Get Your Massachusetts Life Insurance License: A Guide

If you're looking to become a life insurance agent in Massachusetts, there are a few steps you need to take to get your license. While the process may seem daunting at first, it's definitely achievable if you're willing to put in the time and effort. Here's a quick overview of what you need to do: First, decide on the type of insurance license you need, such as life and health or property and casualty. Next, complete a pre-licensing education course to prepare for the state licensing exam. Passing this exam is crucial, so make sure you put in the necessary study time. Once you've passed, submit your insurance license application, and you'll be on your way to starting your career as a life insurance agent in Massachusetts.

Pre-licensing education course

Although pre-licensing education is not a requirement in Massachusetts, it is highly recommended that you complete a pre-licensing education course before attempting to take the state licensing exam. This is because the exam is difficult, and enrolling in a study course will give you the best chance of passing.

There are a variety of pre-licensing education courses available, which cover various insurance concepts, definitions, insurance laws, and agent regulations listed on the Massachusetts Examination Content Outline. Courses are presented in a clear and concise format and include instructional videos, interactive illustrations, practice exams, and student support.

When deciding which course is right for you, consider the following factors:

• The course's flexibility, for example, does it allow for flexible learning, or does it need to be completed within a short time frame?
• The course's price: don't go too low, as you tend to get what you pay for.
• The course's reputation: how reliable is the provider?

Kaplan and National Online Insurance School are two providers of pre-licensing education courses.

Register for the exam

Registering for the Massachusetts insurance licensing exam is a straightforward process. Here's a detailed guide on what you need to do:

Identify the Type of Exam:

Before registering, determine the type of insurance license you're seeking. The most common licenses are Property and Casualty (P&C) and Life and Health. If you're unsure, refer to the list of available licenses provided by the Massachusetts government. Understanding your desired license will help you register for the correct exam.

Choose a Prep Course (Optional but Recommended):

Although Massachusetts does not require prelicensing education, enrolling in a prep course is highly recommended to increase your chances of passing the exam. Companies like Kaplan and ExamFX offer comprehensive insurance training packages and online courses to help you prepare. These courses cover various insurance concepts, definitions, laws, and regulations that will be on the exam.

Register with Prometric:

The Massachusetts insurance licensing exams are administered by Prometric. You can schedule your exam by visiting the Prometric website or calling them at (800) 741-9380. There is an examination fee, and you will need to provide a valid form of government-issued identification when registering.

Exam Fee and Identification:

The exam fee varies depending on the insurance line of authority, ranging from $10 to $49 per examination. Remember that you can take multiple exams at once if you plan to apply for multiple licenses. However, it is recommended to focus on one exam at a time to increase your chances of passing. Ensure that you have a current form of photo identification (driver's license, passport, etc.) that matches the name on your exam registration.

Arrive Early on Exam Day:

Plan to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in. If you arrive late, you will not be permitted to take the exam, and you will forfeit your exam fee.

Special Accommodations:

If you have any disabilities or require special accommodations for the exam, be sure to make arrangements before registering. Contact the testing administrator at (888) 226-9406 to discuss your specific needs.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to registering for the Massachusetts insurance licensing exam. Remember that preparing for the exam with a prelicensing course is essential to increase your chances of success.

Pass the exam

To pass the Massachusetts insurance license exam, you must score a minimum of 70%. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you will have 2 hours to complete it. It is administered by Prometric and can be taken online or over the phone. The exam fee ranges from $10 to $49, depending on the insurance line of authority.

To prepare for the exam, you can take a pre-licensing course, which is highly recommended by many sources, as it will help you pass the actual state licensing exam on your first attempt. When choosing a pre-licensing course, consider the course's flexibility, price, and the provider's reputation.

Kaplan's Live Online, Live & OnDemand, and Self-Study Online insurance licensing solutions are recommended by many, with an impressive 93% pass rate. ExamFX also offers comprehensive insurance training packages and a first-time pass guarantee.

It is important to note that you can sit for more than one exam at a time, but it is recommended to study for one exam at a time to increase your chances of passing. You should plan to study for two to six weeks, depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time and your comfort level with taking proctored exams.

On the day of your exam, remember to bring a valid form of government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport). Arriving 30 minutes early is also advised to allow time for check-in procedures. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to take the exam and will forfeit your exam fee.

Submit your application

Once you have passed your Massachusetts licensing exam, you can submit your application for a life insurance license.

In Massachusetts, you can submit your application via mail or online.

Mail submission

Download and complete the NAIC's Uniform Paper Application form. You will also need to include your original exam score report(s) and any other required documents. Mail your completed application to:

> MA Division of Insurance

> P.O. Box 370043

> Boston, MA 02241-1743

Online submission

Alternatively, you can apply online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website. Visit the NIPR website, complete the application, and submit it along with any required documents.

Regardless of the submission method you choose, you will be required to pay a licensing fee of $225 when you submit your application. If you are applying for licenses in Property, Casualty, and/or Personal Lines, an additional $75 lead paint surcharge is required, for a total cost of $300.

Massachusetts resident producer applicants who are either veterans or legally blind are exempt from paying the licensing and lead paint surcharge fees, provided they supply the appropriate documentation.

Maintain your license

Once you have passed your exams and obtained your license, you will need to complete a certain number of credit hours of continuing education (CE) each licensing period to maintain your license. In Massachusetts, you will be required to complete 60 hours of continuing education within the first 36 months of your license being initially issued. For subsequent renewal periods, this requirement decreases to 45 hours of CE every 36 months.

If you are a resident producer holding Property & Casualty or Personal Lines authority and you sell, or plan to sell, National Flood Insurance, you must complete a one-time, three-hour continuing education course relating to Flood Insurance.

You will also need to renew your license every three years. To do this, you will need to have completed the required number of CE hours to keep your license active.

Frequently asked questions