What types of Agent Certifications are there available in Texas?

Becoming an insurance agent provides a wonderful opportunity to work your own hours and create your own business strategy while continuing to operate within an industry that will always be in demand. In the State of Texas, insurance agents would have multiple options in front of them, primarily about what type (or types) of certifications they want to pursue. Understanding what these options are, the types of insurance that these certifications allow an agent to sell, and the benefits associated with each of these certification options can help ensure that you’re making an informed decision about your future as an insurance agent in Texas. Depending on the certification you pursue, you may be putting yourself in a position to open doors that can put you on the fast track to success.   Certified Insurance Counselor: CIC The National Alliance has been providing Certified Insurance Counselor certification for more than 40 years. Insurance agents in Texas who pursue this prestigious certification (there are less than 32,000 CICs in the United States) can study five different areas within the insurance industry. These areas include:

• Commercial Property
• Agency Management
• Life and Health Insurance
• Commercial Casualty (liability or damage to other people or other property)
• Personal Insurance

  Certified Risk Manager: CRM To become a Certified Risk Manager, also referred to as a CRM, you will be required to spend at least 120 hours taking the base courses in addition to five advanced courses through the certification company of your choosing. Certified Risk Managers are some of the most sought-after professionals in the insurance industry, as they can help policyholders take a detailed look at their existing policy to evaluate any risks better that they may be subject to. In addition to identifying any potential risks, Certified Risk Managers can help policyholders look for opportunities to mitigate or eliminate potential risks. This type of service is essential to business owners who need insurance policies in place but don’t want to file any claims. A CRM can take a look at the existing business practices and determine if the business is at risk of filing an insurance claim.   Certified Workers’ Compensation Advisor: CWCA In most cases, a business’ workers’ compensation insurance is the second or third biggest expense, behind only payroll and a possible mortgage or rent (depending on where the business is located). Companies are required to have workers’ compensation policies to cover the financial loss of any employee who is injured while on the job or their families in the tragic event that the employee loses their life while at work. Since workers’ compensation is such an expensive and vital type of insurance, agents who seek this certification are always in demand. To become a Certified Workers’ Compensation Advisor, agents must take courses that focus heavily on workers’ compensation insurance and are taught by experienced agents who have established themselves within this particular industry. These agents work with business owners to put safety policies and procedures in place to reduce the likelihood of a workers’ compensation claim being filed. They can also work with business owners in the event that a case is filed against them by an injured employee.   Accredited Advisor in Insurance: AAI An Accredited Investor in Insurance is a certification that is earned by insurance agents who not only take a series of courses but also pass a series of exams that requires them to prove their knowledge of the industry. The agents who have earned AAI certification have taken the steps necessary to set themselves apart from regular agents because of the rigorous requirements set forth by the classes and the tests. AAI certified agents not only understand how to handle the common types of claims that come up in a typical practice, but they also have the training necessary to tackle more unusual, complex insurance situations. For agents, being able to display an Accredited Advisor in Insurance certification helps set you apart from a crowded field by showing potential clients and employers that you have an intricate knowledge of even the most complicated situations that arise.   Certified Insurance Service Representative: CISR Certified Insurance Service Representatives, also referred to as CISRs, are highly trained service representatives who have established a proficiency in dealing with personal, commercial, and life insurance accounts. One of the essential aspects of CISR certification is the continued education (CE) hours that agents must maintain. Continuing education ensures that they are up to date on all of the most recent trends within the insurance industry and can better advise their clients.   Certified Work Comp Specialists: CWS Certified Work Comp Specialists, also referred to as CWS provides a healthy combination of the services offered by CISRs and CWCAs. Agents who have obtained CWS certification are specialists within the workers’ compensation industry and thus are inclined to work with business owners. However, the training received by Certified Work Comp Specialists is also similar to the training of Certified Insurance Service Representatives, meaning that these agents are up to date on every aspect of workers’ compensation insurance, including audits, claims, and modifiers.   Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter: CPCU Finally, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters are most commonly insurance agents who hold positions within a larger insurance company. In most cases, insurance agents who have a CPCU certification worked for an insurance company in some capacity before receiving their insurance agent’s license. Insurance agents who boast a CPCU certification typically possess in-depth knowledge about the underwriting process, which is one of the cornerstone principles of the insurance industry. These agents understand how insurance companies determine which risks they’re willing to take and handle any legal issues that may arise.   At communityeducators.net, we understand that these additional certifications can help you make a name for yourself in the incredibly competitive insurance market. Contact us today to get more information about how to obtain the certifications that can help you stand out as an insurance agent today.