National Alliance Unveils New Designation Program for School Risk Managers

An all-new education and designation program specifically for education risk management specialists has been developed by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research in partnership with Texas Schools Risk Managers Association (TXSRMA).

The Certified School Risk Manager Program is a five-part program which premiered at the 2005 TXSRMA Conference in San Antonio. The first course, Fundamentals of Risk Management, was conducted over two days of the conference, April 13 and April 14.

The CSRM courses, which emphasize practice over theory, are: Fundamentals of Risk Management, Measuring School Risks, Handling School Risks, Funding School Risks, and Administering School Risks. By completing the entire CSRM course of study within a three-year period, including the successful completion of examinations for all five courses, individuals can earn the title of “Certified School Risk Manager.” To keep the certification valid, and ensure continuing career development, there is an annual CE requirement.

It is not necessary to be employed by a school district in order to attend CSRM courses and earn the CSRM certification. However, anyone employed by a school district as a risk manager, assistant risk manager, or safety director will find the courses have direct application to their profession. Insurance agents and brokers working with school risk managers are also good CSRM designation candidates.

Additionally, two specialized certification opportunities are going to be offered: Workers’ Compensation Specialist and Employee Benefits Specialist. The Workers’ Compensation Certificate Program is a one-part, seven-hour course that explains legal concepts, benefits, endorsements, and the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission’s administrative functions and procedures. The Employee Benefits Certification Program is still in development.

“The purpose of this collaboration with TXSRMA and the inception of the CSRM designation is to promote the success and professionalism of school risk managers,” said Dr. William T. Hold, president of The National Alliance. “We look forward to conferring the first CSRMs in the near future.”

John Schaeffer, chairman of the Education Committee of TXSRMA added, “We are enthusiastic about our partnership with The National Alliance because it means a wealth of new opportunities for our members.”