Registration for the July 15th class is coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about InsurAcademy and see if it's right for you?
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
What is the application and selection process?
There are three phases to the InsurAcademy application/selection process.
- Prospective students must complete an initial application and a verbal and math assessment online.
- Applicant’s assessments are reviewed and selected candidates will be asked to complete a more detailed application with a short essay component.
- Following the additional application, final candidates will be selected to move to the final round of the process consisting of a video or in-person interview and recommendation/reference checks.
What will it cost me?
The tuition for InsurAcademy is valued at $1,500 but thanks to scholarship opportunities from the IIANC Education Foundation, students accepted into InsurAcademy through our application process can attend FOR FREE. (And no this isn’t too good to be true…we just believe in investing in the future of our industry by investing in future insurance agents!)
The only expenses incurred by students will be the North Carolina licensing application/fingerprint/exam fees. NC licensing fees are currently $187, fingerprint fees range from $10-$20, and the exam fees are $45 for each attempt of the two exams required (required to take Property Exam and Casualty Exam which cost $45 each). However, upon successfully passing of both exams, InsurAcademy will reimburse students $90 for the exam fees.
IIANC member agencies interested in sending current staff or new hires through InsurAcademy should email insuracademy@iianc.com for pricing and details.
How long will it take me?
It only takes approx. six weeks to complete the InsurAcademy program and be ready to work in an independent insurance agency! (The exact length is dependent upon passing the required exams and completing the process to receive your license from the NC Department of Insurance.)
Do I have to attend in person?
No, InsurAcademy uses a virtual learning platform featuring a combination of live and on-demand training which means as long as you have a computer and Internet access, you can attend from anywhere!
What does the curriculum cover?
InsurAcademy has designed a curriculum that will provide all of the necessary licensing education and hands-on career training to be “job ready” to work as a CSR in an independent insurance agency.
After the two weeks of pre-licensing education, you will be prepared to sit for the NC State Property and Casualty Licensing Exams. Once students successfully pass the exams and receive your P&C insurance licenses, they move on to the “practical” training portion, which includes specialized, vocational training focused on more advanced insurance coverage education, using agency management systems and comparative raters, gaining experience completing ACORD forms, developing soft skills related to customer service, email and business etiquette, phone skills, and more.
Can I find a job after graduation?
YES! Now is a great time to find a position in an independent insurance agency due to the large number of CSRs retiring and many agencies being in growth mode and adding positions to their staff. In fact, over the next five years, more than 400,000 job openings are expected in the insurance industry across the country.
As an InsurAcademy graduate, you will be guaranteed at least one interview with an independent insurance agency in North Carolina. You will have access to an exclusive job board featuring agencies that are actively hiring for CSRs and wish to interview InsurAcademy graduates.
Am I a good candidate for InsurAcademy?
If you are looking for a career in an industry that is stable and offers flexibility, strong income potential, great work culture and more, then pursuing a job in an independent insurance agency through InsurAcademy may be a good fit for you. Ideal students will have a passion for learning, great customer service skills, and qualities such as:
• Analytical
• People-oriented and enjoys interacting with others
• Diligent, strong follow-through
• Organized
• Consistent
• Multi-tasker
• Decisive and strong sense of urgency when working
What is an insurance CSR?
A insurance CSR is a Customer Service Representative or may sometimes also be known as an "Account Manager." This integral role in an insurance agency is on the front lines with helping customers by providing support for insurance questions, policy changes, renewals and billing questions. The CSR works from within the agency to help clients with existing accounts and also works directly with the insurance carriers to quote and bind insurance policies.
What makes a great CSR?
Successful Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) possess a unique combination of traits that help them provide great service, be empathetic when a customer is dealing with a crisis, and also juggle many deadlines and tasks.
• Great social and communication skills
• Ability to organize lots of details
• Influences customers buying decisions
• Assists clients and resolve conflicts
• Enjoys helping others.
What is an independent insurance agency?
Independent insurance agencies are different from other types of insurance agencies (commonly known as captive agencies) because they are not tied to only one insurance carrier and can represent many companies. This means that they can explore more coverage options for their customers to match them with the best insurance company, coverage and price. Independent insurance agencies come in all sizes and are located in communities across North Carolina. Find one of the nearly 1,000 Trusted Choice independent insurance agency locations here.