You may recognize the scale from myCareer as what’s used to help identify areas of focus in your personal career development. Our products will now align with this scale to help you better select products for your learning needs.

Foundation

• Typically representative of the initial stages of an insurance career
• Knowledge being acquired is often at the survey/overview level
• Skills and experiences are often limited in their scope, depth and breadth
• May also be applied to describe the knowledge or experience level of someone working in a new product area or specialization
• Fundamentals that help individuals learn the craft of insurance

Building

• Typically representative of someone in their early insurance career or who is most satisfied working as an individual contributor (with defined scope, limited need for consulting/informing practice of others)
• Knowledge being acquired may be more specific in nature; deeper dive into a particular product stream or perhaps skill building in a particular area of the industry
• Skills and experiences are broadening in scope, depth, and breadth; starting to work with increased scope of authority and with some autonomy
• Nature of a professional’s work may be increasingly broad or complex; tools, resources, or learning to help build and expand on insurance fundamentals

Enhancing

• Typically representative of a professional who is growing more seasoned and experienced in the industry or an individual who is most satisfied working as in individual contributor (increased scope and authority, some opportunity to consult/inform the practice of others, approaching ‘experienced – non-manager’)
• Knowledge being acquired is advanced and specialized in nature; enhanced skill building or applied knowledge in a particular specialization or area of the industry
• Skills and experiences often have augmented scope, breadth, and depth; increased authority to make decisions independently, working with risks/accounts that are more complex/require specialized skill, etc.
• Tools, resources, or learning to enable becoming a specialist

Learning can occur in a variety of ways (modes) and include differences in the use of technology and the amount of formal instruction. The modes used by the institute are described below for your reference.

Classroom

Learning activities that occur inside a physical, classroom environment. Instructor-led. Lessons occur at a specific date and time (in ‘real time’).

Virtual Classroom

Similar to the classroom learning mode except learning occurs via a computer. Lessons can be accessed at any place where there is an Internet connection. Learning is facilitated in real-time by an instructor.

Webinars

Facilitated learning that occurs in real-time via an Internet-based computer. A webinar is often of short duration (60-90 minutes in length) and allows learners to participate in a lesson/presentation with others from their home/office.

Facilitated Online Learning

Learning does not have to occur in ‘real time’ or at a specified day and time or location. There are no real-time lectures, but assignments, readings, and other learning materials can be viewed or downloaded at any time. A facilitator will be available to grade assignments, answer student questions, and share their knowledge.

Self-Directed Online Learning

All learning materials are accessed online by the student on their own and completed at their own pace in the location of their choosing, as long as there's an internet connection. Usually, self-directed online learning involves short courses (1-2 hours). A common term that is often used synonymously for self-directed online learning is “eLearning.”

Independent Study

No facilitation, formal lectures or classmates. Learners receive course materials and study at their own pace at the location of their choosing. Mandatory and Applied Series CIP courses (e.g., C11, C120, etc.) taken via independent study include access to an online tutorial.

This information helps you identify the primary focus of the learning. Categories include: developing insurance knowledge; management/ leadership skills; or interpersonal skills.

Insurance Knowledge

Focus is on learning about the Insurance Industry and Products. Insurance Knowledge is further divided into topics as noted below.

TOPICS:

• Industry Concepts: Broad in scope, Insurance Concepts provide higher level knowledge and help audiences understand concepts such as Spread of Risk, Facility Association, Treaty, etc.
• Technical/Product Related Topics: Technical topics focus on the essential and specific knowledge and skills for the P&C insurance industry. Topics generally provide more detailed and specific knowledge.
• Current Trends and Issues: These topics are presented in response to changes and issues that arise from the industry at large. Changes could be socio-economic or government driven. Importantly, they are currently relevant, time sensitive, and somewhat reactive. For example, the introduction of ride sharing and its impact on the industry.

Management/Leadership

Leadership tends to be focused on the skills required to create a vision and inspire others to follow. Key characteristics can include decision-making, and being strategically focused. The focus of management is on the skills required to execute the details of the vision and strategy set out by leaders. Key characteristics can include, delegating, communication, motivating others and performance management, as well as transitioning into the role of management. It’s important to note that Leaders may also manage and Managers may also lead.

Interpersonal Skills

Includes a vast array of soft skills that focus on creating positive communication, relationships and interactions with other people. The competencies and skills are applicable beyond the insurance industry, apply to many roles and include, for example, active listening, communicating verbally and non-verbally, communicating assertively.