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Connect System Update

Due to a scheduled system update, Connect will be unavailable to Members from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 28 October until lunchtime on Wednesday, 29 October.

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Programme Applications Open
Applications Open

Applications are now being accepted for the Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (APA) & Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP) for January 2026 exams.

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Key Semester Dates
Key Semester Dates

Find all the key semester dates to add to your calendar for the APA/CIP, Higher Diploma and Climate Risk programmes.

View Key Semester Dates

Our Programmes

Gaining a professional qualification is one of the best moves you can make to advance in the insurance industry. It enhances your prospects, broadens your options, and increases your knowledge and confidence in advising customers.

Entry Level

Certificate in Product Advice (APA)

The entry-level qualification on our framework that gives you the foundations to build a successful and rewarding career in insurance.

  • Award: Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (NFQ Level 7)
  • Designation: APA
  • Modules: 3
  • Semesters Start: February, June and September (Exam Dates)
  • Semester Duration: 12 weeks
  • Delivery: Online
€365  Per module  +  membership fee
Applications Open
January 2026 Exam sitting
Intermediate Level

Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP)

If you already hold an APA, the CIP is the next move to advance your career, broadening your product knowledge and career mobility.

  • Award: Certificate in Insurance Practice (NFQ Level 7)
  • Designation: CIP
  • Modules: 6
  • Semesters Start: February, June and September (Exam Dates)
  • Semester Duration: 12 weeks
  • Delivery: Online
€365  Per module  +  membership fee
Applications Open
Janauary 2026 Exam sitting
Advanced Level

Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (MDI)

Our advanced, professional qualification aims to enhance your technical knowledge and support you develop key management skills.                                     

  • Award: Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (NFQ Level 8)
  • Designation: MDI
  • Modules: 5
  • Semester Start: June and December (Exam Dates)
  • Semester Duration: 18 to 21 weeks
  • Delivery: Online
€595  Per module  +  membership fee
Applications Closed
All programmes Apprenticeship

Career Pathway

The Insurance Institute has programmes to suit each stage of your career, designed to help develop the skills you need now and into the future.

View all programmes
Programme Career Pathway
  1.  
    Step 1

    Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (APA)

    An entry-level qualification that helps you learn more about insurance and provides the foundation for a successful career in the industry.

  2.  
    Step 2

    Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP)

    If you already hold an APA, the CIP designation will equip you to advance your career by broadening your product and industry knowledge.

  3.  
    Step 3

    Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (MDI)

    Grow in confidence with our advanced professional qualification, which helps you achieve more by enhancing your technical insurance knowledge and developing key management skills such as critical thinking, report writing, research, and problem-solving.

Joan Jackson testimonial for The Insurance Institute
Insurance is so diverse and certainly not just an office-bound job. With a positive attitude to learning something and the opportunities that prevail, anybody entering this sector can build an exciting career and never look back. ‒ Joan Jackson Specialist Risk Consultant and Managing Director / Geo Wild
Michael Corrigan testimonial for The Insurance Institute
The industry is complex and so, one needs relevant educational training and qualifications to provide one with the required knowledge to do one's job properly – therefore if I can do anything to promote and encourage insurance professionals to invest in their education I will. ‒ Michael Corrigan Managing Director / Corrigan & Corrigan Solicitors
Marie testimonial for The Insurance Institute
Insurance is a hugely rewarding industry to work in – you are providing people with a much needed service that enhances their lives and brings them peace of mind. You’re delivering a promise to your clients and you always want to help them in any way you can. ‒ Marie C. Client Services Executive
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Membership

Membership of The Insurance Institute is not only a badge of distinction it demonstrates commitment to lifelong learning and professionalism.

A Community of Like-Minded Professionals

Join over 15,000 insurance professionals and expand your national and local insurance network.

Online Member Area

The Member Area allows you to manage CPD compliance and enhance your technical knowledge through a variety of CPD eLearning, study supports, and other exclusive learning resources.

