Insurance auditors are insurance company employees or independent contractors working for insurance companies. Auditors review an insured company's policies and records to ensure that the premium it pays to the insurance company matches the insurance company's actual exposure to loss, as established at the time the policy was issued. The company being audited must provide certain financial records, such as its liability policies and workers' compensation policies, to the auditor.

Complete a bachelor's degree in an insurance-related field. A bachelor's degree is not required to become an insurance auditor, but having one may lead to more job opportunities and will increase your chances of being hired for an entry-level job. Take courses in math, business and English. The latter will help you develop interpersonal skills that are integral to communicating effectively with clients. Some schools offer programs that are tailored to students interested in going into auditing.

Land a summer internship, which many firms offer to college students. Internships are valuable because hiring companies prefer candidates with experience.

Develop computer proficiency, as much of your work will be done on computers. Familiarize yourself with various insurance and business software, such as Excel, Access and SAS (Statistical Analysis System).

Gain experience by working for three years conducting field audits under the supervision of a senior auditor, which will prepare you to work alone.

Join an accredited national organization such as the National Society of Insurance Premium Auditors (NSIPA). The application is available at the NSIPA website. As of July 2010, annual dues are $95.

Further demonstrate your professional knowledge. One option is to complete the Associate in Personal Insurance (API) program offered by the Insurance Institute of America. Another option is to earn the Certified Insurance Premium Auditor (CIPA) designation offered by the NSIPA.

Maintain your professional expertise by completing continuing education programs offered by professional organizations. These programs consist of classroom instruction, seminars and conferences.