Insurance Continuing Education Credits: Needed For Licensing

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Insurance )



Insurance continuing education is a practice which requires insurance professionals to receive current and updated information of issues affecting the industry, in order for them to remain knowledgeable about insurance standards and emerging trends.

Insurance regulators have set a minimum number of insurance continuing education credits as a requirement for the issuance or renewal of licenses to sell insurance. The total number of insurance continuing education credits that you need every 2 years depends on the state: some states require 16 hours minimum, others require 24 hours.

You'll earn insurance continuing education credits if you attend sessions that provide updates on the major lines of insurance, insurance laws and insurance ethics; these sessions should also be designed to enhance professionalism among agents.

One continuing education credit hour translates into 50 minutes of classroom instruction, and the number of credit hours needed depends on the subject. For instance, you may need 4 credit hours in property and casualty insurance to be authorized in that field. You will receive credit for courses only if you attend all the required credit hours; alternatively, you must complete required examinations if you are on a self-study mode.

You can earn your insurance continuing education credits from schools, insurance agent associations, or pre-licensing organizations. Many Web sites offer either online instruction or videodiscs which you can order online. If you take this option, make sure that the provider is duly authorized to offer the service.

You should note that most state insurance commissioners have contracted with private parties to administer their respective insurance continuing education programs. Once you have completed a course, the law requires the insurance continuing education provider to submit course completion information; you don't have to do this yourself, as it is not your responsibility. However, you should keep your own copies of course completion certificates in the event of discrepancies.


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