Leading insurers welcome flexible structure

The CII has replaced the Insurance Foundation Certificate, the Certificate of Insurance Practice and the ACII qualification with three new qualifications based on modular training.

CII director general Sandy Scott said the qualifications were intended to allow people to study modules that related specifically to the jobs they did.

The framework consists of three levels of qualification:

  • Certificate in Insurance (Cert CII) - aimed at those entering the industry

  • Diploma in Insurance (Dip CII) - recognising technical development achieved by those with a growing understanding of the industry

  • Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII) - demonstrating professional knowledge, understanding and market expertise.

    • Candidates will be able to choose from an initial range of 46 modules, but the CII said it was hoping to add additional modules focusing on travel and warranty products.

    The framework was drawn up after widespread consultation with leading insurers, including Allianz Cornhill, Zurich and Royal & SunAlliance.

    "We asked the insurance industry what they wanted and have delivered to fully meet their requirements," said Scott.

    "The new exams will be directly relevant to the jobs people do today."

    Allianz Cornhill human resources director Philip Gennoy welcomed the reform.

    "The flexible structure of the new qualifications allows individuals and organisations to align their learning activity directly with their career requirements," he said

    In response to concerns that small brokers may have difficulty paying for the qualifications, Scott confirmed that the government will help brokers meet staff training costs.

    Current CII exam students will be given a "seamless transfer" to the new framework, which will be implemented in 2004.

    The CII will run a series of regional roadshows in November and December to explain the new qualifications.

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