Monday, September 12, 2011

The Need for Insurance Continuing Education for Agents

By Ed Hulse


There are many areas that an agent can sell coverage protection to clients. Some may take multiple courses, while other decides to specialize in only one or two. Whatever their specialty it is necessary that they take insurance continuing education classes to keep abreast of what they have learned and to stay current on new rules. The lessons that they learn will help them to become better agents and stay in compliance with their state government. For those that do not take their classes it may be difficult to remain an agent.

Who determines what minimum requirements are needed by agents? This is decided on by each individual state. They also detail what courses need to be taken as well as the minimum number of total credits that must be attained. The insurance commissioner and board of insurance agents look at what topics are of current interest and make classes available that students can take.

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.

If you are not a new agent you were accustomed to taking your course requirements in a classroom at school. As technology has grown and learning providers have created lessons and plans online one can take classes over the internet. The cost to complete the training is much cheaper as you do not have to pay for transportation costs, or the school's overhead. You can take as many classes as you want as fast or slow as you are able. You are not subject to a time frame for completion other than the state mandated yearly date.

How do you know if the school that you are interested in is a valid one? You do not. This is why you should always contact to inquire a list of schools that you can attend local, or online that are approved. Many have discovered too late that courses which were taken would not be given credit.

Is it possible that you might not need to take courses? Is there an exemption available for your state? To find out you should ask the insurance board or commissioner. They can advise you on what the current regulations are to opt out and if you meet them.

If you currently sell coverage to your customers but do not feel that it is important to stay current on courses you may end up putting yourself out of work. There are repercussions from not taking the courses needed to remain an agent. You could lose your license and end up retaking the basic courses to reacquire your certification. While you are not an agent you could also lose your source of income and any commissions you may be built up.

If you decide to become an agent it will be a requirement to have insurance continuing education courses to sustain your license and credentials. You can choose how you want to take your classes. They can be taken online or in a classroom. The allotted courses needed are pre-determined by the state where your license is held.



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