There are not set education standards for becoming an insurance fraud investigator. Some available options to potential insurance fraud investigators include a certificate program in private investigation or a bachelor's degree program in either insurance or criminal justice. Insurance fraud investigators can become certified through the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU).
Certificate of Completion - Private Investigator
Insurance fraud investigation trainees can choose to expand their analytical skills through a private investigator certificate program. These programs are designed for a range of jobs that require processing and information gathering knowledge. Program enrollees must have basic computer skills and often need access to standard and video cameras.
Program Coursework
The curriculum includes courses on understanding local and federal laws, training in investigative techniques and following case documentation procedures. Certificate classes include:
Interviewing techniques
Legal systems
Multi-media research
Surveillance equipment and methods `
Crime scene investigation
Popular Career Options
Graduates have the theoretical knowledge and investigative experience to qualify for entry-level positions in a variety of fields, such as insurance, law, government and social services. In addition to insurance fraud investigators, graduates are qualified for careers including:
Detective
Insurance adjuster
Collections specialist
Private investigator
Risk Management and Insurance Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree programs in risk management and insurance train students to analyze financial losses. Students learn to investigate claims, as well as assess potential claims. Training is also received in creating reports, negotiating and interviewing. Insurance students may choose to concentrate their program in the areas of medical insurance, life insurance and auto insurance.
Program Coursework
The curriculum covers insurance topics, along with inherent personal and business financial risks. Common course topics include:
Financial risk management
Insurance types and options
Claims investigation and adjustment
Employee benefits
Retirement planning
Popular Career Options
Bachelor's holders are qualified for entry-level to mid-level positions in insurance fields. Typical job titles may include:
Insurance agent
Claims adjuster
Insurance underwriter
Insurance fraud investigator
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
An examination of the nature of crime and current justice issues are the focus of the bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Within the program, students investigate criminal justice principles, issues and procedures. The program also delves into juvenile justice and victimology. Many programs require an internship or volunteer work.
Program Coursework
Criminal justice program enrollees learn the social and political implications of crime while taking into account the personal aspects. Students learn about current laws and practices, U.S. legal structure and criminology. Classes comprise subjects such as:
Forensic processes
Criminal law
Crime and legal actions
Criminal procedures
American legal structure
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the field of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and investigators, which includes insurance fraud investigators, is expected to grow three percent from 2010-2020, which is much slower than the average for all occupations (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicts that though claims will increase, investigation time will likely decrease due to the increasingly rapid information flow. Additionally, the BLS states that the median annual income for insurance investigation-related jobs is $59,960, as of May 2012.
Professional Certification
Graduates with a background in private investigation, criminal justice or insurance are qualified to become certified through the IASIU as a Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator. In order to qualify, graduates must hold a bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. Graduates must also possess experience in either law enforcement or insurance adjustment. Licensed private investigators are also considered. Graduates must also comply with the IASIU code of ethics and take an exam.
There are not set education standards for becoming an insurance fraud investigator. Some available options to potential insurance fraud investigators include a certificate program in private investigation or a bachelor's degree program in either insurance or criminal justice. Insurance fraud investigators can become certified through the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU).
Certificate of Completion - Private Investigator
Insurance fraud investigation trainees can choose to expand their analytical skills through a private investigator certificate program. These programs are designed for a range of jobs that require processing and information gathering knowledge. Program enrollees must have basic computer skills and often need access to standard and video cameras.
Program Coursework
The curriculum includes courses on understanding local and federal laws, training in investigative techniques and following case documentation procedures. Certificate classes include:
Interviewing techniques
Legal systems
Multi-media research
Surveillance equipment and methods `
Crime scene investigation
Popular Career Options
Graduates have the theoretical knowledge and investigative experience to qualify for entry-level positions in a variety of fields, such as insurance, law, government and social services. In addition to insurance fraud investigators, graduates are qualified for careers including:
Detective
Insurance adjuster
Collections specialist
Private investigator
Risk Management and Insurance Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree programs in risk management and insurance train students to analyze financial losses. Students learn to investigate claims, as well as assess potential claims. Training is also received in creating reports, negotiating and interviewing. Insurance students may choose to concentrate their program in the areas of medical insurance, life insurance and auto insurance.
Program Coursework
The curriculum covers insurance topics, along with inherent personal and business financial risks. Common course topics include:
Financial risk management
Insurance types and options
Claims investigation and adjustment
Employee benefits
Retirement planning
Popular Career Options
Bachelor's holders are qualified for entry-level to mid-level positions in insurance fields. Typical job titles may include:
Insurance agent
Claims adjuster
Insurance underwriter
Insurance fraud investigator
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
An examination of the nature of crime and current justice issues are the focus of the bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Within the program, students investigate criminal justice principles, issues and procedures. The program also delves into juvenile justice and victimology. Many programs require an internship or volunteer work.
Program Coursework
Criminal justice program enrollees learn the social and political implications of crime while taking into account the personal aspects. Students learn about current laws and practices, U.S. legal structure and criminology. Classes comprise subjects such as:
Forensic processes
Criminal law
Crime and legal actions
Criminal procedures
American legal structure
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the field of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and investigators, which includes insurance fraud investigators, is expected to grow three percent from 2010-2020, which is much slower than the average for all occupations (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicts that though claims will increase, investigation time will likely decrease due to the increasingly rapid information flow. Additionally, the BLS states that the median annual income for insurance investigation-related jobs is $59,960, as of May 2012.
Professional Certification
Graduates with a background in private investigation, criminal justice or insurance are qualified to become certified through the IASIU as a Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator. In order to qualify, graduates must hold a bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. Graduates must also possess experience in either law enforcement or insurance adjustment. Licensed private investigators are also considered. Graduates must also comply with the IASIU code of ethics and take an exam.