The Importance of Insurance Continuing Education

By Ed Hulse


People that sell insurance coverage have different avenues in which they can become proficient. There is health, life, annuity, retirement planning, home, auto, and even disability. With so many types it can be confusing for one person to stay knowledgeable. Laws and regulations change constantly so they need to be able to advise their customers on the latest information. This is why insurance continuing education is a necessary requirement. Courses must be taken on an annual basis. These can now be taken online instead in the classroom. There are ramifications for those that do not comply with completing their educational requirements.

Do you know what courses you need to take? Do you know the minimum number of credits required to retain your certification and license? If not, you will need to find out and make sure to complete the requirements before the end of the year. There are many choices that you can take according to your likes and interests.

When a person sells coverage they receive personal data and information from each of their clients. This can be used in a negative manner. The insurance board wants to make sure that this does not happen so they require an ethics course to be taken by each person every year. They feel that this will help to deter agents from making bad decisions whether they realize they are making them or not. Even if you do not know something is wrong is no excuse. An agent can lose their credentials regardless of this fact.

Classroom courses were the only choice that agents had to meet their educational requirements. Now online learning is available which is cheaper and faster. It also allows students to be able to learn where ever they are. This can be at home, work, while traveling, or even or vacation. Some self study may also be credited where appropriate.

Although classes are needed to stay an agent, you need to be certain of the school that is offering the subject material. Unless they are approved and have proper credentials you could be taking courses that will be of no value to you. Verify their credentials before you spend any money.

Some states do have exemptions for those agents that meet certain criteria. This often means many required years of service. If you are of a certain age you may also qualify. If you plan on staying in this field it is important to understand what the requirements are for getting exempted.

Do not let your license expire. This happens when you do not complete the training courses needed for credits each year. You can default on policy commissions and income. Many companies provide bonuses and incentive trips for their top sellers. As an agent that cannot sell policies you will not be able to participate. You will need to take all the basic courses over again. This can take time which you may not have.

Insurance continuing education is vital for any agent that wants to sell policies to customers. It does not matter what type they are certified in. Courses can be taken in a classroom or online according to their benefit. These must be completed each year and the number needed is determined by the state in which they live and work. Not meet the deadline can result in loss of license as well as income.




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