Insurance education requirements are not always fully understood by people interested in purchasing various types of policies. Moreover, few people ever stop to think about the amount of time the agents selling these policies spend pursuing the regular coursework necessary for licensing. Anyone who is considering a career as a broker, however, must take the time to consider these educational needs.
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.
Before becoming a broker, there are a number of areas of study to complete. The general course work can take a variety of forms, with most of the differences being attributable to the types of learning institutions employed. However, a few areas of study are almost universally required for licensing, particularly those that place an emphasis on business courses and financial study. Tax laws, investment and annuities, and administrative studies form the core of any educational program.
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.
Continuing the educational process
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.
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.
Before becoming a broker, there are a number of areas of study to complete. The general course work can take a variety of forms, with most of the differences being attributable to the types of learning institutions employed. However, a few areas of study are almost universally required for licensing, particularly those that place an emphasis on business courses and financial study. Tax laws, investment and annuities, and administrative studies form the core of any educational program.
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.
Continuing the educational process
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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