professional education & development Demonstrate Your Excellence with NAIFA’s New LACP Certification!

Starting this summer, NAIFA members wanting to further showcase their expertise will be able to obtain the new NAIFA LACP certification. Life and Annuity Certified Professionals (LACPs) are agents who have knowledge and experience beyond the requirements for industry licensure.

The LACP certification will be launched in June 2017 during MDRT’s Annual Conference in Orlando. The LACP certification demonstrates the ability of agents to evaluate client needs, problems, and resources; identify insurance solutions that are appropriate for the client’s situation; implement solutions in accordance with legal and ethical standards; and follow up to ensure that the client’s needs are met on an ongoing basis.

NAIFA members have a broad scope of experience in the insurance industry and are dedicated to continuing professional development. The NAIFA LACP demonstrates proficiency in the following areas: product knowledge, consultative sales process, and ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Eligibility requirements

There are a number of ways to become eligible for this certification. Candidates will need to be licensed in the jurisdiction of practice(s), attest to compliance with the NAIFA Code of Ethics, have three years of experience as an active agent (equivalent to 6,000 hours), hold a Bachelor’s or a higher degree granted by a college or university that is accredited by an entity approved by the United States Department of Education, or the equivalent. In lieu of the last requirement, individuals can possess an industry designation, such as the LUTCF, CLU, CFP or ChFC designations or have two years of additional experience for a total of five years of experience as an active agent. Other designations are subject to approval.

Additionally, candidates will need to obtain a passing score on the examination for the LACP certification. An alternative to the examination will be available through December 31, 2018. There are a few alternatives to the exam, such as membership in NAIFA or an approved international association for two years, one year of NAIFA Quality Award or MDRT qualification within the previous two years, or two years of additional experience as an active agent beyond what would be required for the candidate’s eligibility (5 or 7 years total). The exam content outline takes effect in 2017, and will first be used for the July 2017 exam.

For more information on the new LACP certification, please visit www.naifa.org/lacp.