Saturday, September 3, 2011

Understanding The Nature Of Insurance Education

By Ed Hulse


The insurance education requirements that must be met by anyone seeking a job as a broker are usually unfamiliar to those outside the profession. In addition to the basic educational requirements required for licensing, there are also ongoing courses that must be taken to ensure that licenses are kept up to date. This coursework should be an important factor that every prospective insurance agent considers.

What it takes

Though there are no hard and fast legal rules that mandate formal college degrees for those who sell these instruments, there are industry requirements. These industry standards now expect that each candidate have obtained at least an Associate's degree to qualify for the job. Individual companies have their own additional standards that must be met as well.

To become a licensed agent, there is a variety of coursework that must be completed. This course of study can vary depending upon the institution, but generally includes a variety of classes related to finance and business management. Business and tax law, investment planning, math, and business administration are commonly required.

Accounting and various communication courses are also recommended areas of study, as both can be central to understanding the complexities of the industry. Taken together, these and other study courses prepare the prospective insurance broker for a career not only in this industry, but in others as well.

A look at other career paths

Many people who pursue this educational path ultimately end up in jobs outside of traditional brokering. The brokering license can form the foundation for a career as a stock broker, or as an underwriter. Other career paths can lead licensed brokers to careers as actuaries or as retirement planners. The bottom line is obvious: a brokering license can be the key to a wide variety of career doorways.

Maintaining the license

Enthusiastic candidates should always remember that there are educational requirements that g beyond the initial licensing process. Brokers must participate in formal continuing education courses on a regular basis to ensure that they remain knowledgeable about important trends in their chosen industries. Anyone seeking such a license should be prepared for this professional requirement.

At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that there is no such thing as a natural-born broker. These professionals obtain their competency through exhaustive study, as well as an ongoing commitment to understanding the latest legal mandates and industry changes. For those who choose to undertake the rigors of a solid insurance education, however, that hard work and commitment can be very rewarding indeed.



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