Insurance industry training is available to students, professionals and trainers through online classes in insurance, workshops, seminars and traditional settings such as a college or university program. Pricing and costs of insurance education and training programs range from $40 for an online course to the annual expenses associated with attending school on a college campus for approximately $15,402.

Business insurance courses are affordable and convenient, as it is fairly easy to find insurance training that meets your needs. As you begin the process of planning your educational goals, consider how the following information can help you plan for the financial aspects involved:

1. Get insurance industry training at a college or university through programs that range in cost between $2,501 and $15,402.

2. Participate in workshops for insurance trainers for less than $600.

3. Register for online courses in insurance for $40 to $495.

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Complete insurance courses that lead to degree through programs that cost less than $16,000 annually

Traditional universities prepare students for careers in insurance through undergraduate and graduate programs that lead to a degree. Account for hidden costs such as room and board, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and other living expenses as you save and plan for insurance industry education.

I recommend: The Insurance and Risk Management Program at Indiana State University is a nationally recognized program that makes it possible for students to acquire hands-on experience as they prepare for roles as underwriters, consultants, claims adjusters, brokers and other professions within the insurance industry. Tuition ranges between $3,396 and $15,402 for 12 to 18 credit hours per semester depending on resident status. Louisiana State University's E. J. Ourso College of Business provides training for positions in Risk Insurance as well as Business Finance, Investments, Capital Markets and Institutions and Real Estate through the Department of Finance BS Program. Tuition and fees for this program cost between $2,501 and $6,858 per year for undergraduate students.

Buy exam study materials or participate in workshops for insurance trainers for less than $600

Find study materials to prepare for examinations for less than $50 or sharpen your training skills through workshops that range from $600 to $800 depending on membership.

I recommend: Learn how to apply adult learning theory and the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design model in your role as an insurance trainer at a Society of Insurance Trainers and Educators (SITE) Train-the-Trainer Workshop. Save $200 through SITE membership or pay $795 to participate. Werbel Publishing provides a range of study materials for insurance licensing examinations. Order resources for less than $50.

Spend less than $500 on Internet-based insurance classes

Online insurance training courses provide convenient access to insurance industry education at prices that range from $40 to $495. Acquire Continuing Education (CE) credits or earn a degree through online insurance training courses that are available on demand.

I recommend: The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) provides members with discounts to continuing education programs. Take e-learning courses that range between $40 and $160 through the organization's industry partner, International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans (IFEBP), and earn CE Credit. The Insurance Educational Association (IEA) offers online insurance training services that lead to an Associate in Claims (AIC) for anyone wanting to prepare for a job in claims. Courses range from $350 to $495.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Inquire about employer reimbursement programs if you are a working professional looking to acquire CE credits through insurance training courses.

Ongoing insurance education and training help you keep and attract high quality clients for your insurance business. Insurance courses offer not only the right information at the right time, they keep your business ahead of the curve by offering clients the latest in insurance products and services.

High quality insurance industry education and training will:

1. Keep the most recent products and services in front of your customer
2. Increase your visibility in the insurance industry
3. Make you an expert in the insurance field
4. Reinforce your commitment to excellence for existing clients through expertise gained in insurance industry training

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Select insurance courses that comply with state licensing requirements.

Insurance laws are constantly changing, so staying ahead of the curve with the most current education for yourself and your employees is essential.

I recommend: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners Education and Training site for the most current educational trends and opportunities. The National Business Institute offers online insurance training courses and teleconferences and provides training in a variety of business areas including insurance training.

Actively recruit employees by offering ongoing education as a part of their compensation package.

Education in any industry is costly. Rewarding higher level insurance training by insurance trainers and offering salary incentives or tuition reimbursement is necessary to retain high quality employees.

I recommend: The Insurance Education Association and the Insurance Education Institute provide workshops and classes that lead to certification in different areas of the insurance industry. These insurance trainers provide a variety of courses in insurance.

Subscribe to insurance journals with the latest changes to rules and laws in the insurance industry.

Industry periodicals give up to date information on important changes in the insurance industry and provide a way to stay connected and informed.

I recommend: Check The Insurance Periodicals Index for 200 of the most widely read and respected periodicals in the insurance industry. Also try The Insurance Newsstand for the most current publications available to the insurance community.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Appearance is everything. Insurance offices tend to be more functional than client friendly. Be ahead of the game by providing an office atmosphere that is both user- friendly and esthetically pleasing.
• •  Display your certifications in easy to read well lit areas of your office. This gives your clients an opportunity to learn more about you and the time you've put into your insurance education and training.

