, applicants will receive study materials that include practice exams and other resources to help them prepare for the CISM exam. Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official CISM certificate from IIA.

The cost of obtaining the CISM designation is $395 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or proctoring fees. Additionally, there may be costs associated with obtaining study materials or attending review courses prior to taking the exam.

2. Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA)

Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) is a professional designation awarded by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research (NAIER). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the insurance industry.

To become a CPIA, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as insurance principles, underwriting, claims handling, and customer service. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements and have at least two years of experience in the insurance field.

The cost to take the exam is $295 for NAIER members and $395 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials, including practice exams, textbooks, and webinars. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPIA designation certificate from NAIER.

3. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is a professional designation earned by insurance professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of property-casualty insurance. The CPCU designation is recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence in the field of insurance.

To obtain the CPCU designation, candidates must complete eight courses and pass five comprehensive examinations. Each course typically takes between 30-50 hours to complete, and each exam requires about 10 hours of preparation time. The total time required to complete all eight courses and exams is approximately 400 hours.

In order to be eligible for the CPCU program, candidates must have at least two years of full-time experience in the property-casualty insurance industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must also agree to abide by The Institutes’ Code of Professional Conduct.

The cost for the CPCU program varies depending on which educational institution you choose to take your courses through, but it typically ranges from $3,000-$4,500 USD. This includes tuition fees for all eight courses as well as registration fees for all five exams.

4. Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) 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 succeed in the industry. The AIS program consists of four courses, each focusing on a different aspect of the insurance industry: Property and Casualty Insurance, Life and Health Insurance, Risk Management and Finance, and Agency Operations.

The AIS program takes approximately one year to complete depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, so if you are able to dedicate 10 hours per week then you can expect to finish the program in one year.

To get started with the AIS program, you will need to register online through the National Alliance’s website. You will also need to pay a registration fee of $395 which covers all four courses. Once registered, you will receive access to an online learning platform where you can view course materials and take exams at your own pace.

The cost of the Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) program is $395 for registration fees plus any additional fees for textbooks or other materials that may be required for each course.

5. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification program offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI). It is designed to provide risk management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk in their organizations. The CRM program consists of four courses, each of which must be completed successfully in order to earn the certification.

The four courses are:

1. Risk Management Foundations

2. Risk Identification, Analysis, and Evaluation

3. Risk Control and Mitigation Strategies

4. Risk Financing and Insurance Solutions

It typically takes six months to one year to complete all four courses, depending on an individual's prior knowledge and experience in risk management. In order to get certified, individuals must pass all four exams with a score of at least 70%. Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years.

The cost for the Certified Risk Manager program varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD for all four courses combined.

6. Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF)

The Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed a comprehensive program of study in the field of life insurance and financial services. The LUTCF program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality advice and service to clients.

The LUTCF program consists of eight courses, which are offered by the American College of Financial Services. The courses cover topics such as life insurance, retirement planning, investments, estate planning, tax planning, risk management, and more. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time.

To get the LUTCF designation, individuals must complete all eight courses within two years and pass an exam at the end of each course. Upon completion of all eight courses, individuals must also pass a final exam administered by the American College of Financial Services.

The cost for the entire LUTCF program is $3,000 USD. This fee covers tuition for all eight courses as well as materials and textbooks needed for each course.

7. Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI)

Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) is a professional designation awarded to insurance professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of insurance. This designation is offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, an organization dedicated to providing education and research services to the insurance industry.

The AAI program consists of four courses that must be completed within a two-year period: Principles of Risk Management & Insurance, Personal Lines Insurance, Commercial Lines Insurance, and Life & Health Insurance. Each course requires successful completion of an exam.

In order to receive the AAI designation, applicants must pass all four exams with a score of 70% or higher on each exam. The total cost for the program is approximately $1,000 depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are eligible for discounts.

To apply for the AAI program, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with their payment information. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be given access to their course materials which can be studied at their own pace. It typically takes about six months to complete all four courses and exams required for the AAI designation.

8. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a professional designation earned by individuals who have completed a comprehensive program of study in the insurance industry. The CIC designation is widely recognized as the standard for excellence in the insurance industry.

It typically takes two years to complete the CIC program, which consists of five courses and an exam. Each course focuses on a different aspect of the insurance industry and covers topics such as personal lines, commercial lines, life and health, agency management, and ethics.

To get your CIC designation, you must first become a member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. Once you are a member, you can register for the CIC program online or by mail. After completing all five courses and passing the exam with a score of 75% or higher, you will receive your CIC designation.

The cost to become a CIC varies depending on whether you are already an NAII member or not. For non-members, it costs $1,295 for all five courses plus the exam fee ($125). For members, it costs $995 plus the exam fee ($125).

9. Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a professional designation that is awarded by The American College of Financial Services to individuals who have completed a rigorous course of study in the field of life insurance and related financial services. It is designed for individuals who wish to become experts in the field of life insurance and financial planning.

To obtain the CLU designation, an individual must complete eight courses and pass a comprehensive exam. The courses cover topics such as estate planning, taxation, investments, retirement planning, and risk management. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering these topics as well as case studies. It typically takes between two to three years to complete the program and earn the CLU designation.

The cost of obtaining the CLU designation varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. For example, if you take all eight courses through The American College of Financial Services, tuition costs range from $2,000 – $3,500 per course. If you choose to pursue the designation through another institution or organization, tuition costs may vary significantly.

In addition to tuition fees, there are also fees associated with taking the comprehensive exam which range from $150 – $200 depending on where you take it. Finally, there is an annual fee for maintaining your CLU designation which ranges from $50 – $100 per year depending on your membership status with The American College of Financial Services.

10. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional certification granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates to the public that an individual has met certain educational, experience and ethical requirements. To become certified, individuals must pass the CFP Certification Examination, complete a CFP Board-approved education program, and meet other requirements set forth by the CFP Board.

The CFP Certification Examination consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section covers topics such as financial planning practice standards, insurance planning, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning and risk management. The essay section requires candidates to answer questions related to complex case studies.

The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how much preparation one does for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take up to two years for an individual to complete all of the necessary steps in order to be eligible for certification.

To get started on the path toward becoming certified as a CFP professional, individuals must first register with the CFP Board and pay an application fee of $50. After registering with the CFP Board, individuals must then complete a CFP Board-approved education program within five years prior to taking the exam. Once these steps are completed and all other eligibility requirements are met (such as passing background checks), individuals can register for and sit for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a CFP professional varies depending on where you live and which school you attend in order to fulfill your education requirement; however, most people can expect to spend between $2,000-$5,000 in total costs associated with becoming certified as a CFP professional.

11. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. It is a prestigious credential that signifies expertise in the areas of financial planning, insurance and risk management, investment management, estate planning, and retirement planning.

To obtain the ChFC designation, individuals must complete nine college-level courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as financial planning processes, insurance and risk management strategies, investments and portfolio management, income taxation, retirement planning strategies, estate planning strategies, employee benefits plans and other related topics. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The cost to obtain the ChFC designation varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and materials.

In addition to completing the required coursework and passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain ethical requirements set forth by The American College of Financial Services. These include having at least three years of relevant work experience in financial services or related fields; being a member in good standing with a professional organization; completing continuing education requirements; adhering to a code of ethics; maintaining professional liability insurance; and demonstrating knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing financial services activities.

Overall, obtaining the ChFC designation requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it for those interested in advancing their career in financial services or providing comprehensive advice to clients.

Do You Really Need a Insurance Sales Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the type of insurance sales management position you are interested in. In general, obtaining a certificate or other type of certification can be beneficial for those seeking to advance their career in insurance sales management. It provides recognition of your knowledge and experience, which can make you more attractive to potential employers.

Having an insurance sales manager certificate may also give you access to certain job opportunities that would otherwise not be available. For example, some companies may require a specific certification before they will consider hiring someone for a particular position. Additionally, having a certificate may help you demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

In short, if you’re looking to advance your career in insurance sales management, obtaining a certificate or other form of professional certification can be beneficial in many ways. However, it is important to remember that having such credentials does not guarantee success; only hard work and dedication will lead to true advancement.

Related: Insurance Sales Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Insurance Sales Manager Certifications

1. What is an Insurance Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: An Insurance Sales Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates one's knowledge and experience in the field of insurance sales management. It typically involves completing a program of study, passing exams and meeting certain experience requirements.

2. How do I become an Insurance Sales Manager?

Answer: To become an Insurance Sales Manager, you must first complete a program of study related to insurance sales management, such as earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or completing a certificate program in insurance sales management. You must then pass the necessary exams and meet any applicable experience requirements for the specific certification you are pursuing.

3. What kind of job opportunities are available with an Insurance Sales Manager Certification?

Answer: With an Insurance Sales Manager Certification, you can pursue various job opportunities in the field of insurance sales management, such as working as a sales manager, customer service representative or marketing specialist within an insurance company or agency.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Insurance Sales Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as an Insurance Sales Manager varies depending on the individual's level of education and experience, but it typically takes anywhere from six months to two years to complete all the necessary steps for certification.

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

Answer: Yes, most certifications require ongoing continuing education credits (CEUs) to maintain your certification status. This can involve attending conferences or seminars related to insurance sales management or taking additional courses related to the field.