Underwriting

Advancing

I’ve completed my Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (APA) and now work more independently, handling a broader range of tasks across personal, commercial, and health insurance. I’m confident in making decisions within my authority limits and supporting customers with more complex queries. I'm working towards my Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP) and maintain my APA designation by completing 15 hours of CPD per year.

How can we help? Learn more about the CIP

Building skills and confidence

Olivia Burke - Education Development Specialist

Learn where to start and how to build technical insurance skills and achieve a level 7 insurance qualification. Also, hear my story and how I support students and guide them every step of the way.

What I do

As an advanced underwriting professional, I need to possess a certain level of technical expertise in the following areas.

Technical Expertise

Understanding underwriting

I assess and process risks within my authority limits and follow referral procedures when necessary. I provide accurate quotations and ensure that all relevant information is considered when underwriting new or existing risks. I also understand the legal and jurisdictional factors that influence underwriting decisions.

Following procedures

I follow established organisational procedures to ensure consistency and compliance in underwriting practices. I understand how to identify and respond to potentially fraudulent activity and apply internal controls appropriately.

Underwriting policy

I apply my understanding of policy structures and customer rights to ensure that underwriting decisions are fair, transparent, and aligned with regulatory and organisational standards.

Data processing

I gather and process customer and risk information to support accurate underwriting decisions. I ensure that documentation is issued correctly and in a timely manner, reflecting the appropriate level of cover and any relevant terms.

Customer service

I balance the needs of the customer with the objectives of the organisation. I apply that knowledge to deliver fair and timely outcomes that support both customer satisfaction and business performance.

How I work (transversal skills)

I adapt my communication style to suit different audiences and situations. I present information clearly and logically, using appropriate tools and techniques. I troubleshoot common digital issues and explore new technologies to improve how I work. I listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and begin to apply new information in different contexts. I understand and interpret complex documents and summarise key information effectively.
- Active listening
- Communicating with stakeholders
- Business communications
- Reading comprehension
- Digital literacy
I evaluate multiple options and consider their short-term costs and benefits. I’m beginning to identify potential risks and unintended consequences and can make decisions even when situations are not entirely clear. I analyse data from multiple sources, identify patterns and relationships, and start to consider context and potential bias when interpreting information.
- Decision making
- Analysing data or information
I actively seek out new knowledge and ask questions to deepen my understanding. I plan and organise my work effectively, manage multiple tasks, and begin to delegate when appropriate. I pay close attention to detail, correct errors, and use systems to stay organised. I adapt existing resources to solve problems and apply new knowledge to improve processes. I also participate in professional development and begin to build a network to support my learning.
- Updating and using relevant knowledge
- Curiosity
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Resourcefulness
I plan and prioritise multiple tasks and projects, identifying dependencies and managing time and resources effectively. I seek out information from a variety of sources and begin to build relationships to access knowledge. I process more complex data using a range of tools and techniques, and I begin to understand the structure and implications of the data I work with. I manage competing priorities and adjust my workload as needed.
- Organising, planning and prioritising work
- Gathering information
- Processing information
- Multitasking
I build trust by being reliable and communicating openly. I collaborate with others, share ideas, and coordinate my work with the team. I listen to customers, identify their needs, and go the extra mile to support them. I apply ethical principles in my daily work, recognise dilemmas, and consider the impact of my actions on others.
- Relationship management
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Ethical behaviour

Learn More. Do More. Be More.

Hear from real members about their career journeys.

René Curtis, Allianz Direct

I switched careers and became an insurance apprentice because it offered broader opportunities and clear paths for advancement. I enjoy learning and have already identified areas of the business I’d like to explore as I progress my career further.

Matthew Reddy, Arachas Corporate Brokers

Insurance wasn’t a career I expected to pursue, but I'm glad I did. I put the time and effort into achieving my qualifications and now, I regularly share insights from my qualifications to guide and support my team members.

Next steps

Kate is managing a portfolio of risks, mentoring others, and contributing to strategic goals. She’s deepening her expertise by working towards her Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP).

Learn More

Overview