Types

• Insurance certificate training is offered at community colleges, universities and professional associations. Some training programs only require candidates to complete three courses in order to receive their certificate whereas others have as many as five. Insurance certificate training can be broken down by core courses and electives or by concentration. For instance, some colleges offer certificate programs with concentrations in life and health insurance or property and casualty insurance. Candidates can also choose programs based on what students receive after completing their courses. Training programs provided by professionals associations may offer national or regional certification whereas other training programs will provide CPE and college credits.
  
  

Curriculum

• Insurance certificate training programs typically include courses on personal insurance and commercial insurance principles and practices. Other program coursework covers liability insurance, property insurance and risk management best practices. Students learn about industry terminology and current trends, customer service tactics and techniques, and methods for assessing and managing coverage risks. Elective courses in insurance certificate programs may include insurance pre-licensing, insurance claims, life and health insurance marketing, underwriting and annuities.
  
  

Requirements

• Registration and admissions requirements differ for insurance certificate courses based on program curriculum, objectives and target audience. For example, more advanced training programs that cover different types of insurance and risk management strategies may require that applicants have bachelor's or associate's degrees. Other programs are tailored to licensed insurance professionals and require past work experience or career knowledge in certain specialties. Some training courses require applicants to complete the AINS exam to complete the course. The Associate in General Insurance (AINS) is a national certification that provides students and professionals the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency and competency in general insurance.
  
  

Potential

• The insurance industry is projected to grow by 3 percent through the year 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this slow growth, insurance professionals with educational and professional training will be in demand. The health industry, in particular, will experience the most growth due to a growing elderly population during the 2008 to 2018 decade. Moreover, the BLS also expects thousands of insurance workers either to retire or transition into other occupations during this time period. Training and professional certification will boost applicants' credentials, as well as position them competitively in the job market. Continuing education also helps increase candidates' chances for promotional opportunities in the insurance industry.