Associate In Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI)

A designation earned by insurance professionals involved with surplus lines insurance, and conferred by The Institutes. The Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance, or ASLI, designation indicates that the holder has demonstrated knowledge of the risks associated with insuring unusual risks and policyholders who have experienced losses previously.

Earning the Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance designation requires an individual to take a series of exams that cover different aspects of the surplus lines insurance industry. The designation is recommended for claims adjusters, insurance regulators, risk managers, and insurance brokers.

Candidates take a series of self-taught courses before taking final exams, with the materials available for purchase from test taking authority. In some cases instructor-led classes may be available depending on the area. The Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance does not have continuing education requirements.

In order to earn the ASLI an applicant must first complete two foundational courses, two elective courses, and an exam covering ethics. The foundational courses cover material related to surplus lines insurance and intermediary operations, surplus lines insurance fundamentals, insurance regulation, and types of risks that surplus lines insurance cover. Electives cover a wide range of subjects, including more detailed examinations of certain risk types, risk management principles and practices, and insurance operations and technology.

The amount of time it takes to complete this course is estimated at 9 – 15 months. Candidates are not required to complete the course examinations all at once, and may spread them out over a longer period of time if necessary. The tests are taken on a computer.

A number of the courses are also used for other designations, including the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF). Credit may also be earned toward the Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations.

The designation is offered by The Institutes as one of 25 professional designations. The Institutes calls itself "the industry’s trusted and respected knowledge leader, The Institutes and our affiliates are committed to meeting the evolving professional development needs of the risk management and insurance community. We prepare people to fulfill their professional and ethical responsibilities by offering customer-focused and innovative educational, research, networking, and career resource solutions."

The organization offers these other professional designations:  Associate in General Insurance (AINS); Associate in Claims (AIC); Associate in Risk Management (ARM); Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU); Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI); Associate in Reinsurance (ARe); Associate in Insurance Data Analytics (AIDA); Associate in Insurance Services (AIS); and Associate in Management (AIM).