Certification Program Created For Long-Term-Care Advisers.

The Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification Inc., in cooperation with the National Academy of Elder Law-Attorneys, has introduccd what it says is the first certification program for insurance professionals who advise consumers on the purchase of long-term-care insurance policies.

The program is available to insurance agents and brokers, financial planners, attorneys, accountants and others. It is intended to establish new professional standards for the LTC insurance field.

Program participants go through an eight-part self-study course leading to a proctored examination. Successful candidates receive a Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation.

"Given the complexities of long-term care, families need the assistance of professionals to help them make the right choices," he said.

Several top carriers in the industry have endorsed the CLTC program, including Prudential Insurance Company of America, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., Penn Treaty Network America, PFL Life Insurance Co., Conseco Senior Health, AIG Life Cos., Kanawha, American Progressive Insurance Cos. and National Life of Vermont and Connecticut.

Exams will be given four times a year at sites nationwide. The national academy will provide attorneys to conduct review sessions and proctor the test.

CLTC graduates will receive continuing-education credits, except in Minnesota and New Jersey, which do not give credits for home study. A minimum of 15 credits will be issued for completing the study program and an additional six for participating in the review and test.

The program costs $850, plus shipping and handling. For more information, visit the corporation's Web site at www.ltc.cltc.com, the national academy's site at www.naela.org or call (877) 771-CLTC.