--- title: Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) | What They Do & How to Become One description: A CLU is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. Find out what they do and how you can become one. image: https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Chartered_Life_Underwriter_(CLU).png --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) # Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Brooke%20Tomasetti.png) Written by Brooke Tomasetti | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents ## **Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) Definition** [The American College of Financial Services](https://www.theamericancollege.edu/) awards the professional designation of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). The title has been the standard of excellence for financial services professionals who help clients. Holders of the CLU designation have completed coursework and examinations in life insurance, taxation, estate planning, and ethics. The CLU designation is the oldest and most respected professional designation for financial services professionals who help their clients plan for the financial consequences of death. ## **How Do Chartered Life Underwriters Work?** These experts can assist with navigating the complexity of life insurance, such as how much coverage is required and which [annuities to choose](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/annuity.asp). They may also help small firms develop succession plans, organize their tax and legal requirements, and more. Some CLUs offer insurance products on behalf of insurance companies. As a result, they are well-versed on the many plans available and which would best suit the client’s needs. They can typically answer any questions about life insurance, such as coverage requirements, whether the client needs term or whole life insurance, and which insurer to choose. Chartered Life Underwriters work with individuals and businesses to help them plan for the financial consequences of death. They use their insurance, taxation, estate planning, and ethics knowledge to develop strategies to meet their clients' needs. ## **What They Learn** Many topics of personal and commercial financial planning are covered in this program: - To plan and achieve financial goals, analyze the client's financial life, and identify health and life insurance needs and personal property and liability risks. - Life insurance and annuity products can help you reach greater financial stability. - How to run a profitable company with strategic organizational and preventative planning. - Ways to increase the value of an estate, preserve current assets, and ensure financial stability in retirement. A [financial advisor](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/8-different-titles-of-financial-advisors-their-specialties) who has completed the Chartered Life Underwriter program will be well-versed in the following: - Comprehensive understanding of life insurance underwriting ideas and law in the context of total risk management - The expertise required to assist customers with their estate planning demands - Understanding of solutions for company owners and professionals' life insurance underwriting demands - Easily evaluating insurers - Choosing an insurance provider by establishing criteria ## **Qualifications** Individuals must pass eight 100-question, two-hour exams and finish five core courses plus three optional courses to receive the CLU. Other topics addressed in the course include financial planning, health insurance, [income taxation](https://learn.financestrategists.com/finance-terms/income/), group benefits, investments, and retirement planning. Additionally, the credential requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years, which can be revoked for unethical behavior by The American College's Board of Trustees' certification committee. ## **Curriculum** The American College of Financial Services' Chartered Life Underwriter program consists of different required and elective courses. ### **Required Courses** - 311: Fundamentals of Insurance Planning discusses the various forms of insurance and their applications in personal financial planning and risk management techniques. - 323: Individual Life Insurance covers the different types of life insurance policies, their features, their work, and their uses in financial planning. - 324: Life Insurance Law examines the legal aspects of life insurance, including contracts, regulation, and taxation. - 330: Fundamentals of Estate Planning introduces students to the concepts of estate planning and the use of life insurance in estate planning. - 331: Planning for Business Owners and Professionals covers the different types of business entities, their tax implications, and the use of life insurance in business planning. ### **Elective Courses (Choose 3)** - 300: Financial Planning: Process and Environment covers the financial planning process and the different types of financial planning tools and techniques. - 313: Individual Health Insurance covers the different types of health insurance policies, their features, their work, and their uses in financial planning. - 321: Income Taxation covers the different types of taxes, their implications, and how they can be used in financial planning. - 325: Group Benefits cover the different types of group benefits, their features, their work, and their uses in financial planning. - 326: Planning for Retirement Needs covers the different types of retirement plans, their features, their work, and their uses in financial planning. - 328: Investments cover the different types of investments, their features, their work, and their uses in financial planning. - 334: Estate Planning Applications cover the different types of estate planning techniques and how they can be used in financial planning. - 375: Introduction To Disability Income discusses the different types of disability income policies, their features, their work, and their uses in financial planning. - 376 Legal & Tax Aspects Of Retirement covers the legal and tax aspects of retirement planning. ## **Advantages and Disadvantages** Being a Chartered Life Underwriter is a prestigious designation offering many advantages, but there are some disadvantages to consider. ![Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Being_a_Chartered_Life_Underwriter](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Being_a_Chartered_Life_Underwriter.png?width=1920&name=Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Being_a_Chartered_Life_Underwriter.png) ### Advantages Some advantages of being a Chartered Life Underwriter include: - The ability to offer customers a wide range of life insurance products from different providers. - A comprehensive understanding of how life insurance works and the various products available. - The ability to develop long-term relationships with clients and provide them with advice over many years. ### Disadvantages Some disadvantages of being a Chartered Life Underwriter include: - It can be challenging to keep up with the required continuing education hours. - The credential can be revoked if the holder is found to have engaged in unethical behavior. ## **Key Takeaways** The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) credential is one of the most respected and well-known professional designations in the life insurance industry. Individuals who earn their CLU have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of life insurance underwriting, estate planning, and risk management. To become a CLU, individuals must pass eight 100-question exams and complete five core courses plus three elective courses. The curriculum for the CLU credential covers a wide range of topics, including insurance planning, estate planning, taxation, investments, and retirement planning. Additionally, the credential requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Becoming a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a process that requires dedication and commitment. However, the rewards of holding the credential are significant. They include the ability to offer customers a wide range of life insurance products, a comprehensive understanding of how life insurance works, and the ability to develop long-term relationships with clients. ## **FAQs** ### **1. What is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?