Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Insurance Education Requirements For Brokers

By Ed Hulse


Most people never think about the insurance education that is required for agents to begin providing policy coverage. Neither do they consider the continuing educational efforts that must be made to maintain licenses over time. For people who are thinking about getting into the industry, however, it is absolutely essential that these details be fully understood.

What it takes

Despite the fact that there is no legal standard for college degrees for these brokers to meet, that does not mean that there are no standards at all. The industry has managed to set a reasonable bar that candidates must meet. As part of that threshold, all brokers must obtain a minimum two-year degree at a college. Beyond that, most companies have additional requirements in place for their own employees.

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.

In most instances, it is also necessary to pursue a variety of communication and presentation courses, as well as accounting. The industry is a complicated one, and all of these areas of study help to prepare prospective brokers for their future careers. And, as one might expect, the diversity of study enables students to prepare for and seek careers beyond brokering as well.

additional career outlets

A brokering license can be invaluable for career-seekers, even if they seek employment in other fields. Whether it is i the field of investment and retirement plan management or as a licensed stock broker, the brokering license is the key. Even those who seek employment as an actuarial expert or who want to handle underwriting duties must begin with this license.

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.

The bottom line is that these professional agents are trained, not born. The profession involves high levels of technical expertise in various areas of financial planning, and thus requires a great deal of primary and ongoing coursework to ensure competency. For anyone who is thinking about or planning on becoming a broker, it is essential to understand the complexities of the insurance education that will be required.




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