Insurance education and training goes beyond preparing students for an entry-level position in the insurance industry to include continuing education and professional development programs that last the entire span of a career. These educational resources provide an opportunity for seasoned professionals to establish credibility through certification programs.

From start to finish, a wide range of resources are available for insurance professionals who want to sharpen business skills and stay abreast of new information. If you are trying to find a program that can help you achieve your professional goals, try making the most of insurance education and training programs with the following information:

1. Prepare for a career in the insurance industry by taking insurance classes that lead to a degree.

2. Continue professional development through insurance training programs offered by professional organizations.

3. Become an independent insurance agent after successfully completing courses in insurance.

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Earn a degree through business insurance courses

Risk management and insurance programs at major universities prepare students for positions in underwriting, loss control, sales, claims and risk management within various aspects of the insurance industry that include life, health, property and casualty.

I recommend: Florida State University College of Business offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in Risk Management/Insurance. If you're looking for a fully-accredited online degree program, consider the school's master's program. The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Risk Management and Insurance. Prepare for a career as a financial manager in the insurance industry through this program that was ranked in the top ten by the US News and World Report.

Get professional certification through insurance industry education programs

Professional organizations offer insurance education and training to certify the knowledge and skill set of those working in the insurance industry. These programs enable insurance professionals to stay current on new developments in the field and also provide opportunities to further professional development.

I recommend: The CPCU Program offered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU) certifies claim adjusters, agents, risk managers and others within the insurance industry as knowledgeable professionals in the field. Complete five foundation courses and three courses in a commercial or personal concentration to earn the professional designation in property-casualty insurance. The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) Society offers a Continuing Professional Development Program (CPD) as a lifelong learning program for recent graduates and insurance professionals. The program involves passing exams, teaching, serving, writing, research, attending meetings and workshops to earn 60 points every two years.

Take classes in insurance to become an independent insurance agent

In addition to preparing students for a career as an independent insurance agent, insurance education and training also offers assistance to those who educate. These programs cover a full range of educational materials from online classes to course materials as well as useful exam and certification tools.

I recommend: The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America Big "I" Virtual University is an educational resource for insurance agents that want to get insurance industry training online. Take free, international and national insurance training courses that lead to certification while you develop business and technical skills that enable you to work as an independent insurance agent. Develop the leadership and business skills necessary to function as a successful agent through the InVEST program. InVEST also offers handbooks and course materials to insurance trainers to help start a program at a high school or community college.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Seek scholarship opportunities that help offset the costs of insurance industry education and training.

Insurance education and training is available through various online and local programs. There are many designations available in these programs ranging from commercial to personal insurance products. Broker/agent licenses are often required by many insurance agencies. State mandated courses and exams allow agents to obtain licenses to sell and advise individuals on insurance products. Some common areas include risk management degrees and an Associate in Claims. Continuing education certifications can further advance an individual's insurance education.

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Risk management

A risk management education allows insurance professionals to make key evaluations for an organization's business losses and potential accidents. Individuals may earn an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) degree, which covers risk assessment, control and financing.

I recommend: The Insurance Educational Association provides more details on this type of insurance education.

Broker/agent licenses

Broker/agent licenses are available for those who wish to sell insurance products to consumers. Licenses are required in all states and in the District of Columbia for those selling any form of insurance.

I recommend: The New York State Insurance Department outlines the state's requirements for applying for a broker/agent license.

Accredited Advisor in Insurance Program (AAI)

The Accredited Advisor in Insurance Program is an upper level certification given to those insurance professionals who complete three courses and achieve high scores on a licensing exam. The program is a continuing education credit for insurance agents that are already licensed.

I recommend: The Agent/Broker Training Center offers a complete overview of the certification process

Associate in Claims (AIC)

The Associate in Claims certification enables insurance professionals to handle a more extensive range of insurance claims, including property, workers' compensation, bodily injury and automobile claims. Many insurance companies require an Associate in Claims certification, which is obtained through a claims training program.

I recommend: The American Institute for CPCU outlines the program details including education required to obtain an Associate in Claims certification.

Associate in Personal Insurance (API)

The Associate in Personal Insurance designation is given to those who have completed upper level examinations. It is an ideal course for customer service representatives, adjusters, underwriters and producers in the insurance business dealing with personal lines of insurance.

I recommend: The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York outlines the requirements for this certification.

Associate in Insurance Services Program (AIS)

The Associate in Insurance Services program, or AIS, is provided by the American Institute for CPCU and Insurance Institute of America. This program teaches leadership, organizational structure, delivering effective insurance services and process management.

I recommend: The Black Bear Insurance Agency outlines the details of the AIS program.