Getting to Know: Kay Ferrara

On her role in the Claims College planning process:  

“I have been involved with Claims College for the past two years. This year I have taken on more responsibilities, including developing courses and schedules; recruiting instructors; gathering and organizing course materials; and working directly with the faculties of each school.

“However, as with all CLM events and conferences, Claims College is a team effort. CLM’s education department files all course materials for continuing education credits. Our events department handles the logistics of the college and posts the course material and information onto the college’s website. Our team of designers creates brochures and advertising, the membership staff ensures that the instructors and attendees are registered with CLM, and the accounting staff processes the registration fees. It’s a big undertaking each year, but we’re always up for the challenge.”

On Claims College’s first graduation class:

“We are very excited that we will have the first graduating class of over 100 students at this year’s Claims College.  Students from the schools of Workers’ Compensation, Professional Lines, and Casualty Claims will complete their third level and, upon successful completion of their final exam, will receive the Certified Claims Professional (CCP) designation in their field of study.”

On what’s new this year:

“The Claims College’s curriculum continues to grow each year, and this year is no different with the addition of the School of Mediation. Also, we are adding a ‘test-out’ option, which permits more experienced insurance professionals to skip level one of their selected school. The tests were scheduled at proctor locations throughout the U.S., and those who successfully demonstrated their knowledge in claims will proceed to level two of their selected school.”

On the differences between the three levels of learning in each school:

“Level one is the beginner level that includes introductory and general courses. Level two consists of intermediate courses, and level three will be advanced courses. At level three, students not only take school-specific courses, but also joint courses for all of the schools on management skills, communication, and working relationships.

“In addition to the course content, the testing process is different. There are written exams for levels one and two, while level three testing consists of group presentations. The students are given the opportunity to test their knowledge gained via a case study, which they will analyze and present solutions to their school’s faculty as part of a group.”

On the best thing about Claims College:

“It is so hard to pick just one thing. In addition to the educational opportunities, there is the camaraderie and, as I am sure the students will agree, the late-night study sessions. (Well, maybe NOT the late-night study sessions!) But if I had to pick just one thing, it would be the development of relationships at all levels of the profession. Whether someone is just starting out in the insurance industry or they are a senior-level executive who can share their many years of experience, the relationships developed at Claims College will benefit them for a long time.”