Jane Dotson
If you're interested in becoming an insurance agent in North Carolina, there are a few key steps you need to take. First, you'll need to decide on the type of insurance policies you want to sell, as this will determine the specific license you need. Obtaining a North Carolina insurance license is crucial, and you'll need to complete pre-licensing education requirements, including an examination. You'll also need to submit electronic fingerprints and undergo a background check to ensure you meet the state's regulations. After submitting your application, the next step is to pass the relevant North Carolina insurance license exam, which will depend on your chosen specialty. It's important to note that most insurance agent jobs are sales positions, so understanding the commission-based structure is essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Decide the type of insurance policies you want to sell. |
| License | Obtain a North Carolina insurance license. |
| Pre-licensing education course | Complete a pre-licensing education course. |
| Exams | Pass the North Carolina insurance license exam. |
| Cost | $46 per exam attempt. |
| Study Time | 2-6 weeks of study time per exam. |
| Background Check | Submit fingerprints to the NC Licensing Office of Pearson VUE. |
| Application Fee | $82 base fee plus $50 for each line of authority. |
| National Producer Number | Receive an NPN from Pearson Vue. |
| Registration | Register and schedule your state exam. |
| Documents | Provide two current forms of identification at the testing center. |
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What You'll Learn
Decide on the type of insurance you want to sell
To become an insurance agent in North Carolina, the first step is to decide on the type of insurance you want to sell. This is an important decision because the type of insurance policies you want to sell will determine the type of license you need to obtain.
If you want to sell auto, home, or business insurance, you will need to obtain a Property & Casualty (P&C) license. This is one of the most common types of insurance licenses held by agents in North Carolina. Alternatively, if you are interested in selling health and life insurance products, you will need to obtain a Health and Life license. Many agents choose to obtain both of these licenses to offer their clients a wider range of insurance products.
If you plan to work as a health insurance associate, you will need to pass the Accident and Health or Sickness Agent exam. This exam consists of 55 questions and has a duration of one hour and 15 minutes. It is important to note that you can take more than one exam at a time, but it is recommended to focus on one exam at a time to increase your chances of passing.
Another option is to specialize in a particular type of insurance policy, such as Medicare Supplement or Long-Term Care. In this case, you would need to be licensed for Accident and Health or Sickness and complete the required pre-licensing course hours.
Once you have decided on the type of insurance you want to sell, you can move on to the next steps of becoming a licensed insurance agent in North Carolina, which include completing pre-licensing education and passing the state insurance licensing exam.
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Complete a pre-licensing course
To become an insurance agent in North Carolina, you must complete a pre-licensing course. This is a mandatory requirement, and you will need to pass the relevant exam before you can obtain your license.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you already have a professional qualification such as a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Insurance Counselor, or Registered Health Underwriter, you may be exempt from the pre-licensing course. Similarly, adjusters are not required to take pre-licensing education, and individuals licensed in another state for the same type of insurance may not need to take the course. If you are unsure, you can refer to the North Carolina Licensing Chart, or 'Crosswalk Chart', which outlines the requirements for each type of license.
If you are required to take a pre-licensing course, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you can take an online course through providers such as Kaplan Financial or National Online Insurance School, which are certified by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. These courses cover various insurance concepts, definitions, insurance laws, and agent regulations outlined in the North Carolina Examination Content Outline. They are designed to prepare you for the state exam, with practice exams, instructional videos, and student support.
Alternatively, you can look for a job with an IIANC (State agent association) member, who may offer to enroll you in their educational resources.
Once you have completed your pre-licensing course, you will need to register for your state licensing exam with Pearson VUE.
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Register and pass the state insurance exam
To become an insurance agent in North Carolina, you must pass the state insurance exam. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering and passing the exam:
Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements
Before registering for the state insurance exam, you must fulfil certain pre-licensing requirements. These include completing a pre-licensing education course and submitting electronic fingerprints for a background check.
The pre-licensing education course covers various insurance concepts, definitions, insurance laws, and agent regulations specific to North Carolina. While some professionals, such as Certified Financial Planners or Certified Insurance Counsellors, may be exempt from this requirement, it is generally mandatory for applicants wishing to sell insurance.
