How to Become a Health Insurance Broker in Texas

Becoming an insurance agent is a tough but rewarding career move. While the materials are often cumbersome to study, and the test difficult to pass, the clients who trust you with your family's finances may become friends forever. However, it isn't for everyone, and every insurance agent in Texas must hold a license through the state.

Things You'll Need

• Continuing education
• Clean background check
• Insurance exam
• Study materials

Instructions

Studying and Taking the Exam

1. Purchase the study materials from the local bookstore, or go to Prometric's website and order the books online. Either way, you'll need to read these before you can take the test.

2. Realize that you're going to have to get a background check done. This is to ensure not only your safely, but also the safety of the money that you're holding for clients. You'll be required to submit background information, as well as submit to a drug screening for most companies.

3. Study your educational materials and ensure that you know them backward and forward. Have someone quiz you on random things from the books. Only once you are certain that you have the knowledge should you schedule your appointment to take the exam. Unlike some states, Texas allows home-study, and you aren't required to go to classes.

4. Call Prometric. They are the only firm that can give you the exam to become an insurance broker, so you'll have to deal with them. Check their website for information on scheduling your exam. The State of Texas requires a passing grade of 70 percent in order to be considered for licensing.

5. Go to the Prometric testing center, and take the exam. Relax, take your time, you'll have plenty of time to spare. Once you have taken the exam, your results only take about five minutes to get. If you pass, Prometric will submit your results to the state. If you fail, go ahead and reschedule your exam for another time.

Getting Appointed

1. Log onto the NAIC website. They can give you a list of companies that do business in Texas.

2. Print the appointment forms. Even just having an insurance license doesn't let you sell insurance. You have to have a company, or many companies, sponsor you. You are "appointed" with them, which allows you to sell insurance on their behalf.

3. Complete the application form entirely. Fill in employment and residence history. Make sure there is no gap of more than 30 days between employers. If there is, note that in the appropriate section, with the dates listed. Being unemployed won't disqualify you, but lying on your application will.

4. Shop all the companies that you are appointed with the ensure that you're giving your client the best coverage and price possible. You are bound by law to always do what is best for the customer and, as a broker, cannot show preference to one company over another. Treat them all equally, and give the focus to those that offer the best quality and value.

Tips & Warnings

• Prometric offers more than just insurance licenses. They also test for other state appointed licenses, such as nursing an accountancy. You must see Prometric if you wish to broker insurance

• Never leave things out of your background check. Even if its a misdemeanor traffic offense. It will show up in a background investigation. Also, make sure that you list any gaps in employment. Being out of work and lying about it will get you denied.

Resources

• National Association of Insurance Commissioners
• Prometric Testing and Continuing Education