Alyssa Lane
The process of applying for a life and health insurance license varies by state. For example, in Florida, there are three types of life and health insurance licenses: 2-15 Health & Life Insurance License, 2-14 Life Only Insurance License, and 2-40 Health Only Insurance License. Applicants must be Florida residents, be at least 18 years old, and have a Social Security Number. The process involves completing a pre-licensing course, passing a state license exam, registering for electronic fingerprinting, submitting an application, and printing the license. On the other hand, Texas and New York have different requirements, including prelicensing education courses and licensing exams. It is important to check the specific requirements for your state before initiating the application process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The process varies depending on the state. For example, in Florida, Texas, and New York, there are different requirements. |
| Eligibility | Requirements include being a resident of the state, being over 18, and having a Social Security Number. |
| Pre-licensing Course | A pre-licensing course must be completed, with a minimum number of hours varying by state. |
| Examination | A state licensing exam must be passed, with a minimum score of 70%. |
| Application Fee | The application fee varies by state, ranging from $40 to $55. |
| Fingerprinting | A fingerprint background check is required in some states, such as Texas and Florida. |
| Application Submission | The application can be submitted online or via mail, depending on the state. |
| Licensing Fee | The licensing fee varies by state and is charged for a license issued for more than one year or a year or less. |
| Validity | Licenses are typically valid for up to 2 years, with the expiration date determined by the applicant's date of birth. |
What You'll Learn
Check state requirements and eligibility
Each state has its own requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a life and health insurance license. It is important to carefully review the requirements for the specific state in which you intend to apply. This will ensure that you meet all the necessary qualifications and are eligible for the license.
One key aspect to consider is the residency requirement. Most states require applicants to be residents of that state, which can often be proven by providing a valid driver's license or state identification card. Some states may also require additional documentation, such as proof of citizenship or legal residency. It is important to verify these requirements beforehand to ensure a smooth application process.
In addition to residency requirements, states may have specific educational and training criteria that must be met. This could include completing pre-licensing education courses or training programs approved by the state insurance department. These courses provide essential knowledge about the insurance industry, relevant laws and regulations, and important skills for selling life and health insurance products. Make sure to review the specific course requirements and ensure that you enroll in an approved program.
Another important factor to consider is the background check process. Many states conduct extensive background checks, including fingerprinting and a review of your criminal record, credit history, and driving record. It is crucial to be transparent and disclose any relevant information during this process, demonstrating integrity and honesty.
Age requirements may vary, with most states requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old. However, some states may have different age criteria, so it is important to review the eligibility standards for your specific state. Additionally, certain states may have requirements regarding your physical and mental health, including examinations or certifications from medical professionals.
Finally, familiarize yourself with any licensing fees and procedures specific to your state. There may be costs associated with the application, background checks, and licensing exams. Understanding these financial requirements in advance ensures you are prepared. By diligently reviewing your state's requirements and eligibility criteria, you can confidently navigate the insurance licensing process.
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Complete pre-licensing education course
To apply for a life and health insurance license, you must complete a pre-licensing education course. This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to sell, solicit, or negotiate life insurance policies and accident and health insurance. The pre-licensing course will also cover relevant laws and regulations that you need to know to conduct your work ethically and responsibly.
The requirements for pre-licensing education vary depending on the state. For example, in New York, candidates must complete a Department-approved prelicensing course with a minimum of 40 hours of instruction for the life, accident, and health authority, or 20 hours for either life-only or accident and health-only authority. On the other hand, Florida requires applicants to complete a 60-hour health and life agent pre-licensing course, which covers annuities and variable contracts.
It is important to select an approved pre-licensing course provider to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements. These courses are typically offered online or in-person and may vary in terms of structure, duration, and cost. Some providers may offer basic or essential course packages with different tuition fees and enrollment terms.
Upon completion of the pre-licensing course, you will need to pass a final exam. The passing score is typically around 70%, and your course completion certificate will be valid for a certain period, such as four years from the date of issuance. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your state, as some states may have different passing scores or validity periods for the certificate.
