How to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent in 2024
Getting your insurance license opens up a world of career opportunities in 2024. America’s insurance industry is one of the largest in the world, with insurance premiums exceeding one trillion dollars annually.
As a licensed insurance agent, you can work in sales helping customers find the best auto, home, life, or health insurance. Or you can work as a customer service rep for one of the country’s many insurance carriers.
You don’t need a college degree to work as an insurance agent, and your job prospects aren’t limited to sales and customer service. In fact, many licensed agents work as claims adjusters, appraisers, and even insurance underwriters (some roles may require a bachelor’s degree).
Working in the insurance industry is more than just a job, it can be a lifelong career. If you’re thinking about getting your insurance license in 2024, here are the steps you need to take.
1: Complete a pre-licensing course.
Even if your state doesn’t have a pre-licensing education requirement, taking an exam prep course is the best way to prepare. Insurance is full of tricky concepts and jargon that aren’t common knowledge. A quality pre-licensing course will teach you everything you need to know to pass your exam the first time.
2: Pass your state exam.
Every state has in-person testing centers, but you may also be able to take a proctored (monitored) exam online, depending on what your state offers. The tests are multiple choice and time restricted. The number of questions varies for each exam but is usually in the range of 50-150 questions. In most states, the passing grade is 70%, but it can be as high as 75% or even 80%.
3: Get fingerprinted.
Most states require licensed agents to be fingerprinted and to undergo a background check. There is usually an on-site fingerprinting technician where you take your exam. If you take your exam online, the exam administrator in your state (usually Pearson VUE, Prometric, or PSI Exams) can help you locate an approved business in your area where you can get fingerprinted.
4: Apply for your license.
After you pass your insurance exam, you must officially apply for your license through your state’s licensing provider. This process sometimes takes a few weeks, depending on how busy they are. Once you receive your license, you can start working or looking for work.
What’s Changed in 2024?
There are no major changes in 2024 to the process for getting licensed. Be aware that fee amounts can change at any time. In general, you can expect to pay fees for the following:
- Pre-licensing education course (not mandatory in every state, but highly recommended)
- Licensing exam fee (there is a fee for each attempt)
- Fingerprints/background check
- Insurance license application (after you pass your exam)
All insurance exams are multiple choice. The number of questions varies based on the exam, but is usually in the range of 50-150 questions. Exams are timed, and you generally will have around 2 hours per exam. Exams are closed book, which means you may not bring any study materials or notes into the exam space.
Insurance exams are challenging, and the information they contain is not common knowledge. Taking an exam prep course will give you the best chance of passing the exam on the first try.
Study for the Insurance Licensing Exam with America’s Professor
America’s Professor offers comprehensive pre-licensing education courses to prepare you for your state licensing exam. Our courses include everything you need to know to get ready for the exam. We teach the material in a fun and interesting way to help keep you engaged.
When you enroll in an AP course, you’ll get:
- Instant access to streaming video lectures
- A hardcopy textbook in the mail
- Sample questions and practice exams
- Customer support
Find your course and get started on your path to an exciting career as a licensed insurance agent!