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
It is important to understand that there is no legal requirement to obtain a college degree before obtaining a job as a brokering agent. However, the industry has its own standards and they currently require licensing and that includes at least a two-year Associates degree. In addition, many firms have additional requirements for agents that they employ.
Before becoming a broker, there are a number of areas of study to complete. The general course work can take a variety of forms, with most of the differences being attributable to the types of learning institutions employed. However, a few areas of study are almost universally required for licensing, particularly those that place an emphasis on business courses and financial study. Tax laws, investment and annuities, and administrative studies form the core of any educational program.
To obtain a license, it is also wise to participate in courses involving accounting, as well as those that teach fundamental business communication skills. While there are other requirements as well, these courses provide the basic foundation for anyone seeking a career in this complex and rapidly adapting industry. They are also invaluable for those who choose careers outside of the policy brokering arena.
A look at other career paths
Among the jobs that become available with this course of study and a brokering license are specialized careers in various areas of finance and securities. Many people who obtain their brokering license move on to become licensed stock brokers, while others seek employment in the actuarial and underwriting fields. Still others focus on retirement planning, which is an area where experts are always in high demand.
Keeping it current
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.
At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that there is no such thing as a natural-born broker. These professionals obtain their competency through exhaustive study, as well as an ongoing commitment to understanding the latest legal mandates and industry changes. For those who choose to undertake the rigors of a solid insurance education, however, that hard work and commitment can be very rewarding indeed.
Basic course of study
It is important to understand that there is no legal requirement to obtain a college degree before obtaining a job as a brokering agent. However, the industry has its own standards and they currently require licensing and that includes at least a two-year Associates degree. In addition, many firms have additional requirements for agents that they employ.
Before becoming a broker, there are a number of areas of study to complete. The general course work can take a variety of forms, with most of the differences being attributable to the types of learning institutions employed. However, a few areas of study are almost universally required for licensing, particularly those that place an emphasis on business courses and financial study. Tax laws, investment and annuities, and administrative studies form the core of any educational program.
To obtain a license, it is also wise to participate in courses involving accounting, as well as those that teach fundamental business communication skills. While there are other requirements as well, these courses provide the basic foundation for anyone seeking a career in this complex and rapidly adapting industry. They are also invaluable for those who choose careers outside of the policy brokering arena.
A look at other career paths
Among the jobs that become available with this course of study and a brokering license are specialized careers in various areas of finance and securities. Many people who obtain their brokering license move on to become licensed stock brokers, while others seek employment in the actuarial and underwriting fields. Still others focus on retirement planning, which is an area where experts are always in high demand.
Keeping it current
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.
At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that there is no such thing as a natural-born broker. These professionals obtain their competency through exhaustive study, as well as an ongoing commitment to understanding the latest legal mandates and industry changes. For those who choose to undertake the rigors of a solid insurance education, however, that hard work and commitment can be very rewarding indeed.