How to Become an Insurance Agent in Missouri


 

insurance agent showing the amount of the product

Insurance is always in demand. So are licensed insurance agents. Everyone needs insurance, and most people need multiple policies to protect their homes, cars, health, and more. It’s why the insurance industry endures through good economic times and bad.

If you’re planning to get your Missouri insurance license, you’ve already taken the first step toward a stable and lucrative career. You probably have lots of questions, and we’ve got answers!

Below are answers to some of the most common questions people have about how to become an insurance agent in Missouri.

Who needs an insurance license?

Anyone who wants to sell or even discuss insurance policies must have a “resident producer” license. If you plan to sell insurance to out-of-state clients, you must also have a non-resident license for that state(s).

Whether you plan to work exclusively for one company as a captive agent or you’re thinking about working as an independent agent, you must be licensed. Even customer service reps who assist customers with their policies must be licensed.   

What are the qualifications to get a Missouri insurance license?

There are very few barriers to entry to become an insurance agent in Missouri, and you don’t need a college degree. To get your license, you must:

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Be a resident of the state.
  • Pass the insurance licensing examination.
  • Submit a license application and pay the $100 license fee.
  • Not have committed any acts that are grounds for license denial. (This may include violating insurance laws, being convicted of a felony, and others. See Section 375.141)

Who issues insurance licenses in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Insurance issues insurance licenses (to those who have met the requirements).

How do you apply to get your license?

Once you’ve passed the insurance licensing exam, you can apply for your license online through NIPR (the National Insurance Producer Registry). This is the agency appointed to manage insurance license applications.

Are there any pre-licensing education requirements?

young female student preparing to insurance license exam

Pre-licensing education is not required in Missouri. But candidates will significantly improve their chances of passing the exam on their first try if they complete a Missouri exam prep course.

America’s Professor offers comprehensive exam prep courses that teach you everything you need to know to pass the exam.

Where do I take the exam?

You can take the exam in person at one of several test centers in Missouri or neighboring states. Missouri has test centers in St. Louis, Kansas City, Joplin, and several other locations. See the insurance licensing candidate handbook for all in-person test center locations.

You can also take an online proctored exam from home. “Proctored” means someone monitors you through your camera’s webcam while you take the exam.

How many questions are on the exam?

The number of questions varies for each exam.

For example, the Missouri Life, Accident, & Health exam has a total of 170 questions (145 scorable questions plus 25 “pretest” questions that don’t count toward your score).

The Property & Casualty exam has a total of 165 questions (140 scorable questions plus 25 non-scorable “pretest” questions that don’t count toward your score).

What score do I need to pass?

In Missouri, you need a score of 70 to pass each exam.

The exams are divided into two sections: a state-specific section and a national section. You need a score of 70 on both parts to pass.

Your exam will be scored on the spot. If you pass, you will simply see “Pass” on the exam. You will not know which questions you got right or wrong.

If you don’t pass, you will receive a more detailed report that includes a numeric score, diagnostic information, and re-testing information. You can sign up to retake the exam after a mandatory 24-hour waiting period.

Prepare for Your Insurance License Exam

Get your Missouri insurance license using an America’s Professor online training course.

All AP courses give you access to streaming video lessons that are accessible 24/7. You’ll also get a comprehensive hardcopy textbook to complement the online material, plus plenty of practice quizzes. And it’s all backed by our outstanding customer support.

Our courses teach you everything you need to know to pass your exam on the first try.

Browse our Missouri insurance exam prep courses and enroll today!

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments