Why bother with Fellowship?

• Certificate (Cert CII)
• Diploma (Dip CII)
• Advanced Diploma (ACII)

Conversely, there is only one professional designation, Fellowship (FCII). These four letters are the UK Insurance industry’s crème de la crème post-nominal letters and symbolise another level of commitment to the industry. Most people see the FCII as another qualification, but this isn’t the case.

I’ve mentored a number insurance brokers who’ve drawn the line with the CII at the ACII. One key driver to this is often the need to achieve the ACII as part of their graduate scheme. There seems to be burn out with the professional body given the intensity of two years’ worth of study (often on top of a three year degree). Additionally, those not on a graduate scheme want a break from the CII after chipping away at the ACII over a four+ year period.

So why bother come back to the CII after 5 years industry experience to kick off the journey to FCII?

• If you’ve completed a graduate scheme, think about all the others out there who drew the line at ACII, how can you differentiate yourself from them? Almost 20% of CII members have the ACII (based on 2023 stats).
• To show clients and prospects you want to support the industry towards professionalism. Sitting in a meeting with other brokers and being able to say you’re a Fellow of the CII is a nice trump card to have.
• The major achievement you need to do in the FCII can often align with what you’re interested in as well. Whether than be an MBA, work project or something else. This is a great chance to invest in yourself. Often at this stage in your career you know what you’re passionate about so you can bring this together.
• It’ll put you in a 4% club! In 2023 less than 4% of CII members held the FCII designation. Additionally, there’s been fewer FCII designations awarded over the last three years.
• It’s not as much work as you think! Yes, on paper it seems quite daunting but actually when you turn the major achievement into something you’re really interested in, it isn’t as hard as you think it could be.
• Some elements have changed in the last few years. If you looked at the FCII 3+ years ago then there are elements of it which are different and in my experience (with dyslexia) are much more accessible.

I think the honest reason why people aren’t pushing themselves for Fellowship is, by the time they’ve completed the ACII and have 5 years worth of industry experience, either work or family commitments reduce the time available to complete the FCII. I was in this boat and want to encourage you that it’s worth the extra effort. Reaching the pinnacle industry designation is a great achievement. If you could have handled a few extra ACII modules, then you can give FCII a shot.