The Hocking College Experience

Build Your Own Business with an Insurance Certificate Program

Written by Tracey A. Maine | Jul 13, 2020 12:00:00 PM

If you consider yourself to be a self-starter, enjoy making a difference in the lives of others, and are the kind of person who would appreciate the opportunity to build your own business clientele, then becoming an insurance agent might be the ideal career for you. 

Where can I get the training I need?

Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, offers a three-course certificate program that prepares students for the AINS General Insurance Certificate exam. People who complete this program are prepared for entry-level positions in central Ohio's thriving insurance industry. All course content will be delivered online. 

Students who enroll in Hocking College's program can receive their Occupational Certificate in Insurance in eight short weeks.

What will I learn in this program?

Students who enroll in Hocking College's Occupational Certificate in Insurance program will study the following subjects:

  • Property and Liability Insurance Principals
  • Personal Insurance
  • Principles and Practices of Claims Handling

What about job prospects?

Anyone considering working toward getting an Occupational Certificate in Insurance should be aware that this will qualify them to pursue employment in the following sales-based areas:

  • Captive Agent: This type of insurance salesperson works exclusively for a single name-brand insurance company on a commission basis. 
  • Independent Agent: Independent agents can sell and compare policies from different insurance companies and give their clients more options. This type of agent also works on a commission basis.
  • Direct Response Agent: This kind of agent sells insurance for one specific company via direct mail and over the phone or internet. They also work on a commission basis.

What are the advantages of becoming an insurance agent?

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, qualified insurance agents make a median pay of $50,940.
  • An encouraging industry growth rate indicates that they'll be 509,597 insurance agent positions available by 2024.
  • Qualified insurance agents are always in high demand.
  • Experienced insurance agents can always advance into other career opportunities in the finance and investment industries.
  • Experienced insurance agents often get the opportunity to travel.
  • The insurance industry offers potential employees both stability and flexibility.
  • Previous experience is not required to become an insurance agent.
  • Obtaining an Occupational Certificate in Insurance is a process that can be achieved in a relatively short time.

How can I get more information on this program?

For more information on Hocking College's Occupational Certificate in Insurance program, contact Program Manager, LaDora Ousley, at ousleyl@hocking.edu or (740) 753-7062.