Certification is optional for insurance underwriters. It is not required for employment. However, it shows employers that the underwriter has achieved a certain level of skill and knowledge. The Insurance Institute of America offers the designation Associate in Underwriting (AU). To earn the AU, underwriters compete a series of courses and exams that generally last two years.

The American Institute of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters awards the designation CPCU, or Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter. This more advanced designation is offered for specialty areas. Applicants for the CPCU designation must:

• pass nine regional exams,
• meet the related studies requirement,
• have a minimum of three years' experience in the insurance business, and
• agree to abide by the American Institute's Code of Ethics.

For more information of both designations, contact: