Becoming An Insurance Agent: Your Questions Answered
A career in insurance can be an exciting option, especially if you enjoy working with people, solving problems, and crunching numbers. You can't simply decide to become an agent, though, as you must first get licensing and then you must continue to update that license – and your education – throughout your career. The following guide can help answer some of your questions.
Do you need a college degree to become an agent?
No, there is no need to have a degree. While a degree or previous college won't harm your performance, the only requirement is that you pass your state licensing exam. If you plan to work for a specific employer instead of as an independent agent, the employer may have a degree requirement, but generally any degree is acceptable. Those is the business, management, or financial degree fields can be particularly useful.
What are the requirements for a license?
These vary from state to state. Generally, you will need to study and master the insurance laws that govern your state, as well as any federal regulations. You will then sit for the exam. Some states allow you to self study, while others will require that you take an approved exam study course.
Is there a cost for the course?
Generally yes, although you may not have to pay it. If you plan to work for a specific company, they may offer paid training or they may refund the cost of training once you pass the exam and receive your license. Otherwise, the course and the license fee is an out of pocket education expense necessary for the job.
How long does this process take?
It varies depending on course length as well as how frequently exams are scheduled. In a location where a course isn't required and exams are offered on demand, you could realistically have your license within a few days. In most situations, though, it will take several weeks to sit the course and then take the exam.
What is continuing education?
Continuing education is also mentioned at the time of your licensing. Your license will need to be renewed at regular intervals, which vary by state. In order to do this you will need to take a certain amount of continuing education classes each year. These help increase your knowledge in the insurance field as well as ensuring that you are up to date on the ever changing insurance regulations. You can typically take these classes online in your free time via a webinar for a small fee.
For more help, contact a company like Enterprise Training School.
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