The Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP) has updated its Certified F&I Professional course text to reflect recent changes in F&I regulations. In addition, material in the course text deemed to be nonessential was eliminated, according to David Robertson, director.

The revised fourth edition will be issued with course material shipped after March 20. The new sections will also be available on AFIP’s Web site and will be mailed to professionals who recently completed the program.

AFIP also announced that it will add two advanced courses to its curriculum in the near future. The Senior Certified Professional and Master Certified Professional courses will provide updates on federal laws, applicable state rules and ethics modules. New diplomas will be issued for Senior and Master status. The programs establish a continuing education regimen for the regulation-based training.

To offset the cost of the second- and third-tier courses, AFIP dropped its $95 annual dues requirement. Under the new system, the basic course provides membership for two years. Within that time, Certified Professionals must complete the Senior course, which carries a three-year membership. The Master Certified F&I Professional course must be completed before the Senior membership expires.

All current members are grandfathered into the new program structure. AFIP will notify members of the process and timetable to complete the upper-echelon training. Current plans call for the Senior course to be offered online.

Questions about AFIP membership and certification can be directed to www.afip.com with direct communication via e-mail at afip@aol.com or by phone at (817) 428-2434 or fax (817) 428-2534.