How to Become a Licensed Insurance Salesperson
According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for qualified insurance agents will likely increase by 12 percent through the year 2018. To sell insurance, an individual must meet the requirements for a state license, which includes learning insurance codes and passing exams. All of the steps are outlined below.
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Instructions
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Understand the different types of insurance licenses available and their requirements. Insurance salespersons must hold a license for each type of insurance product they sell, such as life, accident, flood, fire and casualty, property and health insurance.
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Contact your state insurance department. Each state has different licensing requirements that insurance salespersons must meet to sell insurance to the public. Requirements can include a minimum number of training hours, application fees and exams. The contact information is available through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website listed in the "Resources" section of this article.
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Complete the required courses. Most states require insurance agents to complete several hours of pre-licensing training courses through an approved school or provider. Courses include training on insurance policies, ethics, principles and laws as well as training on the type of insurance license sought. Both online and traditional classroom training is available. A list of approved training providers is available through your state insurance department.
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Pass the licensing exam. The licensing exam tests insurance salespersons on their knowledge of state insurance codes and policies. Applicants must contact the test provider to schedule a test; most states require applicants to score at least a 70 to pass. Applicants are able to retake the test if they fail.
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Submit a license application. Most states allow applicants to submit their application only after they have met the course requirements and passed the licensing exam. Check your state's department of insurance website for application instructions. Application forms are also available to print online, and many states are now processing applications through their state website. Some states might also require applicants to contact a designated law enforcement agency or vendor to obtain their fingerprints to submit along with their application.
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Receive license approval. The department of insurance will issue the license upon processing your application unless appointment documents must be submitted by your sponsoring employer.
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