Who approves courses for continuing education credit?

The authority responsible for approving courses for continuing education credit is the Insurance Commissioner and the Board of Insurance Agent Education. This is an important role because it ensures that insurance agents maintain their professional competence and stay updated on industry practices, regulations, and ethical standards.

In West Virginia, the Insurance Commissioner has the regulatory power to oversee the insurance industry, which includes the continuous education of insurance professionals. The Board of Insurance Agent Education supports the Commissioner by evaluating and approving courses that meet the necessary standards. This process not only helps maintain the quality of education but also aligns with state laws aimed at protecting consumers and promoting professionalism in the insurance sector.

Other entities, such as the State Legislature, Department of Health, and National Insurance Association, do not have the specialized role of overseeing continuing education for insurance professionals within the state. The State Legislature may create laws related to insurance education, but they do not directly approve courses. The Department of Health is unrelated to insurance education, while the National Insurance Association primarily serves broader interest groups within the insurance industry but does not govern local continuing education requirements.