A lucrative career awaits those who work hard to obtain not just an insurance broker’s license, but also a wide array of knowledge and information through available local government-facilitated insurance courses and licensure training. The success of your career depends on your tenacity and skills, and the first step toward breaking into the industry is getting your very own insurance broker’s license.
Be certain you meet the age requirement. Insurance broker’s licenses require applicants to be at least 18 years of age on or before the date of filing. Citizens who are under the age of 18 may opt to prepare for the application process by taking short courses on insurance brokerage and volunteering as trainees in insurance brokerage organizations to get a good grasp of the processes involved in the business.
Research your state’s insurance licensing requirements through their official websites. Most often official state websites have introductory information on how to apply for an insurance broker’s license, along with information on specific license policies for life, health, accident, vehicle, home and business. Educate yourself with the provided information and be sure to contact them for further details or if you have questions.
Check the exam schedules listed online or at the state government’s office. To be fully prepared for the insurance broker’s licensure exam, you must set ample time to review and take short courses before you enlist to take the exam.
Contact your local government for a list of requirements for the insurance broker’s licensure exam. Most states require a Social Security Number, documents proving your residency, and clearances proving that you do not have felony convictions or misdemeanors involving breach of trust, forgery, theft or anything fiduciary. Make sure to have all these documents ready before you apply for an insurance broker’s licensure exam.
Take all required insurance educational courses. Having sufficient working knowledge and experience in sales and insurance is recommended for those who aspire to begin a career in the insurance industry. For those who are beginning to break into the industry, it is recommended that you gain solid experience in sales or similar types of work. Some states also require a number of course hours before taking the examination. The insurance department in each state has schedules and classroom hour requirements to follow for aspiring license brokers. The National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s website (www.naic.org) lists information and links to several state insurance departments.
Schedule an exam with your local state government’s Commercial Insurance Licensure examination facilitating body. Prometric is the leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services and offers a wide array of information and links on their website (www.prometric.com) as to how and where to schedule and take the licensure exam.
Register for the insurance broker’s licensure exam. Submit the requirements and pay for the registration fees. Take the insurance licensing exam and fulfill the grading requirement. Once you pass the licensure examination, you must file the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees before they release your license. Be aware of continuing studies programs and other advancement procedures. Successful licensure exam takers should be aware of some states’ mandatory continuing education requirements, because the renewal of these licenses often requires licensed agents to undergo additional specialized training and course work.
