Become an Insurance Agent
Looking for the BEST Exam Prep course available to pass your insurance license exam?

How to Become an Insurance Agent
Becoming an insurance agent is easy and affordable when you have the right tools and preparation—that’s where America’s Professor can help. Whether you want to become a licensed Property & Casualty (P&C) agent/producer or you’re looking to branch out into life and health insurance sales, we offer the comprehensive pre-licensing courses you need for success.
Requirements for an Insurance License
Here’s a general overview of the steps you need to take in order to become an insurance agent and maintain your license. Note that licensing requirements vary by state. Be sure to check with you state’s department of insurance licensing division for up-to date requirements.
- Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements: Roughly half of all states have pre-licensing requirements. State-approved pre-licensing insurance courses, like those offered by America’s Professor, typically provide between 20-40 hours or more of general insurance education, including state-specific information. It is highly recommended that you take a pre-licensing course in order to have the best chances of passing your state insurance exam and an easy how to become an insurance agent.
- Pass Your State Exam: The in-person exams are given at the test provider’s physical location, are time-restricted, and typically contain anywhere between 50 and 200 multiple choice questions, depending on your state and the type of license you’re testing for.
- Get Fingerprinted: Most states require resident insurance agents to be fingerprinted and undergo a background check. If you’re concerned that something will come up in the background check, contact your state’s insurance licensing department in advance to ensure it won’t inhibit you from obtaining your license. There is typically an on-site fingerprint technician where you go to take your state exam. You may also have the option of getting fingerprinted prior to your exam to expedite the process so you can start selling insurance sooner.
- Fulfill Periodic Continuing Education Requirements: All states require that you complete periodic continuing education requirements to refresh your knowledge and learn about new laws affecting the insurance industry. The frequency of continuing education and individual requirements vary by state.
What Can You Expect to Find on Your Insurance Examination?
The prospect of sitting through an insurance license exam fills a lot of prospective agents with fear, yet it’s important to understand there’s no reason to panic. A sensible amount of study and preparation is all you need to be able to pass your state’s insurance examination. When it’s time to get ready for your insurance test, America’s Professor is here to give you the tools and assistance you need.
Each state has its own laws, and the composition of the tests reflect this fact. On the whole, the exam will contain questions about insurance in general as well as questions about specific state laws and regulations. The test will likely consist of 50 to 200 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete it. You will be told in advance how many questions you must answer correctly in order to pass (often 70%-80%).
Typical Types of Insurance Agents:
- Property and Casualty (Home and Auto insurance)
- Life and Health (Life and Health insurance)
- Life Only (Life, Annuities, Burial)
Many states follow the practice of mixing a small number of “pre-test” questions into the examination. Pre-test questions do not count toward the final score, and their primary purpose is to help the testing company assemble future materials. Though you will be informed in advance how many of these questions are included in your insurance exam, there is no sure way to determine whether any given test question is a “real,” scoreable one or merely a pre-test. Don’t bother trying to figure it out—just answer every question to the best of your knowledge.
For the best insurance license exam resources available on the Internet, you can count on America’s Professor. Our video lectures, practice quizzes, and other tools will help you learn everything you need to know in order to pass your test.
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PRE-LICENSING COURSES | SAMPLE QUESTIONS |