IIABNJ Launches U.S. Veterans Pre-Licensing Program

The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New Jersey (IIABNJ) is launching a new program aimed at supporting the men and women of the armed forces and assisting them in finding post-military careers in the insurance industry.

IIABNJ’s new program, called the “U.S. Veterans Pre-Licensing Program,” is launching on the Memorial Day, May 25.

The program will offer veterans a free online property/casualty pre-licensing course. The online course, which was developed by IIABNJ seven years ago and would normally cost $550 to take, follows the specific criteria established by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. New Jersey mandates 40 pre-licensing education hours (20 for property and 20 for casualty).

Upon completion of the course, veterans may proceed to take the New Jersey State licensing exam and subsequently apply for their initial insurance license. Once licensed, the program would reimburse participating veterans for the $90 cost of taking the licensing exam and the $150 cost to obtain the initial license. The program also offers veterans a pre-employment assessment test and access to a career center, all free of charge.

“John F. Kennedy said ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them’. In that same spirit, I am thrilled to announce that IIABNJ is coming alongside our veterans and offering honorably discharged U.S. veterans the opportunity to receive their New Jersey insurance license for free,” said IIABNJ Chairman Frank Jones.

“In an industry that is full of opportunity to make a difference, and make a living, we are excited to do what we can to help our nation’s heroes find a great career during their civilian life,” Jones said.

To gain access to the program, veterans will need to visit one of the 12 verification locations throughout New Jersey. Each veteran is required to provide current photo identification, honorable discharge papers (DD 214 form), proof of New Jersey residency, and a current resume. Upon verification, veterans will receive complimentary access to the online course.

“The fact that the course is online gives veterans the opportunity to take the class on their own time, at their own pace, instead of having to make time in their busy day-to-day for a traditional classroom course,” said Sheri Acconzo, president and CEO of IIABNJ.

Agency Perpetuation

In addition to showing support for the men and women who have served the country, the program also serves a need facing the industry, IIABNJ said.

“Hiring a veteran is the perfect way to assist with perpetuation problems many agencies face today,” said Acconzo. “By properly training our veterans, we are not only giving them a strong start to their civilian careers, but we are adding intelligent future leaders to the industry’s workforce.”

IIABNJ said it is in the process of developing relationships with associations, government departments, and programs that serve veterans across the state to help bring this program to as many of New Jersey’s veterans as possible.

“IIABNJ represents over 450 Trusted Choice independent insurance agencies statewide,” said Jones. “It is our hope to not only be able to assist these men and women with their license, but to help them find a career within the system once they have completed the program.”

IIABNJ said veterans who are interested in learning more about the program can visit www.iiabnj.org/veterans or contact IIABNJ at 609-587-4333 for a verification location nearest them.

Topics USA Agencies New Jersey