The Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) has endorsed an education program with options for members wanting a formal path to recognised qualifications and others looking for short, specific courses.

After reviewing the education available and surveying members, the council has chosen to endorse and recommend two options for members wanting a formal, structured program:

• For baseline general industry qualifications, the ANZIIF Tier 2 and Tier 1 courses in general insurance and insurance broking and a range of other industry-related courses to diploma level.
• For education specific to underwriters, the underwriting agencies’ education program offered by the College of Professional Education, which includes the Certificate IV in General Insurance and the Advanced Diploma of Financial Licensing Management.

UAC says in a statement that the College of Professional Education’s two-pronged program will complement baseline insurance education courses such as those offered by ANZIIF, but addresses “the precise and particular expertise needed by underwriting agencies, coverholders and managing general agencies”.

The program is formally recognised and endorsed by Lloyd’s.

The Advanced Diploma course is designed to ensure competence for professionals who have or are seeking a delegated authority, such as from Lloyd’s or any principal insurer.

UAC says it will continue to run its professional development days for those members looking for short, specific courses that provide an ongoing, annual accumulation of CPD points.