Becoming An Insurance Carrier: Utah Requirements And Steps

If you're looking to become an insurance carrier in Utah, you'll need to obtain a Utah insurance license. The process for obtaining a license involves five steps: figuring out which insurance license you need, completing a pre-licensing education course, passing the relevant Utah insurance license exam, requesting a fingerprint and background check, and submitting your insurance license application. The type of insurance policies you want to sell will dictate the type of license you need. For example, you'll need a Property & Casualty (P&C) license to sell auto, home, or business insurance. It's important to note that the Insurance Department in Utah doesn't require pre-licensing education hours to sit for the licensing exam, but it is highly recommended. The exam is administered by Prometric and is multiple-choice. After passing the exam, you'll need to submit your application electronically and pay the relevant fees. Once your application is approved, you'll be a qualified insurance agent in Utah.

Enroll in a pre-licensing insurance course

Enrolling in a pre-licensing insurance course is a crucial step in your journey to becoming an insurance agent in Utah. While the Utah Insurance Department does not require you to take an exam prep course, doing so will significantly increase your chances of passing the licensing exam on your first try.

The exam will test your knowledge of complex insurance terms and concepts, and a pre-licensing course will ensure you are well-prepared. Reputable companies like America's Professor and AdjusterPro offer comprehensive pre-licensing courses that cover everything you need to know for the exam. These courses are designed to make complex information more accessible and increase your chances of success.

When choosing a pre-licensing course, look for one that offers a variety of learning materials and resources. For example, some courses provide hardcopy textbooks, online streaming video lectures, and practice tests. Having access to various study materials can enhance your comprehension and retention of the information.

Additionally, consider the level of customer service and support provided by the course provider. It is beneficial to select a course that offers excellent customer service to guide you through the learning process and answer any questions you may have along the way.

By enrolling in a pre-licensing insurance course, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully pass your licensing exam. This step is a worthwhile investment in your future career as an insurance agent in Utah.

Register for the Utah exam

Registering for the Utah exam is a straightforward process. The exam is administered by Prometric, and you can register either online through their website or by calling them at (888) 226-8740. The exam fee is payable to Prometric during registration. After registering, Prometric will inform you of where the exam will take place and how to schedule your exam appointment.

It is recommended that you take the exam as soon as possible after completing your pre-licensing course while the information is still fresh in your mind. The exam is offered in English and Spanish.

The Utah Adjuster License State Exam is comprised of 150 questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass. You will be given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam. You will receive your results immediately after the exam.

If you fail the exam, you will need to re-register and pay the fee to Prometric again.

Pass the exam and apply for your license

Passing the Utah insurance exam is a crucial step in obtaining your license and starting your career as an insurance producer. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect and how to prepare for the exam and licensing process:

Exam Preparation:

• The Utah Insurance Department doesn't mandate a pre-licensing course, but enrolling in one can significantly improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt. Reputable companies like America's Professor offer comprehensive prep courses that cover complex insurance concepts and terminology.
• The exam consists of two parts: a national section and a state-specific section. You must achieve a passing score of 70% on both parts, which are not averaged together.
• All questions on the exam are multiple-choice, covering terminology, numerical/day-related queries, and situational reasoning.
• The number of questions varies depending on the exam, with combined line exams (e.g., Life & Accident & Health, Property & Casualty) typically containing 100 questions to be completed in 150 minutes.

Exam Registration and Process:

• Register for an account on the PSI Exams website to schedule your exam date and time.
• The exam fee is $75 for most exams, including Producer, Adjuster, and Consultant licenses. Limited lines licenses (e.g., Crop) cost $50, and adding a line of authority is $25.
• Exams are administered by Prometric at various test centers in Utah, including North Salt Lake, North Orem, Hurricane, and Sunset.
• On the day of the exam, arrive at the test center with proper identification and any necessary materials.

Fingerprinting and Background Check:

• Fingerprinting is mandatory for first-time license applicants and can be done at a PSI or Prometric test center using "live scan" technology.
• The total fee for fingerprinting is $52, including a $6 processing fee.
• Fingerprints are digitally transmitted to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Identification, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal history background check.
• If you pass the exam and leave the test center, you must return to have your fingerprints taken and present the application confirmation page.

License Application:

• After passing the exam, complete your license application electronically via Sircon or NIPR, and pay all required non-refundable fees using a credit card.
• The license application fee is $28.25, including the FBI/BCI fingerprint fee ($13.25 FBI/$15 BCI).
• You will need your license number and the last four digits of your social security number to print your license from Sircon. This service is free for 30 days after approval.
• Submission of the license application does not guarantee issuance. The Utah Insurance Department will review and approve the application, considering any prior civil or criminal proceedings disclosed.

Additional Considerations:

• If you fail the exam, you can usually register to retake it within a few days. However, you will need to pay the exam fee for each attempt.
• Enrolling in a pre-licensing course before retaking the exam can improve your chances of passing.
• For detailed information about testing centers, fingerprinting, and associated fees, refer to the Utah Insurance Department website or contact them directly.

Get fingerprinted

To get fingerprinted as part of your application to become an insurance carrier in Utah, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, you must schedule a fingerprinting appointment. This can be done online at www.prometric.com/utah/insurance or by calling 888-226-8740. Note that Prometric does not offer walk-in appointments for fingerprinting. You will also need to pay a $6 Prometric processing fee, which can be paid by Visa, MasterCard, company check, money order, or cashier's check.

On the day of your appointment, you will be required to wear a face mask or covering. You will also need to wash your hands before being fingerprinted. If you have had any symptoms of fever, loss of taste or smell, or any other COVID-19 symptoms within the past 24 hours, you should not attend your appointment. Only the person being fingerprinted is allowed in the fingerprint room, except for interpreters or individuals requiring physical assistance.

At the appointment, you will need to provide a government-issued form of identification, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Your fingerprints will be digitally captured and transmitted to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a criminal history background check.

If you are taking an exam, you can choose to be fingerprinted immediately after you pass. You will need to register for the fingerprint processing service, and it is recommended that you do not schedule your fingerprint appointment until you have passed your licensing exam. If you do not pass your exam, you will not be fingerprinted.

If you are getting your fingerprints done on a different day than your exam, you must bring your passing score report and proof of payment for your BCI/FBI fees to the testing center.

After your fingerprints have been taken, the results will be returned to the Utah Insurance Department. The department will evaluate the results along with your license application before issuing any license.

Plan to complete required insurance continuing education (CE) credits

To become an insurance carrier in Utah, you must complete the required insurance continuing education (CE) credits. These credits are essential to maintaining your license and ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge and skills in the insurance industry. Here is a detailed plan to help you complete your CE credits successfully:

Understand the Requirements:

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with Utah's CE requirements for insurance professionals. The state mandates specific credit hours and topics that you need to cover. For instance, in Utah, insurance producers and adjusters need 24 hours of CE every two years, with 12 hours in a classroom or classroom-equivalent setting and 3 hours dedicated to ethics training. Title producers have slightly different requirements, needing only 12 total hours, with 6 in a classroom setting and 3 in ethics training.

Enroll in Reputable Programs:

Look for CE programs or courses that are approved by the Utah Insurance Department. You can find a list of approved courses on the Sircon website (sircon.com/utah). Choose courses that cover the required topics, such as ethics training, and that fit your learning preferences, such as online or in-person classes.

Plan Your Schedule:

CE credits need to be completed before license renewal, so create a study plan that works for you. Consider the number of hours you need to complete and break them down into manageable chunks. For example, you could dedicate a certain number of hours each week to ensure you finish the required credits on time.

Take Advantage of Online Learning:

Many approved CE courses are now offered online, providing a convenient and flexible way to earn your credits. Online courses are especially useful if you have a busy schedule or prefer to learn at your own pace. Just make sure the online courses you choose are considered "Classroom Equivalent" by the State of Utah.

Keep Records:

It's important to maintain your own records of completed CE hours. The Utah Insurance Department may conduct random audits of producers to verify their CE credits, so having your own files will ensure you're prepared for any requests.

Stay Ahead of the Competition:

Completing your CE credits is not just a requirement but also an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead in the insurance industry. Enrolling in CE libraries, such as those offered by Kaplan, can give you access to a wealth of resources and help you stay informed about the latest developments in insurance.

Remember, the specific CE requirements may vary depending on your license type and other factors, so always refer to the Utah Insurance Department's guidelines to ensure you're on the right track.

Frequently asked questions