The NAIC Designation Program, thus far, has been very beneficial as a refresher, and as a tool that enables me to keep up with the current events in the insurance industry.  As Chief Examiner, I seek to encourage all examiners to enroll in the program.  I commend the examiners of my Division who have not only enrolled, but have gone on to achieve the APIR and the PIR levels of the designation.  It is my belief that if supervisors participate in the program we will be more empowered to provide effective guidance. What better way is there to encourage our staff to register for the courses than to show them that we, too, are involved?  

As a supervisor, I am aware that the insurance industry is not static or rigid, but constantly evolving, which means that regulators cannot be complacent with the methods utilized to regulate the industry.  Since no one regulator knows it all, it behooves all regulators, supervisors included, to be part of a growing network in its fight to prevent insolvency and consequently protect consumers, which is our main focus.  The designation courses are continuously revised and updated to point us in the right direction.

Cheryl Charleswell, APIR
Chief Examiner
Virgin Islands Division of Banking & Insurance

Celebrating Our Fifth Anniversary!

NAIC's Insurance Regulator Professional Designation Program recently achieved several exciting milestones. The NAIC Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation (F) Committee adopted revisions to its guidelines related to professional standards.  These guidelines now list NAIC's APIR, PIR, and SPIR designations among those adequately demonstrating regulators' expertise in the areas of financial analysis and financial examinations. In December, total enrollments in the Program topped 500, and in Januarv of 2012, Rhode Island regulators entered the Program bringing the total number of participating states to 50. In addition , three U.S.territories are also participating. "I am very proud of the overwhelming participation of NAIC member jurisdictions in the program," 2010-2011 Designation Program Advisory Board Chair, NAIC Secretary-Treasurer, and Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica J. Lindeen said in a January news release. "This is a testament to the benefits this program offers, and I would encourage regulators across the country to participate." In February of this year, Commissioner Jim Riesberg accepted the position as the new NAIC Designation Advisory Board Chair.

Quick Quiz:
1. At the December, 2011 National Meeting what Committee introduced the NAIC Designations as accepted credentials that demonstrate expertise for accreditation?
2. In what city did the NAIC Designation Advisory Board meet recently?

*Answers found below featured news

Indiana Regulators Earn APIR

“The NAIC Designation Program is a good tool to help employees better understand what their fellow colleagues who work in other divisions do on a day-to-day basis, and I think it will enhance the synergy between our different divisions”
-Stephen W. Robertson, Indiana Commissioner of Insurance

The NAIC Insurance Regulator Professional Designation Program

Welcome to the NAIC’s Professional Designation Program! Designed to provide state insurance regulators at all staff levels with an opportunity for professional growth through completion of specific educational requirements, the NAIC-sponsored professional designation will recognize your expertise in insurance regulation. Three levels of designations are available: Associate Professional in Insurance Regulation (APIR), Professional in Insurance Regulation (PIR), and Senior Professional in Insurance Regulation (SPIR). Download the Policies and Procedures to learn more.

Past featured articles

Quick Quiz Answers:

1. December, 2011 the Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation (F) Committee adopted revisions to its guidance related to professional credentials. The current guidance narrative now includes APIR, PIR, or SPIR designations among those credentials that demonstrated regulators’ expertise in financial examinations or analysis.
2. The NAIC Designation Advisory Board met in May at the NAIC Central Office in Kansas City, Mo.

Now available -
NEW Free Tutorial!

The Coaching Guide for Managers of NAIC Designation Program Candidates Tutorial is now available. Once you have completed the tutorial be sure to download your free copy of the guide.

Tutorial
*Pop-ups must be allowed for tutorial

Click here to download tutorial checklist 
Click here to download your free PDF copy of the guide

If you are a manager you know professional development doesn't just happen; it must be cultivated and nurtured. NAIC's Coaching Guide is designed to assist in this process. The Guide provides a simple, straightforward approach to coaching that can be used immediately after an employee registers for an NAIC Designation course. Why not check out the tutorial and see how this guide can help you.