Root Platform (Root), the API-first, end-to-end insurance technology platform provider, has launched its inhouse technical certification programme, the Root Product Builder Fundamentals Course. This initiative equips Root clients’ product teams with the skills and resources to autonomously create new insurance products on the Root Platform.

The programme is designed to upskill clients and partners from users into Root Certified teams, fostering a collaborative community where best practices can be shared and refined. Product teams stand to gain a deep understanding of Root's platform, which will enable them to rapidly prototype, build, and deploy tailored insurance solutions.

"Our certification programme is a strategic investment in both our clients and the future of the insurance industry," says Charlotte Koep, CEO at Root. "By empowering our clients’ and partners’ product teams, we not only accelerate innovation but also drive self-sufficiency. This gives them the tools to own their product development process and quickly respond to market demands."

Gareth Kitto, MD of Black Cygnet Life (previously Shackleton Life), says, “Root Workbench has been an absolute game changer for us. Financially and operationally, it has streamlined processes, allowing us to get things over the line without the constant reliance on software engineers getting overloaded. The ability to handle simple but crucial tasks—like updating policy documents or managing lead providers—has made a significant impact on efficiency.

While we're still some way from building a fully comprehensive product module from scratch, the combination of Workbench’s documentation and Root’s support makes it a realistic and achievable task. The platform provides the flexibility and control we need, and it’s empowering to know that we can execute necessary changes quickly and effectively.”

Says Lourens Pelser, Head of Business Operations at Root: "This programme represents a shift in insurance product development. Product teams will gain the expertise to design and launch products independently, driving efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ultimately, delivering better insurance experiences to customers.

“The Root Certification Programme,” he continues, “aims to reshape the insurance technology landscape by fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who become an integral element of supporting innovative product development and speed to market at their insurance businesses.”