After successfully completing your pre-licensing education and passing the exam, you can move on to the next steps of the licensing process, such as scheduling and taking the state license exam.
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Pass state licensing exam
To pass the state licensing exam, you must meet the prelicensing requirements. These include completing a prelicensing education course, which can be done online or in-person. The length of the course depends on the state and the type of license you are applying for. For example, in New York, a prelicensing education course for a life, accident, and health authority license must be at least 40 hours, while a course for a life-only or accident and health-only authority license must be at least 20 hours. In Florida, the prelicensing course is 60 hours and must be completed with a score of 70% or better.
Once you have completed the prelicensing education course, you can schedule your state licensing exam. In Florida, the exam fee is $44 for each attempt, and you are limited to five attempts within a one-year period. The exam can be scheduled by phone or online, and it is recommended that you take the exam 5-10 days after completing your course. The Florida exam consists of 150 scored questions, with a passing score of 70%.
Some states, such as Texas, offer exemptions from the licensing exam for certain individuals. For example, if your license has been expired for less than a year, you are a veteran, or you have a chartered life underwriter designation, you may be exempt from taking the exam. Additionally, Texas offers a temporary license that is valid for 180 days and allows you to work under the supervision of a full-time agent while completing the required training.
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Submit application and pay fee
The application process for a life and health insurance license varies depending on the state. In Florida, you must submit your application to the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). On the application, you will need to share information about yourself and include a fee of $55, payable to the DFS. You can access the application form by visiting the DFS Bureau of Licensing's MyProfile page. If you don't already have an account, you will need to create one and select "Individual" as your account type.
In Texas, the application fee is $50 for both resident and non-resident licenses. You can apply online using the Sircon or National Insurance Producer Registry website. If you are applying for a resident agent license, make sure you have passed the state licensing exam before submitting your application. If you apply before passing the exam, you will need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.
In New York, the application fee for residents is $80 for a full fee and $40 for a half fee. Non-residents should refer to the Department's Application Fee Schedule to determine the fee for their application. Licensing fees can be paid by credit card, electronic funds transfer (e-check), or paper check. If paying by paper check, the application will remain pending until the check is received and processed.
In California, applicants can take one examination and apply for a "full Life Agent" license by selecting both the Life-Only Agent and the Accident and Health Agent license types when scheduling their exam and filing their new license application at sircon.com. Applicants who select both license types will pay a single fee.
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Print license
Printing your license is the final step in the process of obtaining a life and health insurance license in Florida. Once you have completed all the previous steps, including the pre-licensing course, the state license exam, fingerprinting, and submitting your application, you will receive an email from the DFS Bureau of Licensing notifying you of your license approval.
To print your license, simply log in to your MyProfile page, from which you can access and print the document.
It is important to note that the license approval email is only sent after all the previous steps have been completed, and the license fee has been paid. The total cost of obtaining a Florida Insurance License, including the license fee, varies depending on the type of license:
- 2-15 Health & Life Insurance License: $147.55 plus course tuition
- 2-14 Life Only Insurance License: $147.55 plus course tuition
- 2-40 Health Only Insurance License: $147.55 plus course tuition
In addition, the New York Department of Financial Services also instructs licensees to print their license as soon as it is issued, as they no longer mail paper licenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of the steps you need to follow:
- Complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or better.
- Pass the state license exam.
- Register for electronic fingerprinting to run a criminal background check.
- Submit your application to the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- Print your license from your MyProfile page after receiving approval.
The total cost to obtain a Florida Insurance License is $147.55 plus course tuition, which varies depending on the course type. The BASIC COURSE tuition is $139, while the ESSENTIAL Course tuition is $189. The state exam fee is $44 for each attempt.
To qualify for a license in New York, you must complete a Department-approved prelicensing education course totaling at least 40 hours of instruction for the life, accident, and health authority. Alternatively, you can opt for 20 hours of instruction for either life-only or accident and health-only authority. You must also pass the licensing exam administered by PSI Services within two years of applying for the license.
