If you're considering a career in the insurance industry, a number of positions require that you hold an insurance license. There are several types of insurance licenses, including property/casualty, health and life. Each type of license is obtained separately, and you must be licensed in within each state where you, as an agent, or your company sells insurance. The property/casualty license allows you to sell homeowners, auto, liability and commercial insurance products.
Instructions
1. Visit the Department of Insurance website for your state of residence. Although the insurance industry continues to work toward creating nationwide licensing standards, currently each state has its own insurance licensing requirements.
2. Complete any required pre-licensing education through a state-approved education provider. Specific classes vary by state. They may include courses on insurance principles, ethics, risk management and state insurance regulations. Most states allow you to complete this education through either classroom instruction or a qualified self-study program.
3. Register for your insurance examination. You can register before completing your required coursework; however, you cannot take the exam until all coursework is completed.
4. Study for the insurance exam. Most exams are now administered by computer and consist of multiple-choice questions. Topics include, but are not limited to, insurance regulations, coverages, ethics and risk assessment. Take a practice test (see the link in the Resources section) and study materials from pre-licensing coursework.
5. Take the insurance examination. You'll typically be required to provide two forms of identification, proof of coursework completion and confirmation numbers from the exam registration. When you register for your exam, the testing facility will provide you with the specific list of items that you'll need.
6. Complete your license application once you have successfully passed the examination. Follow your state's instructions to the letter. Check and double-check that you have included all necessary forms and information.
7. Submit to a criminal background check. States may vary in their requirements for this process; call or visit your state's Department of Insurance website to learn exactly proceed with this step. You may have to sign a release, give fingerprints and provide identification.
Tips Warnings
Your license will be sent to you via postal mail. You must complete this process for each type of license you need. Once you have obtained the license in your state of residence, you will only need to follow requirements for non-resident licensing procedures for other states.
Follow the procedures exactly as outlined by your state of residence. Mistakes or omissions can result in a denial of your application.
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