This page provides information about training opportunities from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for licensed property, casualty insurance agents and all other interested audiences.
NFIP Agent Training Options
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April 2016 Changes to the NFIP Video
NFIP Training courses for insurance agents, claims adjusters, surveyors, community officials and others, which have traditionally been delivered as classroom seminars and webinars, have moved online to the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Program. In-person and webinar training are no longer available. This move allows insurance agents, claims adjusters and other professionals 24/7/365 access to FEMA NFIP training right from their personal or business computer.
Fourteen free online courses covering basic and advanced flood insurance topics are now available, including five courses specifically designed for insurance agents.
NFIP Agent courses currently available include:
The Basic Agent Tutorial (IS-1101). With the introduction of the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Affordability Act of 2014, it is critical for agents to refresh their knowledge of the NFIP. The Basic Agent Tutorial presents the fundamentals, including zones, coverage, loss settlement, and underwriting rating concepts such as the FEMA Elevation Certificate. The course covers all training topics mandated by the Flood Insurance Reform Act (FIRA) 2004, The Basic Agent Tutorial (IS-1101).*
Theory of Elevation Rating (IS-1102). This specialized course is appropriate for those with a basic understanding of the FEMA Elevation Certificate and who are ready to tackle advanced topics in elevation rating for A and V zones. Important rating considerations in high-risk zones are discussed and demonstrated including the Lowest Floor Elevation, machinery and equipment, and whether the building is with or without obstruction, Theory of Elevation Rating (IS-1102).
Insuring Condominiums (IS-1108). With a growing number of condominium developments throughout the US, particularly in the most flood-prone states, insurance agents can expand their book of condominium business by writing coverage through the NFIP. Insuring Condominiums provides a broad overview of the different ways that condominiums can be insured through the Program. Short video segments guide insurance agents through the key elements they need to know to effectively write condominium exposures, Insuring Condominiums (IS-1108).
Writing Commercial Exposures (IS-1110). Insurance agents regularly view the NFIP as an outlet to write personal lines exposures for their clients, but they may not be aware of additional opportunities to cover their policyholders’ commercial exposures. Writing Commercial Exposures provides practical insights designed to assist agents with identifying, targeting, and writing commercial risks through the National Flood Insurance Program, Writing Commercial Exposures (IS-1110).
Coastal Barrier Resources Act (IS-1113). In an effort to minimize loss of human life and future flood damage as well as protect our nation’s natural resources, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act restricts development in the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and Otherwise Protected Areas (OPAs) by prohibiting all federal expenditures and financial assistance, including flood insurance, for residential and commercial development in the identified areas. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act course takes insurance agents through identifying protected areas on the Flood Insurance Rate Map and reviews the significance of the CBRS designation date and the building’s date of construction or improvement. Understanding these important elements will assist agents in determining eligibility for flood insurance, Coastal Barrier Resources Act (IS-1113).
The following courses are intended for all NFIP stakeholders, including agents, adjusters, surveyors, and community officials:
Increased Cost of Compliance (IS-1100). After severe flooding, local communities must assess a building’s damage to assure compliance with local floodplain management ordinance provisions. Before building repair or reconstruction is permitted, it may be necessary to require certain measures to reduce future flood damage. Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage is available under the NFIP Standard Flood Insurance Policy to assist policyholders with the cost to comply with these requirements. The Increased Cost of Compliance course provides an overview of ICC coverage and eligibility and takes the learner through the claims process to gain a better understanding of this important coverage benefit, Increased Cost of Compliance (IS-1100).
EC Made Easy: Overview of the Elevation Certificate (IS-1105). Do you know when the FEMA Elevation Certificate is required, optional, or not needed to rate NFIP flood insurance premiums? EC Made Easy: Elevation Certificate Overview will guide you through the purpose of the Elevation Certificate, aid you in locating a certifying professional, and provide details on properly completing and interpreting the Elevation Certificate. This course assists insurance agents and other professionals in learning the basics of the Elevation Certificate and identifying the impact flood risk has on flood insurance costs, EC Made Easy: Overview if the Elevation Certificate (IS-1105).
FEMA Mapping Changes (IS-1106). All NFIP stakeholders will benefit from this course, which provides a practical look at how changes to FEMA flood maps affect property owners, insurance agents, lending institutions, and others. FEMA Mapping Changes explores the impact of map changes through a series of self-guided interactive exercises designed to assist learners with navigating through mapping changes as they occur, FEMA Mapping Changes (IS-1106).
PLEASE NOTE: These courses are NOT approved for continuing education (CE) credit by any State Department of Insurance. Upon successfully passing the course exam, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement noting CE earned through IACET (iacet.org). Each hour of instruction completed earns 0.1 CE units through IACET. If you are taking a FEMA EMI Independent Study course in order to earn CE, be sure to confirm in advance that your professional board or other preferred accrediting entity will accept IACET CE. You can also check IACET's website for a list of entities that accept IACET CE. FEMA accepts IACET CE.
EMI Independent Study course exams require a FEMA Student Identification (SID) Number. Register for a FEMA SID Number.
* This course complies with the flood training content required by the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (FIRA). For information regarding your state's requirements under FIRA, please refer to the bulletin issued by your state Department of Insurance. For clarification regarding your state's requirements for flood training, please contact your state Department of Insurance.
The following video courses are available on FEMA.gov:
NFIP Perspectives: History and Background
Documents the evolution of the NFIP from its beginning to the present by highlighting the various disasters, events, and legislation that have shaped the Program, NFIP Perspectives: History and Background.
NFIP Perspectives: Insurance Mechanisms
Discusses the underlying insurance mechanisms used by the NFIP to mitigate the impact of flooding, NFIP Perspectives: Insurance Mechanisms.
For more information, or to get answers to questions about NFIP training, email nfiptraininginfo@h2opartnersusa.com.