Getting A Texas Life Insurance License: How Long Does It Take?

Getting a life insurance license in Texas is a straightforward process that involves five main steps and can be completed in a few weeks. The steps include completing a pre-licensing course, taking the Texas Life Insurance Licensing Exam, getting a fingerprint-based background check, completing a Texas Life Insurance License Application, and waiting for the application results. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) requires these steps to be followed to obtain a life insurance license and start working as an insurance agent in the state.

Pre-licensing course

Although Texas does not require prelicensing education, it is highly recommended that you take a prelicensing course to prepare for the licensing exam. The exam is notoriously difficult and is designed to test your product knowledge, industry terminology, state requirements, and state and federal insurance law.

There are several options for prelicensing courses, including online and in-person courses. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to study at your own pace and repeat material if needed. On the other hand, in-person courses provide a structured classroom setting with an instructor to guide you through the material.

When choosing a prelicensing course, consider factors such as course format, instructor availability, student testimonials, time commitment, and price. Most quality courses use interactive activities, videos, quizzes, and practice exams to teach the material effectively.

The cost of prelicensing courses varies, but generally, they range from $75 to $150. This investment can significantly increase your chances of passing the licensing exam on your first attempt.

Make sure the course you choose covers all the relevant topics for the Texas state insurance exam, including Texas insurance laws and regulations. Additionally, look for courses that offer support and resources to guide you through the licensing process, such as state-certified instructors who can answer your questions.

Some prelicensing courses also offer additional resources, such as instructional videos, practice exams, and real-time reporting to help you track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Remember, the goal of the prelicensing course is to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the Texas state insurance exam, so choose a course that best fits your learning style and provides comprehensive coverage of the exam material.

State licensing exam

To get your life insurance license in Texas, you must pass a state licensing exam. While Texas does not require prelicensing education, it is highly recommended that you complete an educational course to prepare for the licensing exam. The exam can be very difficult and is designed to test your product knowledge, industry terminology, state requirements, and state and federal insurance law.

The state licensing exam is provided by Pearson VUE and taken in-person at a Pearson VUE testing site. It is important to note that effective 3/1/2024, remote state exams are no longer offered. The exam will be on a computer and will be in a multiple-choice format. The number of questions and the time limit for the exam will depend on the line of insurance you are testing for. For example, the General Lines Life, Accident, and Health exam is 2.5 hours long with 130 questions, while the Life Agent exam is 2 hours long with 80 questions.

To schedule your state licensing exam, you can do so online through the Pearson VUE website or by calling (888) 754-7667. There is an exam fee that must be paid at the time of reservation, and this fee will not be accepted at the testing center. You should also note that you will need to reschedule or cancel your exam at least 24 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting your examination fee.

On the day of your exam, you must arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early for the check-in process and bring a valid government-issued ID. No personal items, including bags, wallets, cell phones, calculators, electronic devices, or wristwatches, are allowed in the testing center. You are, however, allowed to have a beverage. Additionally, you must stay in the testing center for the duration of the exam, as no breaks are allowed.

After completing your exam, you will receive a pass or fail notification immediately. If you pass, you will receive a successful score report. If you do not pass, you will receive a report indicating your strengths and weaknesses.

Fingerprint background check

To get a life insurance license in Texas, you must first complete a prelicensing course. While this is not a requirement in Texas, it is highly recommended to prepare for the licensing exam. After completing the course, you can take the state licensing exam. Once you have passed the exam, you can apply for your license.

As part of the application process, you will need to get fingerprinted. This involves a fingerprint background check, which can be done through IdentoGO. IdentoGO provides Live Scan fingerprinting services, which is a faster, cleaner, and more accurate way of capturing fingerprints electronically, without the use of ink or cards. Your fingerprints will be rolled across a glass plate and scanned.

Most people who apply for a license in Texas must get a fingerprint background check from IdentoGO and send the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) a copy of the IdentoGO receipt showing that their fingerprints were sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, there are some exemptions to this requirement. For example, if you live in Texas and have an active license or registration with TDI, and have already submitted fingerprints, you do not need to get fingerprinted again. Similarly, if you don't live in Texas but hold an active resident license in your home state, you can submit your criminal history record or Certificate of Good Standing from your state instead.

Texas life insurance license application

The process of applying for a Texas life insurance license involves several steps, and the time it takes to get your license depends on how quickly you complete each step. Here is a detailed guide on the Texas life insurance license application process:

Complete a Prelicensing Course:

Although Texas does not require prelicensing education, it is highly recommended that you take a prelicensing course to prepare for the licensing exam. The exam is challenging, and the course will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass. You can choose from various online courses, webinars, and learning tools such as flashcards and study manuals.

Get Fingerprinted:

To initiate the fingerprinting process, you must start the application process on the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) website. Most applicants are required to undergo a fingerprint background check through IdentoGO and submit the receipt to TDI. However, some individuals may be exempt from the fingerprinting requirement, so be sure to review the Texas Administrative Code to determine if this applies to you.

Pass the State Licensing Exam:

After completing your prelicensing course, you will be ready to take the state licensing exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you can find information about scheduling and exam locations on their website. The exam covers both general insurance product knowledge and specific Texas insurance laws and regulations. You must score 70% or higher to pass, and there is an additional fee for retaking the exam, so adequate preparation is essential.

Apply for Your License:

Once you have successfully passed the state licensing exam, you can apply for your Texas life insurance license. The application must be submitted within 12 months of passing the exam. You can apply through the Sircon or National Insurance Producer Registry website, and the application fee is $50. Make sure to submit all the required information and documentation, including fingerprints, to ensure a smooth application process.

Plan for Continuing Education:

To maintain your Texas life insurance license, you must complete continuing education (CE) requirements. All Texas insurance agents are required to complete 24 hours of CE every two years, including 3 hours of ethics training. Staying on top of your CE credits will ensure you can renew your license and stay compliant with state regulations.

The time it takes to get your Texas life insurance license depends on several factors, including the time needed for prelicensing education, exam preparation, and application processing. It is important to stay organized and diligent throughout the process to ensure a smooth and timely experience.

Continuing education

Non-resident license holders must currently adhere to their home state's CE requirements. If you are selling long-term care (LTC) or annuity products, there may be additional requirements from the State of Texas.

To keep your license in good standing, you must complete your CE hours before midnight CT on your license expiration date to avoid fines and delays in your license renewal. It is recommended to complete CE hours at least 30 days before your license expires to allow time for CE providers to report course completion.

At least 12 hours of the required CE must be "classroom" or "classroom-equivalent" courses. For licenses that expired on or before August 31, 2022, only two hours of ethics training are needed, while licenses expiring after this date require three hours.

Failing to complete the required CE hours on time will result in a $50 fine for each hour, with a maximum fine of $500 per license type for licenses expired after June 1, 2018. There is no cap on fines for terms that expired before this date. These fines must be paid in addition to completing the CE hours for license renewal.

You can check your completed CE hours and find approved courses on the Sircon website.

If you have been continuously licensed in Texas for at least 20 years without interruption, you may be eligible for a CE exemption. You can apply for this exemption on the Sircon website.

Frequently asked questions