Malta  Name of qualification  Applied Insurance Studies Diploma Certificate in Insurance Studies  Educational background Secondary school leaving certificate and Ordinary/Advanced level passes Secondary school leaving certificate and 5 Ordinary level passes  Occupational background  Not applicable  Not applicable  For what field of work does this education qualify graduates? Senior clerical/technical/junior management level expected to provide general and specific clerical duties involving underwriting operations and claims handling and be responsible to ensure efficient use of resources and attainment of company objectives Clerical/Administrative position in an insurance environment responsible for the general office duties in general and long term business both in underwriting and claims  Vocational knowledge and skills Knowledge of the business environment, insurance law and legislation, general insurance knowledge and insurance technical studies. Basic management skills and marketing and IT studies Office practice and business communication; IT and basic marketing techniques; insurance principles, law and insurance technical studies  Duration of the education 16 weeks on a full time basis 2 year full time study course  How are the examinations  carried out? 3 written examinations; 3 hours duration comprising of short answer and essay type including case studies and problem solving questions 1 x 3 hours exam held after the completion of the 1st year; another 1 x 3 hours exam held after completion of the 2nd year Recognition of the education Recognised by the CII as equivalent to completion of the CIP qualification; Successful students may apply for the use of the post-nominal letters MSTI from the CII indicating the achievement of high level of technical knowledge; highly recognised by the insurance industry as an intermediate diploma; facilitates further professional study Successful students will obtain a certificate issued by the newly formed college MCAST. This qualifcation is awaiting NVQ accreditation from the local vocational qualifications body; recognised by the market as a basic qualifications for clerical appointments