CERTIFIED INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL OF TEXAS PROGRAM

Building Skills for Today’s Insurance Professional

FIWT Certificate Program

A certificate is a non-degree program designed to provide students with specialized knowledge that is less extensive than, and different from, a college program. A certificate from FIWT demonstrates that the participant has completed a planned, sequential program of study in individual career skills that support the insurance industry and promotes enhanced standards of professionalism.

Name of the Program – Certified Insurance Professional of Texas

The Certified Insurance Professional of Texas (CIPT) program provides a series of essential career skills that support the insurance industry and promotes enhanced standards of professionalism.

To Earn the Designation, Participants Must:

Complete the six core subject courses (each two hours)

Complete the six core subject courses within six years after attending the first course

Maintain continuous FIWT membership

Certification Application Fee is $25

To Retain the Designation, Participants Must:

Recertify every two years by attending one of the following courses:

Core subject course

Update course (two courses required as updates are 1-hour courses)

Maintain continuous FIWT membership

Additional Notes:

One course to be offered at FIWT mid-year and one at FIWT convention

Updates will be given at both mid-year and convention – the same class will be offered at both and at the same time as the CIPT modules course. Updates will be one hour course at $25 each.

Courses do not have to be taken in order

Membership is required for certification but not for taking courses

Rotating classes will continue after course completes but may not be given in order

Code of Ethics for utilization – must be a member to use the designation

Renewals are needed every two years – total of two hours necessary every two years

Upon completion will receive a framed certificate and pin.

Course Attendance Fee:

FIWT Members $ 50 for each two-hour course

Non-Members* $100 for each two-hour course

*Note: FIWT Membership At Large dues is only $45 annually

Core Subject Programs:

1. Focus on Customer Service

2. Building Rapport for Effective Problem Solving

3. Keeping Yourself Professional – What Does That Mean?

4. Business Etiquette To Enhance Professionalism (In and Out of The Office)

5. Technology and Tools for Time Management

6. Back to Basics of Business Writing – Spelling, Punctuation, Vocabulary

Update Subject Programs:

Calming Upset Clients

Successful Negotiation Skills

Public Speaking Tips and Techniques

Basic Understanding of Financial Statements/ Budget Process

Basic Supervisory Skills

Core Subject Course #1 - Focus on Customer Service

Building rapport is the first step in creating a lasting relationship with coworkers and clients. This course is designed to provide basic tools in body language and verbiage that will enables greater and easier communication. There is no greater need to use rapport skills than when tackling a problem. This course also contains tools and techniques to assist the employee in basic problem solving, dealing with difficult and angry clients; learning to listen; and words that work for you and against you in customer service.

Learning the Language of Rapport

Matching Styles to Build Rapport

Characteristics of a Problem

Understanding Working Styles

Complaints—It’s Not All Bad

Core Subject Course #2 – Building Rapport for Effective Problem Solving

Learning the Language of Rapport

Matching Styles to Build Rapport

Problem Solving Made Easy

Characteristics of a Problem

Understanding Working Styles

Complaints—It’s Not All Bad

Difficult Clients Are Still Your Clients

Core Subject Course #3- Keeping Yourself Professional – What Does That Mean

In order to succeed and move ahead in any industry, employees need to demonstrate professionalism. Professionalism does not mean wearing a particular style of clothing or having a particular appearance; rather, it means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. It includes communicating effectively and appropriately while maintaining productive levels. This course provides basic information in understanding how to perform as a professional.

How Professional Are You

Treat Everyone as if they were Your Customer

Humor—A Success factor

First Impression

Staying Positive

Defining a True Professional

Core Subject Course #4 – Business Etiquette to Enhance Professionalism

(In and Out of the Office)

Business etiquette can be tricky, even for the most seasoned insurance professional. Your knowledge of what to do when the occasion arises may just be the edge you need to make the next promotion. Through this interactive program you will walk away with a better understanding of appropriate professional behavior in the workplace.

Etiquette Relating to Cubicle Space or Offices

General Office Etiquette

Top Business Etiquette Faux Pas

Speaking to Coworkers

Top Ten Business Etiquette Tips for Dining

Core Subject Course #5 – Time Management and Organization Skills

In today’s business environment it is all too easy to lose focus on what is the priority for the day. This course is designed to help employees become aware of how they use their time in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in completing the tasks at hand.

Developing Realistic Plans

Setting Priorities

De-cluttering your Office

Handling Correspondence

Keeping a Check on Emails

Recognizing Unnecessary

Learning to say NO

Activities and Interruptions

How to Create Daily/Weekly/Monthly Plans

Core Subject Course #6 – Back to Basics of Business Writing – Spelling, Punctuation and Vocabulary

With the growing use of text messaging and social media, the art of writing business correspondence has been greatly impacted. By using simple, clear, precise language and following a few basic writing rules, employees can become better communicators and enhance their professionalism.