Commercial Underwriting: Online Short Course

The Commercial Underwriting online short course takes you into the intricacies of commercial underwriting and the role of the underwriter in the process. Over six weeks, you will learn to analyse various types of commercial risks, gather the information required to underwrite them appropriately, and use the commercial underwriting guide to provide quotations on the cost of covering commercial risks. 

This course is ideal for underwriters, brokers and insurance professionals who want to move beyond personal lines into commercial insurance, or formalise existing commercial underwriting experience with a recognised certificate. 

Next Start Date

24-08-2026

Duration

6 weeks

NQF Level

N/A

SAQA ID

N/A

Credits

N/A

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About the Programme

This short programme is designed to familiarise students with the intricacies of commercial underwriting and the role of the underwriter in the process. Students will acquire the skills necessary to analyse various types of risks and gather the information required to underwrite them appropriately.

In order to successfully complete these courses, you should:

  • work through all the material and activities.
  • achieve at least 50% in the formative assessments assigned to a specific course within the time allowed.

Programme Structure

On completion of this online underwriting course, you will be able to:

  • Discuss the role of a commercial underwriter and the basic principles of the underwriting process
  • Analyse and classify the various risks that commercial underwriting will mitigate
  • Collect and classify the information required to underwrite a commercial risk
  • Recommend solutions for underwriting a client's risk
  • Calculate the premiums of an underwritten risk

This commercial underwriting training covers six focused topics:

  • The commercial underwriter and their role in the process
  • Risk management
  • Underwriting a standard commercial policy
  • Underwriting specialist insurance products
  • Endorsements, clauses and warranties
  • The cost of underwriting risk

For admission to this short course, one of the following is required:

  • Completed INUN01-5 on the Higher Certificate in Short Term Insurance.
  • Completed the Introduction to Underwriting short course (INUN01-OS).
  • At least 5 years of commercial underwriting experience.
  • Proficiency in English is required, and applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to provide proof of proficiency.

The course runs over a 6-week period with weekly touch points and live sessions.

Please note that this short course does not automatically provide entry into the Higher Certificate in Short Term Insurance and that the entry criteria still apply.

What are the entry requirements for the Commercial Underwriting course?

You need one of the following: INUN01-5 completed on the Higher Certificate in Short Term Insurance, the Introduction to Underwriting short course (INUN01-OS), or at least 5 years of commercial underwriting experience.

How much does the commercial underwriting course cost?

The course costs R6 999.00. The optional exam, which enables credit transfer, costs R1 499.00.

Will I earn CPD points?

Yes. The course carries 15 hours of IISA CPD points.

Can this course count towards a degree?

Yes. After completing the course you can write the exam and apply for a Credit Accumulation Transfer (CAT) towards the corresponding module on the Advanced Certificate in Short Term Insurance or the BCom with a Major in Short Term Insurance, subject to each qualification's entry criteria.

How long does the course take?

Six weeks, fully online, with weekly touch points and live sessions. 

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Resources and Support Information

Factsheet

Download our factsheet for everything you need to know about this short course. 

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Fees

Course only: R6 999 Exam: R1 499

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Technology Requirements

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Distance Learning Online

DLO is our fully digital, guided study experience that supports independent learning with structured engagement. Students access all materials - including textbooks - via our online platform and take part in live classes, forums, and group projects. With flexible pacing, downloadable resources, and inclusive access, DLO adapts to diverse student needs and connectivity levels while fostering meaningful interaction.

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