Get A Texas Life Insurance License: Steps To Success

To become a life insurance agent in Texas, you must complete a five-step process. First, you must complete a pre-licensing course, which will give you the knowledge to pass the licensing exam. Next, you must take the Texas Life Insurance Licensing Exam. After passing the exam, you must get a fingerprint-based background check. Once you have passed the exam and completed the background check, you can apply for your Texas life insurance license online. Finally, you must wait for your application results.

Enroll in a pre-licensing course

Enrolling in a pre-licensing course is a crucial step in obtaining your life insurance license in Texas. This step will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to pass the licensing exam and understand your future duties as a life insurance agent. While Texas doesn't mandate pre-licensing education, it is highly recommended due to the exam's challenging nature.

You can choose between online and in-person pre-licensing courses. Online courses offer the benefits of accessibility, affordability, and self-paced learning. On the other hand, in-person courses provide a traditional classroom setting with instructor guidance, catering to those who prefer a more hands-on learning experience.

The pre-licensing course will cover industry-specific knowledge, including insurance concepts, definitions, laws, and agent regulations. This information is essential, as the licensing exam will test your understanding of these topics. The course will also include study materials such as practice exams and flashcards to facilitate your preparation.

Kaplan is a popular choice among aspiring insurance agents, with an impressive 93% pass rate for their online courses. Other providers, such as America's Professor, offer similar courses with engaging lectures, comprehensive textbooks, and unlimited customer support.

Remember, enrolling in a pre-licensing course is not just a requirement but also a valuable investment in your future career as a life insurance agent in Texas.

Register for the Texas exam

Registering for the Texas exam is the third step in the process of getting a life insurance license in Texas. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, the official testing service for Texas licensure exams. The exam costs $33 and must be paid at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher.

Registration must occur at least 24 hours in advance of the date on which you intend to sit for your state exam. Exam reservations can be made online at the Pearson Vue website or over the phone at (888) 754-7667.

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Social Security number
• Preferred examination date
• Preferred testing location, which can be found at the back of the TDI handbook

The exam administrator reminds all applicants that walk-in slots are not available. There are also no examinations scheduled during the following holidays:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Holders of temporary licenses must take the exam before their insurance licenses expire.

The Texas insurance licensure exam covers a range of topics and is considered one of the most difficult tests to pass. Depending on the insurance line, the exam may contain 50 to 200 items that you need to answer within one to three hours. The passing score is 70%.

Be sure to arrive at the testing site 30 minutes before your scheduled test to allow time for check-in procedures. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to take the test and will forfeit your exam fee.

You will be asked to provide two valid forms of identification at the testing center. The name on the identification must exactly match the name on the registration. The primary identification must be government-issued and photo-bearing with a signature, such as a driver's license, state identification card, military ID, passport, or alien registration card (green card, permanent resident visa). The secondary identification must contain a valid signature and must not be expired, such as a Social Security Card, debit card (ATM), credit card, or any form of primary identification. Identification must be in English.

Pass the exam

To pass the Texas life insurance licensing exam, you must prepare ahead of time. While Texas doesn't require pre-licensing education, most insurance professionals opt to take a pre-licensing course online or purchase books or self-study materials to prepare for the exam. A pre-licensing course will give you the industry-specific knowledge that will be tested during the exam.

The Texas life insurance exam outline contains a total of 80 scored questions, divided into two sections: general and state-specific. The general section deals with basic life insurance product knowledge, while the state section covers insurance concepts, terms, rules, regulations, and practices specific to Texas. You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam, which is proctored, meaning an official proctor will monitor you in a controlled environment. The exam fee is $33, which you must pay at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher.

You will need a passing score of 70% on both the national and state-specific sections. If you fail the exam, you can schedule a retake as soon as 24 hours after your first attempt, and there is no limit to the number of attempts you can make.

To register for the exam, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance through the Pearson VUE website or over the phone. You will need to provide your Social Security number, preferred examination date, and preferred testing location, which can be found at the back of the TDI handbook. The testing fee is $43.

