Professional Development
The Institutes Introduce a New Designation to Meet Insurance Operations Challenges
As operational models shift across risk management and insurance, carriers are increasingly turning to outsourcing partners to handle key back-office functions. At the same time, internal operations departments must adapt to meet rising expectations around speed, service, and accuracy. Across both environments, a shared need has emerged: the rapid development of insurance-specific operational expertise.
Risk & Insurance, which is affiliated with The Institutes, recently spoke with Diane Hanlon, Head of Sales and Market Development at The Institutes Knowledge Group, about what they are doing to address this need. You can read the original article on the Risk & Insurance website now.
To address this, The Institutes launched the Associate in Insurance Operations™ (AIO™) designation—a credential specifically designed to elevate workforce readiness for both insurance carriers’ internal operations teams and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.
“Our research with more than 450 carriers and 65 outsourcing firms revealed an urgent need for standardized operational knowledge and faster employee ramp-up,” said Diane Hanlon.
Tailored for Operational Excellence
The Associate in Insurance Operations designation was developed as a unifying solution, grounded in research that identified the specific skills carriers require from their operations staff—whether part of internal teams or outsourcing partners. It establishes a common standard of operational knowledge to support consistent training, enhance alignment, and promote greater efficiency across the extended insurance enterprise.
Key topics include claims and underwriting fundamentals, policy administration, and client service essentials, framed within real-world insurance workflows. The result is a practical learning experience that empowers internal teams to perform more efficiently and equips outsourcing partners with the knowledge carriers expect.
“Insurance operations professionals needed a designation that specifically addresses their unique role in the industry,” Hanlon explained. “While there are many excellent insurance designations available, there was a need for one that specifically targeted the operational knowledge required for efficient processing, enhanced client service, and streamlined workflow management.”
Built for Modern Insurance Operations
The Institutes Designations’ Associate in Insurance Operations is particularly suited for early-career professionals working in carrier operations, outsourcing firms, or brokerage support roles. It offers a targeted curriculum that develops both technical proficiency and essential soft skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication.
“Associate in Insurance Operations designees gain the ability to navigate policies, assess claims and applications with precision, and contribute to more seamless operations,” Hanlon added. “These are skills that translate into real business value—better service, fewer errors, and stronger reputation management.”
Flexible, Focused, and Fully Online
Designed with working professionals in mind, the AIO designation features a streamlined structure:
- Three online, self-paced courses:
- Plus a free ethics module: Ethical Decision Making in Risk and Insurance
Each course takes approximately six to nine hours to complete. Most professionals can finish the program in three to six months, making it an efficient path to upskilling. Exams are delivered fully online, with 60-day testing windows offered throughout the year and discounted pricing for those who register early for the exam.
Upon completion, designees earn a diploma and digital badge that can be showcased across professional networks. Additionally, Associate in Insurance Operations coursework provides credit toward other Institutes Designations and may count for continuing education (CE) credits in most U.S. states.
“The Associate in Insurance Operations reflects our commitment to creating relevant, accessible solutions that meet the evolving needs of insurance operations,” said Hanlon. “It’s not just a credential—it’s a strategic asset for any organization committed to operational excellence.”