Level Up Your Career with Insurance Designations That Make a Difference

A career in insurance can be extremely rewarding, with plenty of opportunities for a motivated professional. Reaching ambitious goals in certain specializations or leadership may be more attainable for those who seek out readily available insurance designations.

“Earning my CCP designation strengthened both my technical expertise and my confidence as a claims leader, reinforcing the importance of ethics, practical knowledge, and continuous growth in our field,” said Christa Manwaring, Senior Claims Manager at Safety National. “Insurance designations not only deepen your understanding of the industry but also demonstrate your commitment to excellence, which can open doors to new opportunities and long-term career advancement.”

While the list of industry designations is certainly extensive, here are a few to jumpstart your career goals.

Certified Claims Professional (CCP)

For those with several years of experience who are ready to level up, the CCP designation can help master core fundamentals in areas such as property and casualty claims management. Offered by the Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance, it can help claims handlers demonstrate competency in practical claims management, ethical standards, and specialized knowledge.

Risk Management Society Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP)

Provided by RIMS, this credential focuses on competency-based risk management. According to a risk management compensation survey, a RIMS-CRMP can increase your earning potential, noting that “full-time risk professionals with the RIMS-CRMP certification earn $16,000 more annually than non–RIMS-CRMP holders.” As it can be particularly strong for leadership positions, a RIMS-CRMP can position risk managers as strategic leaders rather than just technical insurance professionals.

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

This professional credential is earned by individuals specializing in risk management and property and casualty insurance, with only about 4% of the industry achieving this designation. Revered as the industry’s gold standard for designations, it can be highly rewarding and is encouraged by senior management professionals. In fact, The Institutes, which issues the CPCU designation, states, “87% of CPCU completers who have worked in risk management and insurance for more than 10 years said this designation helped them achieve their goals.”

Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

Also offered by The Institutes, the ARM is composed of three courses, designed to enhance credibility for insurance brokers, agents, and risk managers by providing a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment, financing, and treatment. The ARM can help an industry professional demonstrate their understanding of risk beyond claims handling. Great for both risk managers and claims professionals, it can also build a strong foundation in enterprise risk management (ERM).

Associate in Claims (AIC)

Granted by The Institutes, this designation is critical for anyone seeking a position in claims handling, signifying specialized training and skills in the handling of various types of insurance claims. As demand for claims professionals continues to grow, having credentials that back up expertise in the field can help distinguish one applicant from the pack.