In the ever-evolving insurance industry, it is inevitable for some professionals to experience a knowledge gap. Not every insurance professional is adept at using computer systems for cyber risk management, data analytics, or general insurance practices.
The Associate in Information Technology (AIT) designation seeks to bridge these gaps. To help insurance professionals keep up with the constantly changing IT and insurance landscape, The Institutes offers this title for insurance professionals who wish to leverage information technology.
Conversely, the AIT designation also helps IT employees who want to learn more about using technology in risk management. In this article, Insurance Business will shed light on some important questions about the AIT like:
This is a designation overseen by The Institutes. An Associate in Information Technology is an insurance professional who has gained significant understanding of how computer systems are used to evaluate risk and manage data within the insurance industry.
The AIT designation is mainly designed for insurance agency personnel, IT staff, and underwriters.
Along with IT professionals, insurance professionals should consider the AIT degree. The main reason is that it provides them with essential knowledge that melds IT with insurance principles and practices. This also serves as proof of their understanding of key technological concepts within the industry.
This designation allows them to better navigate today’s insurance industry, which is becoming increasingly digital. The AIT can enhance their career prospects by showcasing their technical competency and contribute more effectively to projects involving automation and data analysis within their roles.
The steps involved in earning this associate degree are simple and include:
The Associate in Information Technology curriculum consists of three core courses and one ethics course. These courses are intended to prepare insurance practitioners for the unique issues of a business environment that’s increasingly mediated by digital technology. IT specialists also benefit from the AIT curriculum in that they gain real-world experience and knowledge about the insurance industry’s needs.
Due to changes made in 2023, these courses include:
The lone ethics course required by The Institutes is Ethics 311: Ethical Decision Making in Risk and Insurance.
Once candidates have completed the courses, they must register for each of the course exams via The Institutes. They can do this on The Institutes' website or via phone by calling Customer Success at (800) 644-2101.
The Institutes offer exams in four testing windows that are spread throughout the year. Students can choose to take their exams on these periods:
Quarter 1: January 15th – March 15th
Quarter 2: April 15th – June 15th
Quarter 3: July 15th – September 15th
Quarter 4: October 15th – December 15th
Students can complete their exams at any time in the testing window that they registered for. They may access their exams from their Institutes account and complete their exams any time until 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day of the testing window.
After registering, take the exams on your scheduled date and time. These exams are online, closed-book, and proctored. Each exam consists of 50 questions with a 65-minute time limit. The passing score for each exam is 70 percent. You can receive your exam results (pass or non-pass) immediately after taking each exam.
Within 24 hours, students receive an email notification of their detailed grade report in the Grades section of their Institutes account. The student record is updated within 48 hours. Should grade results be delayed without notification, students can expect official grades to be released no later than a week after the testing date.
Students who successfully complete and pass the exams may use the Associate in Information Technology designation immediately after their names in official correspondence. Their AIT diploma will be mailed to them within eight to ten weeks after passing the final exams.
Note that this designation should not be mistaken for associate's degrees in information technology from vocational schools or community colleges.
Newly certified AITs will be pleased to know that like bachelor’s degrees, the AIT designation never expires and can be used indefinitely. There are no continuing education (CE) requirements for the AIT.
However, it is recommended that insurance professionals with the AIT supplement their skills with other certifications or designations that can help boost their insurance career.
To date, there are no work experience or formal educational requirements to obtain the AIT title. It is presumed that those aspiring for an AIT degree should have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. It is also presumed that an AIT holder should be of legal age to enter employment contracts.
While a high school diploma or GED would provide the basic knowledge for obtaining the AIT, candidates may consider getting a bachelor's degree or higher education. A degree in computer sciences or computer and information technology can make it easier for AIT hopefuls to successfully complete the courses and exams.
According to The Institutes, which also administers the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, the AIT title takes approximately a year to complete.
Typically, the cost of getting the Associate in Information Technology title ranges from $1,545 to $2,055. The actual cost of earning the designation depends on which course provider the candidate signs up with and which study materials and exams they purchase.
Keep in mind that the costs pertain to the exams and study materials of the three core courses. The required ethics course comes free of charge from The Institutes.
Acquiring the AIT certification offers several benefits to IT and insurance specialists, including:
This associate degree in IT can open doors to entry-level IT jobs along with many more opportunities for advancement. For one, the AIT can work as solid ground on which to establish an IT career. This degree can lead to many sought-after jobs like:
As for insurance professionals, this degree equips them with valuable knowledge and skills such as big data analytics, cybersecurity, and a deep understanding of insurance automation issues. Those whose careers are centered on insurance can look forward to roles like:
More than ever before, professionals are vital to the insurance industry, including those involved in app or software development, computer system management, and network security. The insurance industry can have good opportunities for IT professionals of every skill set.
A capable IT professional can develop a career in the insurance industry, whether it’s exclusively IT-related, in risk management, or as an insurance agent.
AIT title holders can have capabilities that are tailored to bridge the knowledge gap between IT and insurance. This enables them to tackle unique problems and fulfill the special requirements of the insurance sector.
IT professionals who are knowledgeable about insurance practices and needs and insurance professionals who have IT knowledge are better informed and more aware of cybersecurity risks. With their distinct set of skills and knowledge, they can better prepare for cyberattacks or mitigate the damage they cause.
With an Associate in Information Technology designation, insurance agents and brokers can future-proof their careers. The knowledge they gain and the skills they acquire can help them keep pace with emerging technologies, manage cyber threats, and leverage data effectively.
As with many degree programs or designations administered and offered by The Institutes, the AIT can be earned online. Apart from The Institutes itself, there are other accredited institutions and course providers for the AIT.
Aspiring AIT holders can take quizzes, do reading assignments, instructional videos at the preferred pace or schedule. There are final exams for each of the three core courses, all of which can be taken online.
You can learn more about the top insurance certifications to advance your career in this guide.
There are many IT-related jobs you can get within the insurance practice with this certification. Here are some of the most sought-after roles in insurance companies or agencies you can find:
For the right insurance or IT professional with objectives and needs that align with what AIT has to offer, yes. The Associate in Information Technology designation can be valuable, even for those working in insurance. This can be especially useful if insurance professionals want to have an understanding of computer systems, networking basics and troubleshooting to serve clients in IT.
These skills and knowledge are increasingly important, due to the insurance industry’s growing reliance on technology for operations and customer interactions. The AIT can also be valuable for insurance professionals who want to service tech companies that face modern cybersecurity threats.
But keep in mind, the AIT may not be everyone. Evaluate the AIT curriculum beforehand and assess whether this title will help you in your current role or boost your career.
Did you find this article on the Associate in Information Technology helpful for your career objectives? Tell us in the comments.
