Top 11 Underwriting Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for underwriting assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in their field. They provide employers with evidence that an individual has gained the necessary skills and expertise to work effectively in the role. Certifications also show potential employers that a candidate is dedicated to their career, as they have taken the time and energy to gain additional qualifications. Finally, certifications can also help an individual stand out from other candidates, as employers often look for individuals with specific credentials when hiring.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for Underwriting Assistants and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Underwriting Assistant Certifications?

Underwriting assistant certification is a certification program offered by a number of organizations that provides training and education in the field of underwriting. Underwriting assistants are responsible for reviewing insurance applications, rating policies, and verifying information provided on applications. They must also be able to effectively manage financial data in order to provide accurate decisions regarding policy approvals or rejections.

Having an underwriting assistant certification demonstrates that the individual has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to properly assess risk and make informed decisions about whether or not a policy should be approved. It also shows that they have the ability to work with complex documents and understand the various aspects of underwriting, such as pricing, forms, regulations, and claims procedures. This type of certification can help individuals become more competitive in the job market, as it is becoming increasingly difficult for employers to find qualified personnel with these skillsets. Additionally, having this certification may qualify individuals for higher salaries or promotions within their current organization.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an Underwriting Assistant Certification, it is important to research the specific requirements and certifications necessary for the role. Additionally, having a strong understanding of the industry and staying up-to-date on industry news can help you better prepare for the certification exams.

Related: What does an Underwriting Assistant do?

Top 11 Underwriting Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Underwriting Assistants today.

1. Underwriting Assistant Certification from the American Institute of Underwriters (AIU)

The American Institute of Underwriters (AIU) Underwriting Assistant Certification is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to assist underwriters in the insurance industry. This certification is ideal for those who are interested in working as an underwriting assistant, or for those already employed in such a role.

To obtain the AIU Underwriting Assistant Certification, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as risk management, insurance regulations, and customer service. The course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete and costs $350. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The AIU Underwriting Assistant Certification is valid for two years from the date of issue and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses. Renewal fees are $100 per year.

2. Certified Professional Underwriter (CPU) from the National Association of Professional Underwriters (NAPU)

The Certified Professional Underwriter (CPU) from the National Association of Professional Underwriters (NAPU) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of underwriting. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and ability to assess risk and make sound decisions when evaluating insurance applications.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete all requirements for the CPU designation. The process begins with completing an application, which requires proof of at least five years of experience in underwriting or related fields. After submitting the application, individuals must pass a comprehensive written exam that covers topics such as insurance principles, policy forms and coverages, legal issues, risk management, and other related topics. Once the written exam is successfully completed, applicants must also pass an oral examination administered by NAPU-certified professionals.

The cost for the CPU designation varies depending on whether you are a member of NAPU or not. For non-members, there is a one-time fee of $1,250; for members, there is an annual fee of $500 plus additional fees for each exam taken. Additionally, study materials are available for purchase through NAPU’s website at an additional cost.

Once all requirements have been met and exams passed with satisfactory scores, applicants will receive their official certificate from NAPU along with access to exclusive resources such as networking opportunities and continuing education courses.

3. Certified Insurance Underwriting Assistant (CIUA) from the Society of Insurance Trainers and Educators (SITE)

The Certified Insurance Underwriting Assistant (CIUA) is a professional designation offered by the Society of Insurance Trainers and Educators (SITE). The CIUA credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the underwriting process.

To obtain the CIUA designation, applicants must pass an exam administered by SITE. The exam covers topics such as insurance law, underwriting principles, risk assessment, and product knowledge. Applicants must also have at least two years of relevant work experience in the insurance industry.

The cost of taking the CIUA exam varies depending on whether or not you are a SITE member. For non-members, the fee is $395; for members, it is $295. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CIUA certificate from SITE. This certificate will serve as proof that you have successfully completed all requirements for this professional designation.

4. Certified Underwriting Assistant (CUA) from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research (NAIER)

Certified Underwriting Assistant (CUA) from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research (NAIER) is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful underwriters. The CUA program consists of five courses that cover topics such as insurance principles, risk management, underwriting practices, and legal aspects of insurance. The program also includes an exam that tests the knowledge gained through the coursework.

The CUA program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, students must complete all five courses and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certification.

