Becoming An Insurance Surveyor: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're interested in becoming an insurance surveyor, there are a few steps you need to take. Firstly, it's important to note that insurance surveyors are licensed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). To be eligible for a licence, you need to meet certain educational requirements, such as having a degree or diploma in engineering, being a qualified chartered accountant, or being a member of the Insurance Institute of India. Once you've met the eligibility criteria, you can enrol for training with the IRDAI and complete a one-year training period under a senior surveyor. After your training, you can sit for the surveyor's exam, which is conducted by the Insurance Institute of India. Passing the exam will allow you to apply for your surveyor licence and start practising as a surveyor and loss assessor.

Register on the BAP portal

Registering on the BAP portal is the first step to acquiring a surveyor license. The BAP portal is accessible via www.irdabap.org.in, where you can create a User ID and Password to initiate the registration process. This is a crucial step as it serves as the foundation for your journey towards becoming an insurance surveyor.

Once registered on the BAP portal, you can proceed to apply for a training request. This training request is essential as it allows you to select a trainer and the department in which you wish to undergo your training. The trainer will play a significant role in guiding you through the process and imparting the necessary knowledge and skills.

After selecting your trainer, you will receive a notification from the IRDA informing you of their acceptance or rejection of your training request. If your chosen trainer accepts, you can move forward with the training process. However, if they reject your request, you will need to select another trainer to continue.

At this stage, with your training request accepted, you will need to fill out Form 13 for Trainee Surveyor Enrollment. This form is crucial for enrolling in the training course and ensuring your path towards obtaining the surveyor license. The completion of this form signifies your commitment to the training process and brings you one step closer to achieving your goal.

The next step in the process is to successfully complete your training. This involves diligently undergoing the training program, absorbing the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as an insurance surveyor. The trainer will guide you through the intricacies of the field, ensuring you are well-prepared for the upcoming examination.

Finally, upon completion of your training, you will receive a Training Completion Certificate from your trainer. This certificate serves as a testament to your dedication and hard work during the training process. It is a crucial document that you will need to possess as you move forward in your pursuit of becoming a licensed insurance surveyor.

Select a trainer and department

Once you have registered on the BAP portal, the next step is to select a trainer and department. This is an important step as it will determine the specialisation of your work as a surveyor.

To become an insurance surveyor, you must complete a one-year training period under a senior surveyor. This person will be your trainer and mentor throughout the training process. When selecting a trainer, it is important to consider their qualifications, experience, and area of expertise. Look for a trainer who has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of insurance surveying and has a good reputation in the industry. It is also beneficial to choose a trainer who is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) or the Insurance Institute of India (III), as they will be authorised to provide training and will be up-to-date with the latest industry regulations and best practices.

When selecting a department, it is important to consider your qualifications, skills, and areas of interest. Different departments within the field of insurance surveying include motor, fire, marine, and miscellaneous. For example, if you have a degree in mechanical or automobile engineering, you may want to specialise in motor accident claims. On the other hand, if you are a qualified accountant or have a degree in finance, you may be more suited to handling property damage claims. Consider your strengths and interests when making this decision, as it will impact the type of work you will be doing on a daily basis.

Once you have selected your trainer and department, you will need to submit a training request to your chosen trainer. If they accept your request, you will receive an email notification from IRDAI, and you can move forward with the training process. If your request is rejected, you will need to select another trainer. It is important to be proactive and persistent in this step, as finding the right trainer is crucial to your success as an insurance surveyor.

Receive trainer acceptance

Once you have selected your trainer and department, you will need to wait for their acceptance of your training request. If your selected trainer accepts your request, you will receive an email notification from the IRDAI (or IRDA).

If your request is accepted, you will need to fill out Form 13 for Trainee Surveyor Enrollment. This will enrol you in the training course, which you must complete to apply for your license.

If your request is rejected, you will need to select another trainer for your training.

The trainer acceptance stage is an important step in the process of becoming an insurance surveyor. It is the point at which your chosen trainer confirms they are able to take you on as a trainee and begin your journey towards becoming a licensed surveyor.

It is worth noting that, while the IRDAI or IRDA will notify you via email if your request is accepted, it is not clear whether they will also notify you if your request is rejected. Therefore, if you do not hear back about your request, it may be worth following up with the trainer or the IRDAI/IRDA to confirm the status of your application.

Enrol as a trainee surveyor

To enrol as a trainee surveyor, you must first meet the eligibility criteria. This means you should have a degree or diploma in any branch of engineering, be a qualified chartered accountant, or be an associate member of the Insurance Institute of India.

Once you have ascertained that you meet the qualification criteria, you can enrol as a trainee surveyor with the IRDA. You will then need to complete a one-year training programme under a senior surveyor. During this time, you will need to select a trainer and the department in which you want to undergo training. If your trainer accepts your request, you will receive an email notification from the IRDA. If they reject your request, you will need to select another trainer.

After your training request has been accepted, you will need to fill out a form for training course enrolment. You must complete this training to apply for your licence.

Complete training and exam

To become a fully licensed insurance surveyor, you will need to complete a training period and pass an exam. Here is a step-by-step guide to completing these requirements:

• Register as a Trainee Surveyor: First, register yourself on the BAP portal to acquire a surveyor license. After successful registration, you can apply for a training request.
• Select a Trainer: Choose a trainer and the department in which you want to undergo your training. If your selected trainer accepts your request, you will receive an email notification. If not, you will need to select another trainer.
• Trainee Surveyor Enrollment: Once your training request is accepted, fill out the necessary forms for training course enrollment.
• Complete Training: Complete your training under a senior surveyor. The training period is typically one year, and you will need to fulfil this requirement to be eligible for the licensing exam. During this time, you will gain practical experience and learn the skills necessary for your future role as a surveyor.
• Schedule your Exam: After your trainer submits your third quarterly report, the Insurance Institute of India (III) will schedule an examination slot for you. The exam is conducted online and consists of one compulsory subject, 'Principles of Insurance', and two optional subjects that you can choose based on your qualifications.
• Pass the Exam: To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum of 60% marks in each subject. You can choose to take all the subjects together or separately, as per your convenience.

Once you have successfully completed your training and passed the exam, you can apply for your insurance surveyor license.

Frequently asked questions