Learn How to Become an Insurance Agent

You’ve landed on the right webpage if you want to learn how to become an insurance agent. This article summarizes the process to become an agent below:  

Step 1: Decide what level of education you wish to attain  
Usually, a diploma or certification of an equal level is enough to qualify as insurance agents. But, if you have a college education, it can help you progress in your career. Education, along with experience, can bring outstanding results. A background or past work experience in law, finance, and business will also be an incredible asset to an insurance agent.

Step 2: Choose a field to specialize on
‍Insurance agents sell different types of insurance in life, health, personal, commercial, property, liability, disability, casualty insurance, and more. They are labeled as ‘lines of authority’ in the insurance industry. Knowing the type of insurance you want to specialize on is as important as the career you pick.

Step 3: Complete the pre-license requirements  
Pre-license requirements vary from one state to another. For instance, California state requires applicants of casualty license to complete a general pre-licensing education course of 20 hours. Likewise, a 12 hours course in insurance codes of the state and ethics are also needed. However, anyone willing to become insurance agent should check for pre-license requirements including the skills, at the state’s insurance department.

Step 4: Pass the license examination
To become an insurance agent, all applicants must pass the licensing test.
Just like the pre-licensing requirement, the licensing procedures also differ from one state to state. The specification for licensing requirements is also available in the National Insurance Producer Registry.  

Step 5: Apply at insurance agencies
Agents who have met all the requirements and have a license will be eligible for employment. Depending on which organization an agent works in, the roles and duties of insurance agents may also differ. For instance, insurance agents working in an insurance agency and brokerage have different job profiles.