COLLEYVILLE — The Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals announced the launch of its AFIP Certified F&I Professional Master program. The continuing education course is the third and highest tier in the sanctioning body’s state and federal regulation certification curriculum.

“Both the dynamics and mechanics of the in-store F&I processes change over time in response to shifts in consumer demand, technological advancements, and the need to comply with a steady stream of new and tightened state and federal regulations,” said David Robertson, executive director of AFIP. “The AFIP Certified F&I Professional program is designed to ensure that F&I practitioners remain fully conversant with the latest state and federal rules, as well as the evolving policies governing aftermarket products.”

To satisfy AFIP’s continuing education requirement, Master Certified F&I practitioners must test to the latest Master material at two-year intervals.

AFIP’s Basic, Senior and Master certification courses draw from the CARLAW F&I Legal Desk Book and material provided by the Reynolds & Reynolds LAW document unit, the actuarial firm of CreditRe, the Walsh Institute for Ethical Behavior and AFIP-prepared text to establish a comprehensive understanding of the rules impacting the in-store vehicle funding and owner protection processes. The rigorous 75-question Master exam tests for knowledge of new and updated regulations and how the federal and state regulations apply to real-world F&I situations.

AFIP field tested the course and final examination for several months prior to its full release. East Coast F&I development specialist Judy Vann Karstadt, president of JV Solutions LLC and an AFIP accredited facilitator, became the first person to complete the master exam earlier this year. Doug Lauzon, finance manager at Audi Pembroke Pines, a member of the Holman Automotive family, was among the first F&I managers to pass the Master exam and posted the highest score.