The Chartered Insurance Institute has launched a new Cert CII (Protection) designation for members holding the Certificate in Insurance, including the Financial Protection and Customer Service in Insurance exam units. 

The aim of the new certification is to give aspiring professionals a chance to deepen and extend their knowledge.

The CII collaborated with the Women in Protection Group (WIP) and the Protection Distributors Group (PDG) to create an opportunity for those working in, or aspiring to work in, the sector to learn the fundamentals of insurance and protection and demonstrate their skills and knowledge with a recognised qualification.

The Level 3 Certificate in Insurance is a core qualification for insurance staff working across all sectors of the industry. The Certificate develops core knowledge and confidence of the key disciplines needed ahead of subsequent studies, says the CII.

The membership designation for insurance and protection providers and intermediaries is a way to communicate an individual’s technical expertise and knowledge, and a commitment to the Chartered Insurance Institute’s professional standards and ethics, explained the professional body.

The Cert CII (Protection) designation is available to members who have successfully completed the Certificate in Insurance, including R05 Financial protection and IF9 Customer service in insurance exam units.

The pathway routes to achieve Cert CII (Protection) include:

IF1 + R05 + IF9 + Active member of CII = Cert CII (Protection)

Or

LM1 + LM2+ R05 + IF9 + Active member of CII = Cert CII (Protection)

Simon Graham, director of Learning and Assessment at the CII said: “We have seen growing demand from the protection sector for a bespoke qualification that tests and validates the skills needed when advising in this area.

“This certificate has been designed to recognise those working in the sector and give them an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and deepen their skill set. It is independently validated and internationally recognised, so that those who gain it can take it with them throughout their career.”

Protection challenger Guardian is piloting its new life and critical illness proposition with four financial services firms: L&C, Paradigm, Sesame Bankhall and SimplyBiz.

Financial technology business IRESS has released data showing an upward trend in the sale of protection products via its Exchange platform.