What is a Certified Insurance Service Representative And Why Is It Important?

What is a Certified Insurance Service Representative And Why Is It Important?

The insurance industry continues to be increasingly competitive. Insurance is made up of a wide variety of coverage and policies on top of evolving customer needs and demands.  The collection of all of this can be extremely confusing especially if you are considering what type of coverage as well as the unique exposures that need to be reviewed for each client.  Given the competitive nature of the industry and the large amount of information involved, it is becoming more and more important for the agents to continue to develop their insurance knowledge.  One way to do this is by becoming a Certified Insurance Service Representative. 

But what is a Certified Insurance Service Representative and what makes it important?  

Certified Insurance Service Representative Defined

A Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) is a certification program for insurance agents who desire to provide the best kinds of customer service possible. Through this program, an agent or advisor will go through specific courses to understand the exposures and risks involved in every insurance coverage as well as gain the necessary skills and competencies to review and provide coverage decisions that are suitable to the situation of every client.

The Certified Insurance Service Representative program consists of 9 courses and multiple choice examinations to equip all insurance practitioners with all the knowledge they need to do their job effectively.  The agent is required to complete 5 courses and the respective examinations in order to obtain the CISR designation.  

Upon successful completion of 5 of the courses, he or she will receive a certificate and a CISR designation pin to recognize their insurance knowledge proficiencies and their commitment to demonstrate excellent service to every client they are working with.  The designation is recognized in all the U.S. and in most countries all over the world.

When the agent completes the Certified Insurance Service Representative designation, they will also have the option to move onto obtaining their Certified Insurance Service Representative Elite.   This additional designation requires the agent to attend and pass the 4 remaining courses in the CISR program.  

What are the benefits of being a Certified Insurance Service Representative?

  1. It helps build trust and confidence with clients and prospective clients.
  2. Obtaining this level of certification is a testament to being an expert in the field of insurance.
  3. This designation helps earn the respect of other insurance practitioners which helps build credibility with clients and prospects.
  4. Customers will be assured of getting the best service possible.
  5. Certified Insurance Service Representative designees also have more income potential in their insurance careers

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Certified Insurance Service Representative program is a great way for an agent to build better insurance knowledge.  By investing time into additional learning, agents are able to develop a deeper understanding of insurance and become better positioned to deliver the best customer service to all clients.  This program is crucial for advancement at work and a more fulfilling career in insurance.

Visit us at Total CSR for more insight on education and professional insurance designations.