Accredited Product Adviser (APA)

Get Started with APA

Whether you're working in personal, commercial or private medical insurance, the Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (APA) signifies you possess the knowledge you need to work unsupervised, and advise your customers in the product area in which you've qualified.

It's the entry-level qualification on our framework and gives you the foundations to build a successful career in insurance.

Get your APA guide

More information about what you'll study, exam format and the learning supports we provide is available in our dedicated APA guide. 

LEARN MORE IN OUR APA GUIDE

Professional Certificate in Insurance (APA) Applications

Who is this programme for?

  • School leavers and graduates looking to start a career in insurance
  • Career changers hoping to move into the insurance sector
  • New entrants who need to meet the requirements of the Central Bank's MCC
  • Grandfathered Persons looking to earn a qualification

If you've completed insurance exams in the past, you could be entitled to exemptions from some of the APA modules. Check your exemptions options here

APA - KEY FACTS
  • Designation:  APA (Accredited Product Adviser) | Awarding Body: The Insurance Institute
  • Qualification: Certificate in Insurance Product Advice | Awarding Body: Atlantic Technological University, Sligo
  • Modules: 3 (Two core, one elective)
  • Delivery: Online via distance and self-directed learning
  • Assessment: 1 MCQ exam per module
  • Frequency: Exams take place in January, May & September. See upcoming exam dates here
  • Fee: €340 per module + membership fee if you're not already our member. Learn more about membership & fees
  • When can I apply? Applications open three times a year. Find more on application dates here 
  • How to apply: Apply via the Member Area or contact memberservices@iii.ie.

How it works

To be awarded the APA designation, you must first complete the Certificate in Insurance Product Advice academic programme through our education providers, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo. Below is the structure of this programme.

Module structure

Once you've completed your three modules, you will earn the Certificate in Insurance Product Advice qualification, which is a level 7 NFQ certificate awarded by Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, and you will be eligible to receive the APA designation from The Insurance Institute.

What's next?

After you've earned the APA, you have lots of options for your next educational step.

  • Complete 3 more modules to earn the Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP) Learn more about CIP
  • Take additional product modules either in general insurance (personal, commercial, healthcare) or in life insurance (life assurance, pensions, loans, savings & investments) to earn additional APA designations. Learn more about additional APA designations

Start your APA  

To get started, you'll need to become a member before you can register for your first exam. 

JOIN TODAY

Want to chat?

Our Member Services team can help on chat, at memberservices@iii.ie or on 01 645 6670

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