Insuring Careers Certification Program

INTRODUCING A NEW IA&B PROGRAM: Insurance Careers Certification Program

Evolving regulations. Growing competition. Increasing workloads. The strains on independent agencies are many, but none weigh as heavy as industry perpetuation. Ours is an aging workforce, and recruitment of new talent is paramount to the future of the independent agency system.

Enter IA&B’s new Insuring Careers Certification Program.

IA&B is committed to finding and preparing the next generation of insurance professionals through this program, which will launch in January 2025.

HOW THE PROGRAM BEGAN

The IA&B Board of Directors and executive-level staff undertook intensive strategic planning in 2022-23. The work culminated in the development of a new strategic plan, vision, and mission statement – all of which emphasize industry perpetuation.

“Our strategic plan focuses heavily on bringing diverse, new talent into our industry and, specifically, into our member agencies,” said IA&B President & CEO Jason Ernest, Esq.

As a result, IA&B spent the last two years researching members’ needs, determining recruitment opportunities, and developing the Insuring Careers Certification Program. This preparation included hiring a new full-time employee, IA&B Director of Career Services Heather Ulrich, who will focus on recruitment into the Insuring Careers Certification Program and manage the job board that connects these newly licensed program graduates with member agencies.

WHAT THE PROGRAM ENTAILS

IA&B created the Insuring Careers Certification Program with the help of our renowned Property & Casualty insurance instructors. Designed for those new to the industry, the program covers insurance basics and business soft skills. Plus, it includes IA&B’s highly successful state licensing exam preparation, as well as application of acquired skills in real-life scenarios.

The program is web-based (with the exception of Pennsylvania's in-person, licensing-exam preparation option) and comprised of over 30 education modules. (See sidebar.) It provides a mix of learning formats – from video and narration, to reading and activities – developed by experienced instructional designers, as well as access to IA&B’s nationally recognized education team.

The self-paced program takes a maximum of six months to complete. After successful completion – which includes passage of the state licensing exam – students earn the Insuring Careers Certification.

WHERE THE PROGRAM IS HEADED

The Insuring Careers Certification Program will accept its first students in January 2025. Member agencies can register their new, unlicensed staff to attend at a discount.

The program is also open to those not already employed within the industry. IA&B will recruit participants, with a focus on high school and college students, professionals interested in a career change, and those who are looking to re-enter the workforce. In addition to recruitment, IA&B will encourage those who earn the Insuring Careers Certificate to post their resumes on the IA&B job board, where they can connect with member agencies.

IA&B is committed to sustaining the Insuring Careers Certification Program – and in turn, introducing skilled, new talent into the independent agency system. Stay tuned in the months ahead as this initiative gains momentum.

HOW AGENCIES BENEFIT

Do you have a new, unlicensed employee on staff? Jumpstart their career with your agency by enrolling them in the Insuring Careers Certification Program.

Introductory pricing: Student sponsored by an IA&B Member agency$1,500 (members save $500)

More information is available at IABforME.com.

PROGRAM FLOW

The Insuring Careers Certification Program includes over 30 modules that cover these topics.