Three main reasons are:
1) To introduce a globally recognized underwriting certification program, keeping underwriters at the
forefront of the insurance industry
2) To expand knowledge and skills, promoting the benefits of company & industry continuing education
3) To promote the importance of underwriting professionalism through continuing education

The UW CE Program is applicable for all underwriting professionals. An underwriter who meets the criteria will be recognized as a Certified Professional Underwriter.

One of our guiding principles was to maintain the incredible value of the Fellow, Academy of Life Underwriting (FALU) designation. An underwriter with their FALU designation who meets the criteria will also be recognized as a Certified FALU.

Yes, it will complement achieving your internal Continuing Education goals. Our plan will give you a road map and a central location to report all your progress.

This plan has gained wide industry acceptance, but it is prudent to make your manager aware of your personal development goals and the importance of Continuing Education.

January 2021. To kick start certification of our profession, the first cycle will be for one (1) year with 20 CE Credits required (from Jan 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2021).

The primary objectives of the shorter initial cycle is to encourage early participation while creating momentum. We also reduced the criteria to 20 CE Credits to kick start certification of our profession.

The two-year certification cycle starts January 2022, with 50 CE Credits required over a two (2) year period (from Jan 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2023). The next certification period will run from Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025.

No. For ease of administration, we decided to keep it as a static two-year certification period. The first cycle is one year (2021), with all subsequent cycles covering two-year periods (2022-2023, 2024-2025, 2026-2027, etc.)

You can apply any CE Credits attained during the certification period.

The committee designed this program so that all levels of underwriters will be able to get their credits for each cycle. While it may not be easy, it should be challenging. One of the benefits of the program is that underwriters can achieve their goals through webinars and other online education opportunities offered throughout the year.

One (1) CE Credit is generally equivalent to 50 minutes of educational content. Refer to the CE Program Credits Document for a list of activities and their corresponding credit allocation.

There is no cost to individual underwriters or their companies.

While there is not a required level of industry participation, we expect the program will enhance growth and development opportunities for each participant underwriter.

Credits from the initial certification period in 2021 will not be allowed to rollover to the two-year accreditation period. Once the regular certification program starts in 2022 it will cover two (2) calendar years. Credits apply during the certification period in which they were earned.

Reporting of credits can continue until the end of the first quarter (March 31) of the next certification period. For example, if a participant completed CE credits at any time in 2021, credits can be reported until March 31, 2022.

Updating as you go or at regular intervals might make it easier for you to track all eligible activities, however you can enter your CE Credits at any time during the year.

All credits are based on relevance to your underwriting and leadership career.

The Academy of Life Underwriting (ALU) website will be your portal. Sign into “My Account” at www.alu-web.com and start tracking! If you do not yet have a profile, sign-up is simple and free. Your account will be private and requires a password.

A log of activity will be required in the tracking tool, showing how you met the terms of that requirement in its entirety.

Yes, one of our guiding principles was that education credits may be subject to audit. We felt it was important to maintain the integrity of the program and self-reporting process.

An audit works to ensure good faith compliance on the part of all underwriters, without requiring everyone to submit cumbersome paperwork. Early on, the audit will help us enhance the program and ensure that everyone understands the requirements.

We will not take an active role in enforcement or verification. We will randomly audit a small number of members and also look for outliers through an automated tracking tool.

None. There is no requirement to keep meeting handouts, attendance records, notes or any other method of documentation. You are not responsible for retaining proof of attendance at structured events, where attendance can be verified. We may reach out to you or your manager and ask for details of credits earned.

Yes, you will have the ability to print a summary of your progress and request confirmation of your certification from the administrator through “My Account” on the ALU website.

Some categories have maximum allowable credits to ensure that the program promotes several forms of
professional development and does not rely too heavily on one source such as internal training only. See the master list of CE Credits Document on the ALU website.

While you are certainly on your way, we also introduced maximum allowable credits for conference attendance. This was also to ensure that the program promoted several forms of professional development and did not rely too heavily on one source.

Yes! The program recognizes the importance of volunteers in our industry. You can obtain credits from your participation on a committee, preparing for a presentation, or publishing an article.

Ultimately, you define the CE Credit activities that are relevant to your development and the appropriate balance of technical, business and leadership skills.

Yes, there a master list published on the ALU website. The list provides direction, though some discretion is required as the list is not exhaustive and certain courses or educational exercises may or may not qualify. Refer to the CE Program Credits Document for a list of activities and their corresponding credit allocation.

Although the initial program design is not expected to have significant changes, we will monitor the program over time to ensure it is meeting the key objectives.

Participants can direct any questions by email to registrar@alu-web.com