Zurich Insurance Academy

We offer a wide range of both CE-accredited technical training and non-technical skill-building programs, including sales and negotiation guidance, in a productive, highly interactive and engaging environment.

Continuing education

You and your team can earn valuable continuing education credits while taking advantage of programs designed to help enhance your sales strategies and keep ahead of emerging risk management issues. Tap Zurich’s knowledge and experience in multiple subjects or talk to us about customizing a training program to address your organization’s specific needs.


Sales and business development training

Help your team get the sales, negotiation and leadership coaching and skill-building they need with our insurance-specific, highly interactive business development programs. Our customized courses complement your in-house training to help sales teams gain a competitive edge.


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The Middle Market Risk ManagerSM (MMRM) designation is the first credential of its kind for professionals in the insurance and financial services industry who need to possess the skills and specialized knowledge to serve the requirements of today’s dynamic, growing midsize companies. The designation contains CE-accredited content that actively engages participants through case study analysis, team-building and role playing on the specific needs and concerns that middle market companies face in today’s market.

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New Producer School

New Producer School is designed for brokers and other agency personnel who have been in the insurance industry for 3 years or less and who need an intensive, “deep dive” exposure to the critical skills they need to work effectively and productively with their carriers of choice. Note that a broader range of participants may be considered and might benefit from this training even though, for example, they have been in the industry longer than 3 years. Consult with us for exceptions.

The New Producer School curriculum includes:

  • An analysis of critical insurance policies--including what is and is not covered--in property, business interruption, general liability, management liability, cyber, and Workers Comp insurance policies.
  • Use of case studies to illustrate and reinforce complex coverage issues
  • An inside look at carrier underwriting, claims management and risk engineering activities and how producers can engage with carrier personnel in these areas to optimize outcomes for their agencies and clients
  • A review of how international insurance programs work
  • Selling and negotiating strategies designed to help the broker consistently identify, pursue, acquire and retain quality business opportunities

The New Producer School can help participants to

Hit the ground running

Understand current and emerging risks

Speak with confidence

Sharpen understanding

Satisfy state-mandated training requirements

Learn sales and negotiation skills

Work with experienced carrier professionals

Develop productive relationships

New Producer School Overview and Information Form

New Producer School is run several times per year in various locations, based on demand. Programs are delivered in all formats, including all virtual/on-line; all in person; and/or hybrid presentations involving both. Classes are organized when we have assembled groups of at least 10. Cost per participant is $1,000. For more information, please complete the following form


Zurich Academy FAQs

Eligibility for access to programs

Our programs are available to insurance distributors who qualify under our Preferred Distributors Program. Contact your Business Development Leader, Business Relationship Leader or Bart Shachnow (see below) to discuss details and logistics related to scheduling a program.

What are the costs?

Program costs are based on the broker’s classification in our Preferred Distributor Program.

How are the programs delivered?

Programs are delivered in person or virtually, on dates and times convenient to your agency.

How many CE credits can I earn?

This varies depending on the content and length of the program. Our programs generally offer 1-4 continuing education credits.

In what states do you offer insurance continuing education credits?

We typically offer insurance continuing education credits in all U.S. states and most provinces in Canada. Contact us directly for state or province approval status for each individual course.

What type of CE credits are available?

Various professionals are required to complete continuing education requirements in order to satisfy licensing renewal needs. Our programs are structured to satisfy state insurance continuing education requirements and, depending on the program, may also be available to satisfy CE requirements required of attorneys, accountants and financial planners.

Can individuals sign up for a program?

Our programs are not available to individuals, nor are they available on demand. They are delivered to groups of insurance distributors (generally, a minimum of 10 people) to whom Zurich and the preferred distributor believe would most benefit from this training.

In what format are programs delivered?

We use in person, distance learning media, including webcasts and webinars.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions or am interested in a specific class?

Contact Bart Shachnow, Director, Zurich Insurance Academy Training Programs at 917-534-4637 or bart.shachnow@zurichna.com.

The Zurich Insurance Academy Adjunct Faculty Program identifies, recruits and spotlights subject matter experts throughout our organization. As Adjunct Faculty members, they develop and share important information, ideas and strategies designed to help our customers and distributors manage risk.

Adjunct Faculty members come from Zurich North America’s Underwriting, Risk Engineering, Claims, Legal, Middle Market, International and other departments and disciplines. In addition to their technical expertise, they are selected because they represent different and diverse backgrounds – putting them in the best position to understand and address the needs of the various communities we serve.

Adjunct Faculty members lead or co-facilitate both continuing education-accredited as well as “soft skill” training programs.

To find out more about our Adjunct Faculty program and how they can help address your organization’s training needs, please contact Bart Shachnow.

For more information on this or other programs, please contact:

Bart Shachnow CFP®, CLU, ChFC, CPCU

Director, Zurich Insurance Academy Training Programs

917-534-4637

bart.shachnow@zurichna.com