** CLU is a professional designation in the life insurance industry earned by individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of life insurance underwriting, estate planning, and risk management. ### **2. How do I become a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?** In order to become a CLU, individuals must pass eight 100-question exams and complete five core courses plus three elective courses. Additionally, the credential requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years. ### **3. What are the benefits of being a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?** Some of the benefits of being a CLU include offering customers a wide range of life insurance products, a comprehensive understanding of how life insurance works, and the ability to develop long-term relationships with clients. ### **4. What are the disadvantages of being a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?** One of the disadvantages of being a CLU is that it can be challenging to obtain the credential. Additionally, holding the designation requires an ongoing commitment to continuing education credits. ### **5. Is the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) credential worth it?** The answer to this question depends on the individual. However, the CLU credential can be very beneficial for those dedicated to a career in the life insurance industry. ### Related Topics - [Sustainable 401(k) Plan](https://www.carboncollective.co/401k) - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Retirement Glossary](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/retirement-planning-glossary) - [Best Retirement Plans](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/the-10-best-retirement-plans) - [Wealth Manager Vs Financial Advisor](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/wealth-manager-vs.-financial-advisor) ![Attend Our Next Webinar](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-webinar.12af7b6e.svg) ### Attend Our Next Webinar Join our next Sustainable Investing 101 webinar, get our favorite DIY options, and walk through how we build our portfolios. [Watch Now](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing-webinar-green-retirement-month) ![Get Our Newsletter](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-demo.6ed28722.svg) ### Get Our Newsletter Go a level deeper with us and investigate the potential impacts of climate change on investments like your retirement account. Join Newsletter ![close-typeform](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhEQARAIAAAODn7P///yH5BAEHAAEALAAAAAARABEAAAIqBIKpab3v3EMyVHWtWZluf0za0XFNKDJfCq5i5JpomdUxqKLQVmInqyoAADs=) ![Talk To A Human](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-chat.49d48c5b.svg) ### Talk To A Human Joining a new investment service can be intimidating. We’re here for you. Click below to email us a question or book a quick call. [Ask a Question](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f70pooobq) Topics ## Sustainable Investing Topics View our list of some topics below. See More - Portfolios - [Performance](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/returns) - About - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - Learn - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - Contact - [Contact us](mailto:hello@carboncollective.co) - [Legal](https://www.carboncollective.co/legal) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/2022-11%20Carbon%20Collective%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf) - [Back to top](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/chartered-life-underwriter-clu#top-of-page) DISCLAIMERS: Advisory services provided by Carbon Collective Investment LLC (“Carbon Collective"), an SEC-registered investment adviser. A copy of Carbon Collective's current written disclosure statement discussing Carbon Collective’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website – [www.adviserinfo.sec.gov](https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/310129) or [our legal documents here](https://blog.carboncollective.co/legal-documents/). The articles and research support materials available on this site are educational and are not intended to be investment or tax advice. Carbon Collective does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Carbon Collective’s web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Investments in securities: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and Carbon Collective's charges and expenses. Carbon Collective's internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving discrete financial goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client's financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form CRS, Form ADV Part 2 and other disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and the likelihood of investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature. Not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities in jurisdictions where Carbon Collective is not registered. © 2026 Carbon Collective Corporation. All rights reserved. × #### Fact Checked Carbon Collective partners with financial and climate experts to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our team of reviewers are established professionals with years of experience in areas of personal finance and climate. They have contributed to top tier financial publications, such as Reuters, Axios, Ag Funder News, Bloomberg, Marketwatch, Yahoo! Finance, and many others. This team of experts helps Carbon Collective maintain the highest level of accuracy and professionalism possible. × #### Why Trust Carbon Collective Carbon Collective is the first online investment advisor 100% focused on solving climate change. We believe that sustainable investing is not just an important climate solution, but a smart way to invest. We follow ethical journalism practices, which includes presenting unbiased information and citing reliable, attributed resources. Much of our research comes from leading organizations in the climate space, such as Project Drawdown and the International Energy Agency (IEA). Our goal is to deliver the most understandable and comprehensive explanations of climate and finance topics. Our writing and editorial staff are a team of experts holding advanced financial designations and have written for most major financial media publications. Our work has been directly cited by organizations including MarketWatch, Bloomberg, Axios, TechCrunch, Forbes, NerdWallet, GreenBiz, Reuters, and many others. We strive to empower readers with the most factual and reliable climate finance information possible to help them make informed decisions. } ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "alternateName" : "Carbon Collective", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "(650) 868-2697" }, "logo" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/hubfs/CarbonCollectiveLogo.png", "name" : "Carbon Collective Investing LLC", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/carboncollectiveinvesting/", "https://twitter.com/carbncollective", "https://www.instagram.com/carbon.collective/", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC769Y-F-L_B37kyQfdpvyXA", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon-collective/", "https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/carbon-collective", "https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/310129", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110243690" ], "url" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "https://20345524.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20345524/Brooke%20Tomasetti.png", "url" : "https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/author/brooke-tomasetti" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-01", "datePublished" : "2022-08-04", "description" : "A CLU is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. Find out what they do and how you can become one.", "headline" : "Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) | What They Do & How to Become One", "image" : "https://20345524.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20345524/Chartered_Life_Underwriter_%28CLU%29.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/chartered-life-underwriter-clu", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/hubfs/CarbonCollectiveLogo.png" }, "name" : "Carbon Collective" } } ```