Inspiring Knowledge

Take advantage of the Institute's extensive live and online CPD offerings, developed by local and international experts to keep members' knowledge up to date.

Local Institute Networks

Become part of a Local Institute of like-minded professionals and grow together through local networking, educational, and social events.

Dedicated Member Services Team

The Institute Member Services team is available to answer any qualification, exam, CPD, or general queries and can be reached by phone, email or the Contact Us form.

Login/Join today Learn more about membership
Insurance Institute Membership Benefits
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD is not only a regulatory requirement but also a commitment to lifelong learning, enhancing skills, and expanding knowledge. It benefits the member, their employer, and their customers.

  • Accreditation services
  • Live CPD Webinars
  • In-person CPD workshops
  • On-demand eLearning

Learn more about CPD CPD Accreditation
Supports for Employers

Employers

In partnership with The Institute, we support you in strategically developing your colleagues to deliver exceptional experiences for your customers.

  • Corporate Approved Payment Scheme (CAPS)
  • Access to an Employer Portal
  • Oversight of funded member, exam and CPD activity
  • On-demand and ad-hoc reports
  • Dedicated Corporate Account Manager
Benefits for employers
Learn More About Membership

Join our community of insurance professionals.

We are committed to the professional development of over 15,000+ members.

Login/Join today Learn more about Membership

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The insurance industry offers a wide range of careers across various sectors. Some of the common career options in the insurance industry include:

    • Insurance Agent/Broker
    • Underwriter
    • Claims Adjuster/Claims Examiner
    • Risk Manager
    • Insurance Technology Specialist

    Whether you have a background in finance, law, sales, data analysis, or customer service, there is a career path for you in the insurance sector.

  • General (non-life) Insurance

    General Insurance consists of Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance and Private Medical and Associated Insurances. Below are a few products available in this sector. 

    • Motor: protects you as a motorist against liability in the event of an accident that you may cause.
    • Household: is made up of two parts, building insurance and contents insurance.
    • Travel: protects you from a wide range of risks when you travel. Some include: flight cancellation, emergency medical treatment, theft, lost passport and more.
    • Private Medical: is a type of insurance coverage that individuals or companies can purchase to help cover the cost of private healthcare services. 

    Life Assurance

    Life Assurance companies provide different types of life assurance and pension policies to meet clients’ financial needs. The roles assurance companies play include the drafting development and management of:

    • Life assurance policies
    • Income protection policies
    • Serious illness policies
    • Savings plans
    • Life assurance companies also provide financial planning services for clients.

  • Working in the insurance industry requires a diverse set of skills and abilities to effectively manage various aspects of the business. Here are some key skills that are often sought after in individuals working in the insurance industry:

    • Customer service: Insurance is a customer-centric industry. Good customer service skills help build trust and rapport with clients, address their concerns, and provide solutions to their insurance needs.
    • Communication skills: Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with clients, explaining policies, negotiating terms, and working within teams
    • Analytical skills: Insurance professionals need to analyze data, assess risks, and make informed decisions.
    • Attention to detail: Attention to detail helps prevent errors in policy documentation, ensures accurate coverage, and facilitates proper claims processing.
    • Problem-solving: Effective problem-solving skills are essential for assessing risks, handling claims, and finding solutions to challenges that arise.
    • Sales and marketing: For those in sales and marketing roles, the ability to identify leads, build relationships, and effectively market insurance products is essential for driving business growth.
    • Teamwork: Many roles in the insurance industry involve collaboration with colleagues, underwriters, legal teams, and others.

  • If you're new to the insurance industry, your first step is to become a member of The Insurance Institute and once approved, you can register for the Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (APA) programme. 

    If you have completed courses and qualifications in the past that may have contained content relevant to some of our qualifications, you could be entitled to an exemption.

    If you think you might be entitled to an exemption please contact our Member Services team before applying for any exams. 

Still have questions?

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

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