Bluefire Insurance

If you are an insurance professional or considering becoming an insurance producer, you know how important it is to be a subject matter expert in your field. Think about it: Doctors, lawyers, and accountants all need continuing education to maintain their licenses in their respective fields, and insurance agents are no exception to the rule. 

State governments also typically require agents like you to pursue a certain amount of continuing education every year (or every other year). This guide will clue you into resources available in your field. 

Unlocking Career Potential With Continuing Education 

Of course, continuing education doesn’t just keep you licensed. It also upgrades your career in subtle but important ways. A study in the National Library of Medicine found that professional training can also keep you engaged at work. 

The Tangible Benefits of Pursuing Further Education 

Here’s a tangible benefit of getting more training in the insurance field: You can potentially make more money. According to a Harvard University article, this type of coursework can boost your own career growth by helping you find new opportunities. 

A defining attribute of every successful agent involves a curiosity about the industry as a whole — and you certainly should try to embody that as best you can. 

Professional Development vs. Continuing Education 

There’s a bit of overlap here. All continuing education involves a degree of “professional development,” but not all professional development counts as CE for licensing purposes. While the differences between these concepts matter, you ideally need both to further your career in the business. 

Defining the Differences 

Each state defines its own definition of “CE.” For example, New Jersey requires agents to attend coursework in insurance law, ethics, flood policies, and more. Some of these are relevant to the state, given that it’s a coastal region. 

Professional development, on the other hand, can be anything that helps you learn more about your specific insurance domain but may not count toward your CE requirements for the year. 

How Each Contributes to Career Advancement 

But you need both to succeed in this business. You should ideally pursue coursework that helps you gain a solid understanding of the products you sell, whether that’s auto or health insurance, a combination of many or something else entirely. 

Both education and professional development will give you the ability to supercharge your career growth — no matter the vertical where you operate. 

Strategies for Integrating Continued Education Into Your Life 

Some of the best ways to integrate CE into your day-to-day life include listening to insurance podcasts, reading bite-sized chunks of content such as pieces from Insurance Journal, and incorporating learning into your commute. 

Balancing Work, Life, and Education 

Balancing work, life, and education as an agent requires effective time management and prioritization — and those are examples of the many important traits all agents need. Set realistic goals and use tools like calendars to organize your day. Consider flexible work arrangements, like remote work or adjustable hours, to better integrate your professional and personal life. 

Automate or delegate routine tasks to free up time for studying and self-care. Utilize downtime, such as waiting between client meetings, to review educational materials or listen to relevant audiobooks. By maintaining a balanced approach, you can meet your professional, academic, and personal commitments without feeling overwhelmed. 

Finding Flexible Learning Opportunities That Suit Your Schedule 

Many certifications for insurance professionals help you boost your career and you can choose a study schedule that suits your daily life. Some courses also offer remote learning options, especially those from the major institutes. You should also read academic publications such as the Journal of Risk and Insurance. 

Become an Independent Agent and Grow Your Career 

Continuing education is crucial for insurance professionals like you, not only to meet state licensing requirements but also to enhance your career. By staying updated with industry knowledge, you remain engaged and open to new opportunities. 

Professional development and continuing education both play vital roles in advancing your career, with professional development broadening your expertise and CE keeping you compliant with state regulations. 

To integrate learning into your life, consider flexible study options like podcasts for insurance agents or remote courses. Take charge of your professional growth — commit to continuing education and unlock your full potential as an insurance agent. 

Get started today at Bluefire Insurance — we’re here to help you keep your agent career on track with support for your business. We look forward to chatting!