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.
Basic course of study
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.
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
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.
Continuing the educational process
Like other professional careers, brokers must always work to update their skills and remain competitive on the information front. To accomplish this goal, and to maintain their licenses, a certain amount of continuing educational work must be performed each year. These classes enable these professionals to remain knowledgeable about all current regulations and other changes in their chosen industries.
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.
Basic course of study
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.
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
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.
Continuing the educational process
Like other professional careers, brokers must always work to update their skills and remain competitive on the information front. To accomplish this goal, and to maintain their licenses, a certain amount of continuing educational work must be performed each year. These classes enable these professionals to remain knowledgeable about all current regulations and other changes in their chosen industries.
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.
