Disability Income Insurance Certificate Program

Disability Income Insurance Certificate Program

When the risk of income loss due to illness or injury isn’t considered, even the best financial planning can quickly unravel.

The Disability Income Insurance Certificate program will equip you with an understanding of disability risks, the level of earned income that can be protected, and sources of income that can be relied on during a disability. In addition to an in-depth review of the common disability income insurance provisions and claims administration, this program will also cover special products for business needs and unique circumstances, such as medical and travel insurance.

Who should enrol?

  • Individuals looking to earn a certificate in disability income insurance
  • Individuals looking to obtain a greater understanding of disability income insurance

Program Structure

To successfully obtain the Disability Income Insurance Certificate, candidates will need to complete all ten modules in this program within one calendar year.

Program Modules

Module 1: Examining Risk (4 CE)

This module examines the origin of Disability Income insurance, its evolution, and the special nature of the risks it covers. This module also reviews the concept of living benefits as a full spectrum of health products, representing the insurance industry’s response to societal shifts in employment over the past two decades.

  • Understand the unique moral, physical, and legal hazards associated with DI and the impact of stability and motivation on claims
  • Appreciate the concept of the age of entitlement and learn about its connection to claims incidence and duration
  • Examine some milestones and examples of product development mistakes, enabling a better understanding of the need for sound risk management principles in all aspects of managing DI risk
  • Appreciate the risk of disability to clients and therefore the importance of addressing this issue with them
  • Learn the basics of interpreting and using statistics in order to support opinions with facts

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 4 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements.

Additional Material Required: Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
    Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 2: Needs Analysis (3 CE)

Beginning with a review of the client’s DI insurance needs, this module goes through each stage of the plan design process in detail. Areas covered include how to choose a policy best suited for the client’s needs, how soon benefits should begin, how long benefits should be payable for a claim, amount of coverage required, and additional features to be included in the plan.

  • Identify and perform the various stages of preparing a client presentation, including creating a synopsis from your fact finding, selecting the product and options and creating a balanced plan design that includes programming considerations

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 3 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements.

Additional Material Required: Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 3: Determining the Benefit (4 CE)

After learning how to fill the income gap in the absence of disability insurance, non–insured sources of income, government sources and group LTD, this module reviews types of income such as bonuses, commissions, dividends, executive perks, and spousal income splitting, and looks at the impact of unearned income and net worth on insurable earnings.

  • Identify existing sources of a client’s income should that client become disabled
  • Explain the major government programs for disability including EI, CPP-D, and workers’ compensation
  • Understand how to read a group LTD benefits booklet, including how to determine the benefit amount payable to the client
  • Identify insurable (vs. uninsurable) sources of income
  • Learn how to read the Income Ratio Guide and the Issue and Participation Limits table, and how to do basic calculations using these tables

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 4 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 4: Policy Provisions (5 CE)

With a focus on income policies typically sold in traditional markets, this module examines provisions in a disability income policy, including the differences between non-cancellable, guaranteed renewable, conditionally renewable and cancellable policies. The module also looks at the features and requirements of both the occupational and the earnings approach to defining disability.

  • Identify, analyze and explain the provisions that commonly appear in a typical disability income policy
  • Calculate the benefit payment under a residual policy, compare different policies, and explain the various features and provisions to your clients
  • Identify, select, and explain the most frequently encountered optional benefits typically sold in traditional markets
  • Select appropriate options that fulfill unmet needs and demonstrate to the client how a particular option reduces this risk exposure

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 5 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 5: Contract Workers (2 CE)

Through a review of the changing workforce, this module examines product developments that have made disability income insurance more accessible. The module also looks at the growing demand of DI insurance coverage for non-traditional workers.

  • Identify, analyze and explain the most common provisions in disability income policies typically sold to contract workers and individuals with low or no earnings
  • Compare different policies, highlighting similarities and differences, and explain the relevant features, provisions, and exclusions and limitations

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 2 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 6: Wage Loss Replacement (2 CE)

An overview of various workplace solutions for wage loss replacement. Topics covered include the use of individual DI and the concept of grouping, as well as wage loss replacement plans, dealing with existing group LTD, additions and alternatives to group LTD, and guaranteed issue plans.

  • Identify and explain wage loss replacement plans including their tax implications
  • Describe the proper method of establishing wage loss replacement plans

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 2 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 7 Small Business Owners (3 CE)

An examination of disability buy-sell insurance, key person insurance, overhead expense insurance and business loan protection policies, including their features, benefits, and taxation.

  • Identify the need for coverage
  • Develop a recommended solution
  • Explain to your client the features of each type of business coverage

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 3 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 8: Underwriting & Claims (6 CE)

Through a review of DI policy underwriting, this module looks at the advisor’s role in field underwriting and the head office underwriter’s role in risk assessment. Risk assessment is analyzed from an occupational, medical, financial, and lifestyle risk perspective. Additional considerations include the DI claims process, the role of the benefits adjudicator, the role of the advisor, and managing expectations.

  • Identify and perform the various steps associated with classifying occupations and preparing the client and application for head office underwriting
  • Be familiar with the special underwriting requirements associated with DI
  • Identify the important factors that affect the disability claims process
  • Understand the customary disability claims procedures and investigations, interpretations of contract language, and the advisor’s role

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 6 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 9: Health & Travel Insurance (6 CE)

An examination of the public health insurance system, the health care delivery system, veterans’ benefits and workers’ compensation insurance. The module also covers the two major categories of travel insurance: individual emergency medical insurance for outbound Canadians and emergency medical insurance for visitors to Canada.

  • Understand of the public health insurance system and benefits that clients may be eligible for
  • Provide recommendations for individual health benefits by having knowledge of the broader system
  • Describe the various benefit lines, general payment provisions, and risks not covered for private health insurance
  • Understand design considerations and the underwriting process for private health insurance
  • Understand provisions in travel insurance policies and how to calculate rates
  • Identify situations where an annual plan may be more beneficial to the client than a single trip plan

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 6 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process

Module 10: Specialty Risk Markets (3 CE)

A close inspection of situations where traditional disability income insurance is not a viable solution, and examines the special risk market relative to the need, risk management tools and techniques used in this market, as well as the advisor’s perspective. The module also covers mortgage creditor insurance and private mortgage insurance.

  • Identify situations that require the use of a special risk disability product
  • Understand the risk management concepts the insurer uses that may be inherent in the design of the product itself
  • Be familiar with the tools and techniques used by the underwriter
  • Compare and contrast mortgage creditor insurance with private mortgage insurance

Format: Online learning & quiz

Pre-requisites: None

CE Credits: 3 CE

Note: Please check with your jurisdiction, designating body or professional association regarding their CE requirements

Additional Material Required:

  • Disability Insurance and Other Living Benefits, Jacqueline Figas, 3rd Edition, $69.95 plus shipping & taxes

Completion Requirements:

  • Passing mark is 60%
  • Completion of one online quiz (100% of overall mark)
  • 24/7 access to the Advocis Learning Centre
  • One-year window for completion of the Certificate Program
  • Unlimited quiz attempts
  • Download content
  • Access to help for module-related questions
  • ReadSpeaker text-to-speech
  • Self-study: The Advocis online modules are designed as self-study, with success highly dependent on the student’s personal discipline. Students are presented with learning content and a quiz to assess their overall understanding.

Members: $390.00 plus shipping & taxes

Non-members: $663.00 plus shipping & taxes

Administrative Policies:

  • All purchases are non-refundable
  • There are no cancellations or extensions
  • Expiry date is 1 year after registration
  • Allow for 1-2 business days to access the module following the registration and payment process