How to Become an Insurance Agent in South Carolina

Check the South Carolina Department of Insurance website for a list of pre-licensing education programs.

Insurance agents, or producers, sell various types of insurance, including property, life, health and disability, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) oversees the licensing of all insurance agents in the state. The department mandates that all new agents submit to a criminal history check and pass the DOI licensure exam before practicing in the state. Upon passing the exam, candidates can visit the department's website to verify and print out a license.

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's degree in business, finance or economics from an accredited college or university. Take any insurance courses that are offered, as well as classes in mathematics, accounting and psychology. Be computer proficient. Candidates with only a high school degree can be considered if they have an extensive sales background.

2. Complete prelicensing education courses in preparation for the state licensing exam. These classes offer a fundamental understanding of the insurance industry, according to the BLS, as well as an overview of state insurance laws. Register online with a pre-licensing program; classes are offered in cities around the state, including Charleston, Columbia and Myrtle Beach.

3. Pass the Prometric-administered state licensing exam. Fill out the exam application and pay the registration fee ($51 as of June 2010) to the state DOI. Consult the Prometric website for outlines to the various state licensing exams from which to study. If you are going into life and health insurance or property and casualty insurance, you may need an additional license ($25 as of June 2010).

4. Submit to a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) background check, which can be accessed on the division's website. Pay the processing fee ($25 as of June 2010). Along with your SLED report, provide evidence of having passed the Prometric exam and the Series 6 or 7 exams for agents who are applying for variable contracts to the DOI. Administered by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), the Series 6 exam is designed for future insurance agents dealing with mutual funds and variable annuities while the Series 7 exam is reserved for those interested in becoming general securities sales representatives.

5. Join a professional organization, such as the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina, to network and improve your job prospects. Stay apprised of changing tax law, government regulations and benefits programs, says the BLS. Continue fine-tuning your sales skills by attending industry conferences and seminars.

Tips & Warnings

• South Carolina insurance agents are required to complete at least 24 hours in a continuing-education program, including three hours of ethics education. Find information about accredited programs on the DOI website. After completing continuing education, you can renew your license online by paying a renewal fee ($25 as of June 2010) to the state Department of Insurance. You must also pay an administrative fee ($15 as of June 2010) to Prometric, which keeps continuing education records for the state.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Insurance Sales Agents
• South Carolina Department of Insurance: SOUTH CAROLINA CONTINUING EDUCATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• S.C. Department of Insurance: Uniform Application for Individual Producer License/Registration
• S.C. Department of Insurance: Producer Services
• Brewer Insurance Information Service: FAQ

Resources

• South Carolina Department of Insurance: Home
• S.C. Dept. of Insurance: PRELICENSING EDUCATION COURSES OFFERED IN SOUTH CAROLINA DISCLAIMER
• Prometric: Exam Registration Form for South Carolina Insurance Examinations
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: Home
• S.C. Dept. of Insurance: Uniform Application for Individual Producer License/Registration