FAIA Academy
Building Confident, Credentialed Insurance Professionals
The FAIA Agent Academy is a comprehensive training program designed to accelerate the transition from newly licensed to fully productive insurance professional. Created for agencies onboarding new talent, the Academy provides a structured pathway that strengthens technical knowledge, builds confidence, and supports long-term retention. Participants develop core competencies across customer service, sales, compliance, and agency operations—alongside the professionalism and communication skills needed to succeed.
The program combines industry-recognized credentials with practical, real-world application, including the Associate in Insurance Account Management (AIAM), specialized micro-credentials in auto and homeowners insurance, and certification training in Errors & Omissions and flood insurance. With additional focus on agency technology, regulatory requirements, and relationship-building skills, the FAIA Agent Academy equips new agents with the credibility, expertise, and confidence to contribute quickly and grow within their agencies.
Why the Academy?
Accelerates the path from newly licensed to productive, client-ready agent.
Builds confidence and credibility through industry-recognized credentials and practical skills.
Provides a structured, standardized onboarding experience for agencies.
Supports retention by investing in employee development and long-term success.
Content
The FAIA Agent Academy curriculum is designed to build well-rounded, high-performing insurance professionals through a combination of technical training, industry credentials, and practical skill development. Each component is carefully selected to strengthen agents’ knowledge, confidence, and ability to deliver exceptional service from day one.
Agents who complete the AIAM courses will gain practical skills to improve communication, customer service, time management, and workflow within their agencies. They’ll also learn how to build stronger relationships, prevent E&O exposures, and apply ethical, professional practices that enhance performance and customer loyalty.
Agents will complete an in-depth policy exploration of the ISO Personal Auto Policy (PAP), including structure, eligibility, and key coverage parts.
Agents will gain a comprehensive understanding of the ISO 2022 Homeowners program, including policy structure, coverage forms, and endorsements.
Agents will gain essential insights to reduce risks and prevent Errors & Omissions claims, while meeting the Swiss Re E & O training certification requirements.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Insurance policy, including its history, key products and coverages, policy rules, claims process, and rating procedures, and meets the certification requirements for the NFIP.
Agents will gain hands-on insight into the wide range of technology tools that power modern agencies—from Agency Management Systems (AMS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms to comparative raters and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.
Agents will build and develop skills in networking, conversation, negotiating, and uncovering customer needs, as well as developing their elevator pitch.
Agents will study the laws which regulate the activities of insurance agents and agencies in the state of Florida and leave with a better understanding of how to avoid pitfalls they may unaware of.
Agents will take a deeper dive into personal liability risks and explore how umbrella coverage can be strategically used to provide added protection and peace of mind.
Schedule
The Academy is a 12-week program running from Wednesday, July 15 through Wednesday, September 30. Participants should plan to commit each Wednesday to the program for the full duration.
Each class day will last approximately six hours, with classes beginning no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and ending no later than 5:00 p.m.; providing a structured, focused day designed to make the most of your time and learning experience.
Week 1: Orientation & Customer Service Foundations
Kick off the program with an overview of what to expect and begin building one of the most critical skills in insurance—exceptional customer service. This week includes a two-part deep dive into service best practices, along with opportunities to connect and network with your fellow participants.
Week 2: Communication, Time & Workflow Mastery
Focus on improving how you work and interact with others. You’ll explore communication styles and learn the art of collaboration and conflict management. Additionally, you will learn to better manage your time and discover how effective workflows can improve both efficiency and customer experience. The week also introduces students to the advocacy and services provided by your FAIA.
Week 3: Professionalism & Risk Awareness
Strengthen your professional presence through relationship-building, business writing, and understanding legal considerations. You’ll also begin exploring Errors & Omissions (E&O) risk and how communication and documentation play a role in preventing both regulatory and E & O issues.
Week 4: Mindset, Ethics & Industry Awareness
This week emphasizes personal growth and industry context. Topics include maintaining a positive and productive mindset, understanding the role of political advocacy, leveraging agency technology (including AMS, raters, and AI), and navigating ethical decision-making in your daily work.
Week 5: Leadership & Program Milestone
Develop leadership skills that go beyond supervision and learn how to make a meaningful impact within your agency. You’ll also explore personal liability concepts and the role umbrella policies play in risk management. This session will conclude with a group discussion and review session about weeks one through five, culminating in the first program exam and completion of the AIAM designation.
Week 6: Personal Auto – Foundations
Begin your deep dive into personal lines coverage with a focus on the ISO Personal Auto Policy. You’ll learn how policies are structured, who qualifies as an insured, and how key coverages like liability and medical payments function.
Week 7: Personal Auto – Advanced Concepts & Application
Build on your foundational knowledge by applying it to real-life scenarios such as rental cars, shared households, and more. The week concludes with a review session and exam required to earn the Personal Auto Micro-Credential.
Week 8: Homeowners – Policy Foundations
Shift your focus to homeowners insurance, starting with policy forms, eligibility, and structure. You’ll gain a solid understanding of how coverage is organized and when to use different policy types.
Week 9: Homeowners – Coverage & Real-World Scenarios
Dive deeper into property and liability coverages, endorsements, and common real-world situations. Topics include insuring personal property, unique living arrangements, and risk scenarios. The week wraps up with a review session and exam required to earn the Homeowners Micro-Credential.
Week 10: Emerging Risks & E&O Prevention
Explore critical modern topics like cyber insurance and the growing importance of protecting clients and agencies from digital risks. You’ll also complete a two-part Errors & Omissions course focused on risk management, claims trends, and best practices for preventing costly mistakes. For those who obtain their E & O coverage through FAIA, this will satisfy the education requirements for Swiss Re.
Week 11: Sales & Commercial Insurance Fundamentals
Enhance your ability to grow business and build client relationships. This week includes a comprehensive sales skills series covering networking, negotiation, and communication, along with an introduction to commercial insurance concepts and how coverage supports businesses.
Week 12: Flood Insurance & Program Wrap-Up
Conclude the program with a deep dive into the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), including coverage, claims, and recent changes. This section will satisfy the NFIP 3-hour education requirement. The program wraps up with final discussions, a review of earned credentials, and guidance on next steps in your professional development.
Weeks 13+: Networking
Class chat groups will remain in place to allow students to stay connected with those they complete the Academy with. Additionally, the FAIA team will add monthly skill building content for the group.