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The insurance business is complex and full of changes, so it's very important that persons who are active in the insurance sector maintain interested in continuing education.

The need to keep current is so important that an agent's pursuit of knowledge is mandatory. Most states require that an agent be licensed in order to sell insurance policies or even to give insurance advice. Different states also require that its licensed agents maintain a long-term commitment to learning. In such states, agents must complete a number of “Continuing Education” hours in order to have their licenses renewed.

Another incentive for continued learning is provided by certain insurance programs. Once a participant qualifies for a designation, continued education is required in order to keep the designation. Of course, many others are personally motivated to keep current in their insurance knowledge; regardless whether a designation results.

The following is a short reference of the more common insurance designations.

Designation

Description

AAI

Accredited Advisor in Insurance

ACLA

Automobile Claim Law Associate

ACSR

Accredited Customer Service Representative

AIAF

Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance

AIC

Associate In Claims

AIM

Associate In Management

AIS

Associate in Insurance Services

API

Associate in Personal Insurance

ARM

Associate in Risk Management

AU

Associate in Underwriting

CFP

Chartered Financial Planner

ChFC

Chartered Financial Consultant

CIC

Certified Insurance Consultant

CLU

Chartered Life Underwriter

CPCU

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter

CPIM

Certified Professional Insurance Man

CPIW

Certified Professional Insurance Woman

While a designation MAY indicate a greater level of expertise, the bottom line is experience. Designations are not nearly as important as whether that person helps you with your insurance needs. So talk to your agent, ask plenty of questions and listen to the responses. If the agent has helped you understand something about insurance or has helped you get affordable protection against losses....then you have had contact with an insurance professional.


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