How to Create an Insurance Continuing Education Class
Continuing education courses are necessary for insurance agents and financial specialists to meet state-regulated licensing requirements. While creating this type of class in an insurance topic is time consuming and challenging, teaching agents new insurance information is rewarding as well.
- Determine if the course will be used to satisfy continuing education licensing requirements. Licenses for Certified Financial Planners (CFP), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU) all require periodic continuing education credits in insurance topics. If necessary, plan course topics to meet these requirements.
- Develop the course's curriculum. Make an outline of the topics you will cover, and create exercises to reinforce these topics. Exams should assess the student's grasp of the material. Possible topics include long term care insurance, state insurance regulations and new laws affecting the insurance industry.
- Find a place to hold the course. Contact local community colleges, universities and insurance companies to see if they are interested in adding the course to their schedule. Prior to meeting with the school or business, create a brief presentation showing how the class can enhance the institution's continuing education offerings.
- Negotiate with the college, insurance company or university for payment for teaching and developing the insurance course. Consider reasonable offers, and understand that payment could be based on the expected course enrollment.
- Advertise the class. While courses at colleges and universities will be featured in the continuing education catalog, sending flyers to local insurance companies may increase enrollment.