On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing site at least 30 minutes early. You will need to bring two valid forms of identification, with at least one being government-issued and bearing your photo and signature. All IDs must be in English. If you arrive late or fail to bring the necessary identification, you will not be allowed to take the test, and your testing fee will be forfeited.

Submit fingerprints for a background check

To apply for a life insurance agent license in Texas, you must submit to a fingerprint-based background check. This is a mandatory requirement for most applicants.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) uses IdentoGO electronic fingerprinting services to check the criminal history records of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Begin the application process on TDI's online initial application and fingerprint portal. You will need to submit your initial application and intent to apply by completing the required fingerprinting information.
• Once your application is registered, TDI will send you a service code to the email address provided. You will need this code to register for your fingerprinting appointment.
• Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO by visiting their website or calling (888) 467-2080. Use the service code you received from TDI when making your appointment.
• Attend your fingerprinting appointment with a valid photo ID and payment. IdentoGO accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards.
• At the appointment, an IdentoGO agent will take your fingerprints electronically and send them to the DPS and FBI for a background check.
• Upon completion of your appointment, you will receive a receipt from IdentoGO. Keep the original receipt for your records and attach a copy to the license application you send to TDI.
• You can check the status of your background check by visiting the IdentoGO website and clicking on "Check the Status of your Service."
• If electronic fingerprinting is unavailable, you can obtain hard card ink fingerprints. To request a hard card, fill out a form online on the IdentoGO website or call (888) 467-2080.
• Obtain a copy of your fingerprints from a criminal law enforcement agency and get your fingerprints on an FBI card. You can get fingerprinted at a Department of Public Safety office, sheriff's office, or police station.
• Fill out the FBI fingerprint card, ensuring it is signed by you and the official taking the fingerprints.
• Mail your fingerprints, along with the confirmation document, to the address provided by IdentoGO.
• IdentoGO will mail you a receipt once they receive your fingerprints. Check the status of your service on their website.
• Attach a copy of the receipt to your application and retain the original for your records.

Remember, you must submit your license application within one year of passing the licensing exam. Failure to do so will result in the need to retake the exam.

Apply for the license

To apply for a life insurance agent license in Texas, you must complete a five-step process, as outlined by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for your license:

Step 1: Complete a Texas Insurance Pre-license Course

Although Texas does not require pre-licensing education, it is highly recommended that you take a pre-license course to prepare for your exam. You can opt for an online or in-person course, depending on your preference. Online courses are typically more affordable and accessible, while live courses offer a traditional classroom setting. The pre-license course will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to pass the licensing exam.

Step 2: Take the Texas Life Insurance Licensing Exam

After completing your prep course, it's time to register for and take the Texas Life Insurance Licensing Exam. Texas uses Pearson VUE as its official testing service. The exam consists of 80 scored questions, including general and state-specific sections. You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam, which costs $$33. It is proctored, meaning an official proctor will monitor you during the exam.

Step 3: Get a Fingerprint-Based Background Check

Once you have taken the exam, the next step is to get a fingerprint-based background check. You must use IdentoGO for this process and then send a copy of your IdentoGO receipt to the TDI. This step ensures that your fingerprints are sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI for verification. The fee for fingerprinting services is $39.70. Remember to keep the original receipt for your records and attach a copy to your license application.

Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Texas Life Insurance License Application

Now, you can apply for your Texas life insurance license online via Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The application fee is $50. The TDI will issue a life insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the licensing exam. Make sure to submit your completed license application within 12 months of passing the exam.

Step 5: Await Your Application Results

After submitting your application, the TDI's Agent & Adjuster Licensing Office will review it along with your background check. This process typically takes one to five business days. Once their review is complete, they will notify you of their decision via email, and you will be ready to start your journey as a life insurance agent in Texas.

Additional Considerations:

• It is recommended to bookmark relevant pages and keep important documents, such as receipts, for quick reference during the application process.
• Remember that you must meet the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the Texas Insurance Code and Texas Administrative Code.
• You can contact the TDI with any questions or send supporting documents to [email protected].

Frequently asked questions