How to Become an Insurance Sales Agent
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, insurance sales agents currently hold more than 400,000 jobs across the nation. The job outlook for this industry is good, with 13 percent job growth by 2016. The majority of insurance sales agents work for insurance companies and private brokerages, while a small percentage are self-employed. But to launch a career in this occupation, you need to meet some minimum requirements and gain licensure by your state. Here's a guide to becoming an insurance sales agent.
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Instructions
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Take a pre-licensing course. Many states require that insurance sales agents complete a pre-licensing course. Check with your state's department of insurance for accredited programs in your area. You can also check out programs with Kaplan and ProSchools (see Resources).
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Check out licensing requirements in your state. Most states require those selling insurance to sit for an exam. You may also need to fill out an application and submit a background check before earning a license to sell insurance. To find out what information your state requires, check with the department of insurance.
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Make an appointment to take your state exam. The majority of states provide a study guide to focus your preparation efforts. If you enrolled in a preparation course, they often have mock tests that prepare you for the state exam.
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Apply for insurance agent jobs. New insurance agents usually work for an agency like State Farm, AllState or Farmers before venturing into self-employment. Plus, when working for an agency you usually get medical benefits.
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Check out your state's continuing education requirement. To keep your insurance license current with your state, check out continuing education requirements. They may require 10 to 20 hours of continuing education each year. These classes are usually offered at a community college in your area.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider learning another language. Insurance agents that are bilingual are in high demand and can reach multiple demographics. Aggressively market your services. When starting out, the majority of your time is spent marketing your services. Encourage client referrals, leave business cards when paying you check at restaurants, and ask friends and family to spread the word.
