The Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) published a procedures manual setting out how it recognises initial training courses for access to insurance and reinsurance distribution and how it recognises entities that provide mandatory continuing professional training. It also describes the follow-up and supervisory framework ASF uses to test whether recognised courses and providers continue to meet the conditions for recognition, including the possibility of cancelling recognition in more serious cases. For course recognition, the manual details the information applicants must submit, including total minimum training hours, a curriculum that covers the mandatory content under the legal framework, evidence of session plans and daily summaries, and the identification of trainers and a pedagogical lead supported by curriculum vitae and a pedagogical competence certificate. It also sets expectations on technical and logistical resources, attendance controls, and assessment design, including a final written exam that must represent at least 75% of the overall grade and meet minimum question and supervision requirements, with additional safeguards for remote exams and a maximum of 15 candidates per remote exam session. Courses already recognised by the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training or the Ministry of Education follow a simplified file submission. Recognition, amendment and cancellation requests for courses are assessed within 45 working days, and an EUR 250 fee applies per initial course recognition. For continuing training entities, the manual distinguishes between providers that already run ASF-recognised courses, providers that need to evidence equivalent conditions, and providers recognised on the basis of external certification. These recognition and amendment requests are assessed within 15 working days and are not reviewed by the technical commission. On supervision, ASF describes an annual inspection plan approved by its board, complemented by ad hoc inspections where supervisory concerns arise. Supervision can be on-site, off-site or mixed and may be unannounced for training sessions and exams. After collecting evidence, ASF prepares a draft report and gives the entity 20 working days to respond before issuing a final report.
Portuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF) 2025-12-09
Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority publishes procedures manual for recognising insurance distribution training and supervising course providers
The Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) released a manual detailing procedures for recognizing training courses for insurance and reinsurance distribution. It outlines requirements for course recognition, including training hours, curriculum, and assessment design, and specifies a supervisory framework for ongoing compliance. It also sets timelines and fees for recognition requests and describes ASF's inspection and reporting processes.