How to Become a Certified Insurance Agent

Insurance agents are licensed by the state. They must take courses on the legal and ethical aspects of selling insurance, then have to pass a state exam to be licensed in that state. They are usually divided into categories that include life, health and annuities and general insurance, which includes automobile and company insurance. The basic principles of insurance include the economic protection against loss because of property destruction, illness, accident and death.

Instructions

1. Find a company that is looking for insurance agents or prospective insurance agents. Insurance companies often advertise for new employees in the employment sections of newspapers, online ads or at seminars. They may even call prospective employees who have resumes posted online and whose backgrounds may fit the role of an agent. You do not need sales experience or even know much about insurance, but you should have the ability to make sales and have people skills.
   Hiring companies will advise you on how to take a certified course in insurance and get your license. In addition to your education, the companies will provide on-the-job training even while you are studying.

2. Insurance courses are offered by accredited schools that meet the standards of the state. Or you can take courses online that are also certified by the state. If you wish, you can skip Step 1 and take a course before you are associated with a company.
   There are fees for the insurance course, taking the state exam and for the license. The total cost can be $300-$400 or more. But it can be a valuable and profitable education that takes only a few weeks.

3. When you have completed the course, you will have to take the state exam. These exams are usually contracted out to testing centers. You will most likely be doing a test on a computer in a quiet room with other applicants. The centers are often strict when it comes to what you can have with you during a test. You will be asked to leave pocketbooks, wallets and anything in your pocket in a locker. You will be given the key.

4. After finishing the test you can retrieve your personal items and may be told the results of your test. A passing grade will qualify you for a license. You may get your license instantly, or it may take two to three weeks, depending on the state.
   After getting your license you can start working with the company that has already hired you or with any insurance company in your state that is looking for agents.

Tips & Warnings

• A failing grade on the state exam does not mean the end. You can take the exam as many times as you would like. But you will continue to pay the fees.

Resources

• Skills needed