To get started with the CUA program, students must register online at NAIER's website. Once registered, they will be given access to all of the course materials and exams needed to complete the program.

The cost of the CUA program is $1,295 USD for members of NAIER and $1,395 USD for non-members. This fee covers all course materials as well as access to online support resources throughout the duration of the program.

5. Certified Underwriting Technician (CUT) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education

Certified Underwriting Technician (CUT) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective underwriter in the insurance industry. It is intended for those who are interested in pursuing a career as an underwriter or for those who are already working as an underwriter but want to gain additional expertise.

The CUT program consists of four courses that cover topics such as insurance principles, risk management, insurance law, and underwriting techniques. To obtain the CUT designation, individuals must complete all four courses and pass a comprehensive exam. The courses can be taken online or through classroom-based instruction.

The cost of the CUT program varies depending on the delivery method chosen. Online courses typically range from $500-$1,000 per course while classroom-based instruction costs $2,500-$3,000 per course. The comprehensive exam costs an additional $150.

In total, it takes approximately six months to complete the CUT program if taking online courses and three months if taking classroom-based instruction.

6. Certified Underwriter Associate (CUA) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education

The Certified Underwriter Associate (CUA) is a professional designation offered by The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful underwriter in the insurance industry.

The CUA program consists of four courses that cover topics such as underwriting fundamentals, risk assessment and management, pricing, product development, and legal considerations. The courses are offered online or in-person and can be completed in as little as three months.

To obtain the CUA designation, an individual must complete all four courses within one year of enrollment. After completing the courses, they must pass an exam administered by The Institutes to earn their certification.

The cost of the CUA program varies depending on the method of delivery chosen (online or in-person). However, it typically costs between $2,000-$3,000 USD for all four courses.

7. Accredited Underwriting Assistant (AUA) from the American College of Financial Services

Accredited Underwriting Assistant (AUA) from the American College of Financial Services is a professional certification program designed to provide financial services professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful underwriters. The program focuses on developing an understanding of risk management, insurance products, and underwriting principles. It also provides an introduction to the legal and regulatory environment in which underwriters must operate.

The AUA program consists of four courses: Introduction to Insurance Principles, Risk Management & Insurance Products, Underwriting Principles & Practices, and Regulatory Environment & Compliance. Each course is approximately eight weeks long and requires approximately 20 hours of study per week. Participants must successfully complete all four courses in order to receive their AUA certification.

To get started in the AUA program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a bachelor's degree or higher in finance, economics, accounting or related field; at least two years of experience working in the insurance industry; and passing a criminal background check. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the AUA program online or through their employer.

The cost of the AUA program varies depending on whether you are taking it as part of an employer-sponsored training program or if you are self-paying for it. If you are self-paying for the coursework, it typically costs around $1,500 for all four courses combined.

8. Associate in Commercial Underwriting (ACU) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education

Associate in Commercial Underwriting (ACU) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education is a professional designation that is designed to provide insurance professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively underwrite commercial insurance policies. The ACU program consists of four courses: Principles of Commercial Underwriting, Commercial Property Underwriting, Commercial Liability Underwriting, and Advanced Commercial Underwriting.

The ACU program typically takes about two years to complete. It can be completed online or through classroom instruction at an approved college or university. Upon successful completion of the four courses, students are awarded the ACU designation.

The cost of the ACU program depends on the institution offering it. Generally, the cost ranges from $2,000-$3,000 for all four courses combined.

To get started in the ACU program, students must first meet certain prerequisites such as having a minimum of three years of experience in either commercial underwriting or related fields such as risk management or claims adjusting. Once these prerequisites have been met, students can register for the ACU program with The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education.

9. Professional Liability Underwriter Certification Program (PLUCP) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education

The Professional Liability Underwriter Certification Program (PLUCP) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education is a comprehensive program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful professional liability underwriters. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as insurance law, risk management, and underwriting principles.

The PLUCP program takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s study schedule. To get started, individuals must register for the program online and pay the associated fee. The cost of the program is $1,295 USD plus applicable taxes.

Once registered, individuals will receive access to all four courses in the program which can be completed at their own pace. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will be required to pass a final exam in order to earn their certification. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive a certificate from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education confirming their successful completion of the PLUCP program.

