Setting Up Insurance Continuing Education Classes in California
Companies that rely on insurance agents for referrals often share their expertise by teaching continuing education courses. For example, an auto glass replacement company might offer an insurance continuing education course about the safety regulations that govern auto glass installations.
Insurance continuing education courses in California are licensed by the California Department of Insurance. A company that wants to offer an insurance continuing education course must demonstrate expertise in the subject matter, present a detailed outline of the class, pass the application process and pay the appropriate fees. In addition, they must provide any course materials including video, PowerPoint presentations and slides to the department for review.
Once the California Department of Insurance approves an insurance continuing education course, they assign a course number and a provider ID number to the person overseeing the class. The course provider is responsible for understanding the paperwork requirements for each course he teaches. Once an insurance continuing education course is scheduled, the course provider must notify the Department of Insurance within ten business days by filling out and mailing the “Class Presentation Schedule” or notifying them through their website.
The number of credit hours is determined based on 50 minute contact hour. Self directed programs are estimated as to how long it should take to complete the continuing education course and the exam.
The course provider can hire instructors to teach the continuing education class. The instructors must have three out of the last five years experience related to the subject matter or possess either a current teaching credential or other form of scholastic credential.
Insurance agents must sign in and out of each continuing education course on an approved sign in sheet. The course provider must type the information from the sign in sheet to the “Provider Roster” form and send this form along with the “Attendance Verification Form” within thirty days of the course.
In addition to sending the appropriate paperwork to the California Department of Insurance, the continuing education course provider must create certificates of completion for each insurance agent who attended the class. These certificates must conform to strict standards set by the Department of Insurance.
Insurance continuing education course providers must renew their courses every few years. The renewal process is similar to the original application though less extensive. In addition to teaching continuing education courses in a classroom setting, providers may apply to provide online continuing education courses.
