Associate in Information Technology (AIT)

What Is an Associate in Information Technology (AIT)?

An Associate in Information Technology (AIT) is a designation for insurance professionals with a working knowledge of computer and networking systems. It is geared towards agency personnel, agency principals, automation project team members, claims representatives, IT staff, line of business managers, support and general office staff, and underwriters.

The designation allows insurance professionals to bridge the gap between insurance and IT by covering the technical areas that insurance professionals should understand and giving the IT professional an in-depth understanding of insurance automation issues.

The AIT designation for insurance is granted by the American Association for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, also known as The Institutes. It should not be confused with the different associate's degrees in information technology offered by various vocational schools and community colleges.

Understanding the Associate in Information Technology (AIT)

The insurance industry has experienced a transition from an era of centrally controlled data processing to a time when worldwide networks have empowered users. For many insurance and IT professionals, this has created a technology knowledge gap.

Technical IT staff requires knowledge of the business processes they serve, and insurance professionals require knowledge of IT. The AIT designation is designed to give both insurance professionals and IT professionals in the insurance industry the skills they need to meet the demands of their customers.

Associate in Information Technology Curriculum

The AIT designation is managed by the Institutes, which also grants other insurance qualifications like the Chartered Casualty Property Underwriter designation. The curriculum for the AIT designation includes three courses, as well as an ethics qualification and a virtual exam. The coursework is expected to take 9-15 months to complete.

The required coursework for the AIT designation includes classes on big data analytics, general insurance, and cyber risk. Together, they are intended to provide IT specialists with a working knowledge of the requirements of the insurance industry, while also preparing insurance specialists for the unique hazards of an industry that is increasingly mediated by computers.

As of 2023, the required courses are:

• AIDA 181: Big Data Analytics for Risk and Insurance
• AIT 24: General Insurance for IT and Support Professionals
• Cyber 301: Managing Cyber Risk

All three courses can be completed remotely, using materials purchased from the Institutes, followed by an exam. In addition, some third-party training centers may also offer in-person instruction.

The Bottom Line

An Associate of Information Technology is a designation for insurance professionals with a strong understanding of how computer systems are used to evaluate risk and manage data in the industry. Whether you are an IT professional seeking to better understand insurance business processes or an insurance professional seeking to grow your knowledge of technology, AIT can help you manage your technological growth while you advance your career.