The Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS®)
program is a specialized curriculum focusing on the insurance and risk
management needs of agribusinesses and farms. Those who complete the
program are entitled to display the AFIS certification to certify their
knowledge of agribusiness and farm insurance and risk management and their
dedication to the industry.
To obtain the AFIS certification, you complete five specialized courses
on agribusiness and farm risks and insurance. To maintain the AFIS
certification, you obtain only 6 hours of approved agribusiness risk and
insurance continuing education credit every 12 months, and every third
year, you obtain those 6 hours by attending an Emmett
J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference. The AFIS program is brought to you
by IRMI,
the leader in risk management and insurance research and education for more
than 30 years.
AFIS Establishes Credibility and
Dedication
The AFIS continuing education program was developed to provide an
opportunity for insurance agents, brokers, customer service
representatives, and in-house risk managers or insurance buyers to gain
specialized expertise in agribusiness and farm insurance and risk
management. Obtaining the AFIS certification will increase the competence,
confidence, and credibility of insurance professionals who sell or
underwrite insurance for agribusinesses and farms. Completing the AFIS
certification will ensure that the agent, broker, consultant, or in-house
risk manager or insurance purchaser understands the most important
insurance needs of agribusinesses and farms. A client who buys insurance
from an AFIS certification holder will know he or she is dealing with
someone who is committed to the agribusiness industry. Agribusiness and
farm insurance buyers who obtain the certification will have the knowledge
to make wiser insurance and risk management decisions. Join the AFIS LinkedIn
group, or search the AFIS Broker Directory.
Curriculum and Continuing Education Requirement
The core curriculum is composed of five basic- to intermediate-level
insurance and risk management continuing education courses directly focused
on the unique needs of agribusinesses and farms. Completing the core
curriculum qualifies an individual to use the AFIS certification for 12
months. To maintain the certification, the AFIS certification holder must
complete only 6 hours of AFIS continuing education credit every 12 months
thereafter. Every third year, those 6 hours must be obtained by attending
an Emmett J
Vaughan Agribusiness Conference.
-
Benefits of the AFIS Certification
-
Credibility
With the AFIS certification behind your name, you make a statement to
agriculture and farm professionals that you understand the unique
insurance needs of agribusiness industry and how to meet them.
More Sales
Retail insurance agents and brokers will parlay their increased
expertise, confidence, and credibility into more sales to agriculture
and farm industry accounts.
Better Coverage
Knowledge gained from the AFIS courses will help you eliminate
dangerous coverage gaps and provide better protection for your employer
or your clients.
Career Advancement
The specialized knowledge and credibility you gain from the AFIS
program will make you a more valuable employee and help you achieve
your career goals.
Networking
An AFIS certification provides you access to fellow industry experts
through exclusive online communities.
CE Credit
Insurance agents or brokers can simultaneously get convenient state
insurance CE credit and an insurance industry certification at a very
low cost.
-
Anyone who designs, sells, buys, or underwrites agribusiness and
farm insurance programs should consider taking the AFIS program. You should
strongly consider the AFIS continuing education program if you are
a(n):
- Insurance agent or broker
- Customer service representative
- Risk manager or insurance manager
- Chief financial officer, controller, or other executive who buys
insurance
- Insurance underwriter or adjuster
- Risk and insurance consultant
- Safety and risk control professional
- Surplus lines broker
- Attorney dealing with agribusiness and farm issues
There are discounts available for IIABA members and bulk purchases of more
than 50 AFIS programs. You can purchase them on behalf of your colleagues
or your clients. Insurers may wish to purchase them as a benefit for their
top agents. Discounts apply to orders of 50 or more courses. We can prepare
custom vouchers with your logo to use as gifts for your staff, preferred
agents, or clients at no additional cost! For more information, phone us
toll free at (800) 827–4242 (in Dallas, 972–960–7693) and ask for IRMI
Client Services.