Introduction to Underwriting (Online Short Course)

Introduction

The Introduction to Underwriting online short course gives you a practical entry point into the short-term insurance underwriting environment. Over six weeks, you will build a solid understanding of insurance underwriting principles and practices, and develop the skills to underwrite basic insurance risks using suitable underwriting guidelines and criteria applied across the industry.

Whether you are new to insurance, working in claims or sales and looking to move into underwriting, or want to formalise your knowledge with a recognised certificate, this underwriting course has open enrolment – no prior insurance qualification is required.

Next Start Date

24-08-2026

Duration

6 weeks

NQF Level

N/A

SAQA ID

N/A

Credits

N/A

About the Programme

This short programme is designed to equip students with skills for underwriting basic insurance risks, including identifying and applying suitable underwriting guidelines and criteria within the industry.

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:

  • Apply and interpret insurance regulations, concepts and principles to underwriting in the short-term insurance environment
  • Apply the principles of underwriting to a basic set of risks
  • Explain the impact of claims history on underwriting and calculate loss ratios
  • Calculate premiums using pricing methodologies
  • Describe the tasks underwriters perform in their day-to-day duties
  • Apply basic reinsurance principles to calculate insurance premiums

This underwriting training covers six focused topics:

  • Introduction to the short-term insurance underwriting environment
  • Tasks performed by underwriters in their day-to-day duties
  • Principles of underwriting
  • Claims history and how it impacts underwriting decisions
  • Pricing and pricing methodologies
  • Reinsurance fundamentals

This short course has open enrolment.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 three 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.

Do I need an insurance qualification to enrol?

No. The Introduction to Underwriting short course has open enrolment – you only need to be proficient in English.

How much does the underwriting course cost?

The course costs R5 999.00. The optional exam, which enables credit transfer, costs R1 299.00.

Will I earn CPD points?

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

Can this course count towards a qualification?

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

How long does the course take?

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

Resources and Support Information

Factsheet

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

Fees

Course only: R5999. Exam: R1299

Technology Requirements

Ensure you're prepared with the necessary tech requirements to optimise your online learning experience.

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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