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Best commercial underwriter certifications

Commercial underwriter certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an commercial underwriter to employers. However, not all commercial underwriter certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a commercial underwriter are Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), and Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU).

Below is a list of the best commercial underwriter certifications. Obtaining an commercial underwriter certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

6 best certifications for commercial underwriters

6 best commercial underwriter certifications

1. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

More than 65,000 people have earned the CPCU professional designation. They are claim adjusters, underwriters, risk managers, brokers, agents, regulators, consultants, attorneys, and educators. CPCU is respected as the premier designation in property-casualty insurance, and holding this designation immediately identifies you as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
The Institutes

2. Associate in General Insurance (AINS)

Accelerate your career in insurance with the new Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation. The AINS courses provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of insurance principles, practices, policies, and coverages, while the optional electives allow you to focus on areas relevant to your professional goals.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
The Institutes

3. Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU)

Enhance your professional confidence by building a strong foundation in underwriting principles with the Institutes' Associate in Commercial Underwriting program. You'll gain a broadened understanding of advanced underwriting techniques; plus you'll learn how to build a more profitable book of business by developing a disciplined approach to underwriting commercial property and liability exposures.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
The Institutes

4. Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR)

The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation empowers outstanding individuals to provide exceptional customer service.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

5. Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

The Associate in Insurance Services program is a nationally recognized educational program designed specifically for insurance personnel. By completing the AIS program, you'll gain a basic understanding of continuous improvement principles that will help you attract new clients while retaining current customers. Plus, the AIS program provides you with several completion options so that you can customize the program to meet your specific technical insurance knowledge needs.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
The Institutes

6. Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
The American College

What is the best certification for a commercial underwriter?

The best commercial underwriter certification is Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is awarded by the The Institutes. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this commercial underwriter certification:

  • To become a certified Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for commercial underwriters?

The most in-demand commercial underwriter certification is Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter based on all active job postings. Having this commercial underwriter certification will give you access to more commercial underwriter jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a commercial underwriter career and salary?

The Associate in Commercial Underwriting certification will help you to secure a commercial lines underwriter position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A commercial lines underwriter's average salary is $53,675 whereas commercial underwriters make an average salary of $59,051.

Best certifications

The most common combination of commercial underwriter certifications include: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), and Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU).

Online courses for commercial underwriters to earn certifications

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