10. Property/Casualty Claims Adjuster Certification Program (PCCP) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education

The Property/Casualty Claims Adjuster Certification Program (PCCP) from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide adjusters with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively handle property/casualty claims. The program is divided into three parts: Foundations of Property/Casualty Claims, Advanced Property/Casualty Claims, and Professional Practices in Property/Casualty Claims.

The Foundations of Property/Casualty Claims course covers the fundamentals of insurance coverage, policy analysis, claim handling procedures, and legal principles applicable to property/casualty claims. The Advanced Property/Casualty Claims course focuses on more complex areas such as coverage disputes, subrogation, and bad faith claims. The Professional Practices in Property/Casualty Claims course provides an overview of professional practices related to adjusting property/casualty claims.

The PCCP program takes approximately four months to complete. To get certified, you must successfully complete all three courses in the program and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the PCCP program varies depending on the number of courses taken but generally ranges between $1,000-$2,000 USD.

11. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Designation Program (CPCU-DIPLOMA® )from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Designation Program (CPCU-DIPLOMA®) is a professional designation program offered by The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education. It is designed to provide insurance professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage risk and protect assets.

To earn the CPCU-DIPLOMA®, candidates must complete eight courses that cover topics such as property and casualty insurance principles, legal aspects of insurance, finance and accounting for insurance professionals, risk management principles, ethics in the insurance industry, marketing of insurance products, reinsurance principles, and business law.

It typically takes two years to complete all eight courses required for the CPCU-DIPLOMA®. Candidates can take classes online or in-person at approved schools or universities. The cost of each course varies depending on the institution offering it. In addition to course fees, candidates must pay an exam fee for each course they take.

Upon completion of all eight courses and passing the exams associated with them, candidates are awarded the CPCU-DIPLOMA® from The Institutes Risk Management and Insurance Education. This designation demonstrates a mastery of essential concepts in property and casualty insurance and provides a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this field.

Do You Really Need a Underwriting Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and current situation. For someone looking to enter the field of underwriting, having an Underwriting Assistant Certificate may be beneficial in order to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field. This certificate can be earned through a variety of educational programs or through experience. Additionally, having this certification may help one stand out from other job applicants, as employers may view it as a sign of commitment and dedication to the profession.

On the other hand, someone who is already working in underwriting may not necessarily need an Underwriting Assistant Certificate. In many cases, those with experience in the industry are considered qualified without holding a certificate. However, if one wishes to advance their career or take on more responsibility within their current position, obtaining a certificate may be helpful for demonstrating competency and providing evidence of professional growth.

In conclusion, whether or not one needs an Underwriting Assistant Certificate depends largely on their goals and current level of experience. While it can certainly be beneficial for those seeking entry into the field or looking to further their career in underwriting, it is not always necessary for those already employed in the industry.

Related: Underwriting Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Underwriting Assistant Certifications

1. What is an Underwriting Assistant Certification?

Answer: An Underwriting Assistant Certification is a professional designation given to individuals who demonstrate a knowledge of the underwriting process and the ability to assist in providing support for underwriters. The certification requires passing a series of tests that cover topics such as insurance policies, risk management, financial analysis, claims processing, and customer service.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Underwriting Assistant Certification?

Answer: An Underwriting Assistant Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the insurance industry. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and your knowledge of important concepts related to underwriting. Additionally, it can open up opportunities for career advancement or even promotion to higher-level positions within the company.

3. What type of jobs can I get with an Underwriting Assistant Certification?

Answer: With an Underwriting Assistant Certification, you can apply for positions such as an Underwriter’s Assistant or a Risk Analyst in the insurance industry. You may also be qualified for roles in areas such as customer service, claims processing, financial analysis, and more depending on which certifications you obtain and how much experience you have in those fields.

4. How do I become certified as an Underwriting Assistant?

Answer: To become certified as an Underwriting Assistant, you must pass exams administered by organizations such as The Institutes or The American Institute For Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU). These exams cover topics like policy forms and endorsements, risk management principles and practices, financial analysis techniques, claims processing methods, customer service standards/procedures, etc.

5. How long does it take to receive my Underwriting Assistant Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to receive your certification will depend on which organization you choose to take your exams through and how quickly you are able to study for them and pass them. Generally speaking though it can take anywhere from 2-6 months depending on these factors.