The CII has added a level-4 protection module to its Cert CII (Health and Protection) qualification.
A long standing criticism of the Cert CII (Health and Protection) qualification, which was launched in March 2012, was that PMI brokers could complete it without taking any protection modules, but protection advisers would have to take at least one PMI module.
The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) has since worked with the CII, Protection Review and GRID to bring the CII's P63 unit (a level-4 protection module) into the certificate.
Protection advisers can now complete the certificate without having to touch PMI.
Brian Walters, vice-chair of AMII "We took on board valid criticisms that the Certificate in its original form was too PMI-centric and worked with the CII and other interested parties to address this.
"The addition of unit P63 means that the Certificate is now equally suitable for PMI brokers and protection advisers."
As a technical point: even if protection advisers take P63 to complete the certificate, the qualification itself will still be at level 3.
David Ross, director of communications at the CII, said: "We are pleased to have worked with the profession to ensure the Cert CII (Health and Protection) fully meets the needs of all candidates - underlining our commitment to driving higher levels of professionalism."
Kevin Carr, CEO of the Protection Review, was one of the old qualifications critics, claiming the market needed a Level 4 qualification comparable with other attainments under RDR and that the previous qualification suggested a two speed qualification with protection the poor relation.
Applauding the news Carr said: "'We've tried for many years to help create an appropriate and relevant exam for protection advisers and we are delighted with this positive step forward."
