ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 26, 2009 - The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) today announced its support and recommendation of the Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS™) certification and continuing education program, developed by International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI). This online continuing education (CE) program will increase the competence, confidence and creditability of insurance agents and brokers who sell virtually any type of professional or errors and omissions (E&O) liability insurance. The program also applies to specialized lines of insurance often called “management liability” insurance or “executive liability” insurance, such as employment practices and directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance.
“We are constantly seeking new and innovative educational opportunities for our members,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, education and research. “The MLIS™ certification program is an excellent way for the more seasoned insurance professional to gain a competitive advantage when selling and servicing these specialized lines of coverage.”
“Since we developed the MLIS™ program specifically to help retail insurance agents and brokers be more effective in selling these lines of insurance, as well as reduce the possibility for errors when they do, we are very excited about this new relationship with the Big ‘I’,” says Jack P. Gibson, IRMI president. “We kept the courses relatively short, and split the program into two parts, one focusing on professional and E&O liability insurance fundamentals and the other part delving into the more complex management or executive liability insurance issues. This allows participants to choose just how deeply they wish to dive into the subject matter.”
Big “I” members receive a 10 percent discount off the course fees and CE fee, and can purchase courses directly at www.MLIS-CE.com/iiaba/. The introductory rate is $69 per course. Insurance CE credit is also available in most states for $15 more per course. This enables agents and brokers to leverage a nominal CE investment into both a certification and state CE credit.
The self-paced courses and their final exams may be taken from any computer with Internet access via a state-of-the-art delivery platform. Additionally, those who complete the program can display the MLIS™ certification.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
Based in Dallas, International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI), is the premier authority in providing expert advice and practical strategies for risk management, insurance, and legal professionals. IRMI delivers this information through leading-edge publications, seminars, webinars, continuing education courses, and the annual IRMI Construction Risk Conference. For more information, visit www.IRMI.com.
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