The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) is lifting the minimum standard of education required for a practising loss adjuster.

Currently, an ordinary member of AICLA must complete one subject: FSA501 – Introduction to Loss Adjusting.

But AICLA has decided that the minimum standard should be the four core modules from the Diploma of Financial Services (Loss Adjusting) course. The benchmark for a qualified loss adjuster will continue to be Associate level and Chartered Loss Adjuster status.

AICLA President Andrew Thomas says the institute wants to send to the insurance industry and regulators a message that “tradesmen and others without adequate claims training should not be substituted for trained loss adjusters”.

The association has also agreed to the introduction of licensing arrangements for AICLA members. AICLA proposes issuing licences with the majority of current members automatically covered, provided they achieve and maintain CPD accreditation.

The new minimum standards and licensing arrangements will be introduced from July 1 next year.