High School

A high school diploma is usually sufficient for beginning insurance policy processing workers. To prepare yourself for this job, take courses in English, mathematics, and computer science while in high school. In addition, take as many business-related courses as possible, such as typing, word processing, and bookkeeping.

Postsecondary Training

Community colleges and vocational schools often offer business education courses that provide training for insurance policy processing workers. You may want to consider taking these courses to improve your possibilities for advancement to supervisory positions.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificates in insurance and related areas. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs.  

LOMA, an international trade association for the insurance and financial services industry, offers several insurance-related certificates, including Insurance Fundamentals and Customer Experience Essentials. Visit https://www.loma.org/ProfDev/Certificates.aspx for more information. 

Other Education or Training

Continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops are provided by the American Society of Administrative Professionals, International Association of Administrative Professionals, and the International Association of Insurance Professionals. Contact these organizations for more information. 

Certification or Licensing

There are no insurance industry–specific certifications for policy processing workers, but the American Society of Administrative Professionals offers the professional administrative certification of excellence credential to applicants who complete four proficiency modules (Interpersonal Communications, Task and Project Management, Computer and Internet Technologies, Management Skills) and pass an examination. The International Association of Administrative Professionals also provides certification. Contact these organizations for more information. 

No experience is needed to work as an insurance policy processing worker, but those with prior work experience in an office setting will increase their chances of landing a job, getting promoted, and possibly earning higher pay.

In order to succeed in this field, you should have some aptitude with business machines, the ability to concentrate for long periods of time on repetitious tasks, and mathematical skills. Legible handwriting is a necessity. Because you will often work with policyholders and other workers, you must be able to communicate effectively and work well with others. In addition, you need to be familiar with state and federal insurance laws and regulations. You should find systematic and orderly work appealing and enjoy working on detailed tasks.

Other personal qualifications include dependability, trustworthiness, and a neat personal appearance. Insurance policy processing personnel who work for the federal government may need to pass a civil service examination.