The fingerprint requirement ensures that applicants do not have a disqualifying criminal or social services background. You must submit your fingerprints within 30 days of filing your application for an Insurance Producer License.
Step 2: Register for the Exam
The North Carolina state insurance exam is administered by Pearson VUE. To register, you must complete an electronic application at www.nipr.com. This application requires your Social Security Number (SSN) and legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID.
Once your application is processed, you will receive an email with your National Producer Number (NPN) from Pearson VUE. This unique identifier is used to track individuals and businesses nationally and is necessary for scheduling your exam.
Step 3: Schedule and Prepare for the Exam
You can schedule your state insurance exam online or over the phone with Pearson VUE. They offer examinations in various insurance categories, including life, health, property, and casualty insurance. The exam you take will depend on the type of insurance policies you plan to sell.
Exams are multiple-choice and cost $46 per attempt. It is recommended to study for one exam at a time, with the suggested study time ranging from two to six weeks. You can purchase practice exams from Pearson VUE for $19.95 to prepare.
Step 4: Take the Exam
On the day of your exam, arrive at the testing centre with your Exam Admission Ticket and two current forms of identification. The in-class exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, and you must achieve a passing score to receive your insurance license.
It is important to note that you must pass the pre-licensing exam before taking the state insurance exam. If you fail the state exam, you may need to meet additional pre-licensing education requirements before retaking it.
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Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
To become an insurance agent in North Carolina, you must submit your fingerprints and pass a background check. This is a crucial step in the licensing process, ensuring that applicants meet the state's insurance agent regulations and do not have a disqualifying criminal or social services history.
- Schedule an Appointment for Fingerprinting: Visit a law enforcement agency in North Carolina to get your fingerprints taken. You can refer to the list of Live Scan Locations provided by the NC Department of Insurance for convenience.
- Complete the Fingerprint Form: After having your fingerprints taken, you will receive a fingerprint form via email. This form must be signed by a law enforcement officer.
- Submit the Fingerprint Form: Send the completed fingerprint form to the NC Licensing Office of Pearson VUE by fax, email, or mail. The process costs $38 and initiates the background check.
- Meet the Submission Deadline: Ensure that you submit your fingerprints within 30 days of filing your application for an Insurance Producer License through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
- Await Background Check Results: The background check will review your past conduct to ensure compliance with North Carolina's insurance agent regulations.
- Receive Notification: Once your background check is complete and you have met the requirements, you will receive further instructions and updates on your application status.
Remember, timely submission of fingerprints is crucial, as it directly impacts the timeline of your background check and overall licensing process.
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Pay the application fee
To become an insurance agent in North Carolina, you will need to pay a fee when submitting your application. This is a mandatory step in the process, and the fee is non-refundable.
The application fee for a North Carolina insurance license includes a base fee of $82 and an additional charge of $50 for each line of authority. The base fee covers the cost of processing your application and conducting the required background checks. It also includes the $38 fingerprint fee, which is necessary to initiate the background check process.
The additional charge per line of authority varies depending on the specific license you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a health insurance associate license, you will need to pass the Accident and Health or Sickness Agent exam, which has its own associated fees.
It's important to note that the fees associated with obtaining your insurance license in North Carolina are separate from the costs of pre-licensing education courses and exam preparation materials. These costs can vary depending on the provider and the format of the course, such as online or in-person instruction.
While the application fee is a necessary expense, there may be opportunities to find entry-level positions within insurance agencies that can provide support for your licensure. Some agencies may offer to cover the cost of your licensing or provide educational resources to help you obtain your insurance agent license.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to obtain a North Carolina insurance license. This involves deciding on the type of insurance policies you want to sell, as different policies require different licenses. Next, complete a pre-licensing education course, submit electronic fingerprints and pass a background check, and finally, pass the relevant North Carolina insurance license exam.
All insurance exams in North Carolina are multiple-choice and administered by Pearson VUE. The cost per attempt is $46. The exam you take will depend on the type of insurance license you are applying for. For example, the Accident and Health or Sickness Agent exam for those wanting to work as health insurance associates is 55 questions long and lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Aside from the $46 exam fee, there is a $38 fingerprinting fee and a $50 fee per line of authority. There may also be costs associated with pre-licensing education courses, which can be found online and in-person.
The National Online Insurance School and Kaplan Financial both offer pre-licensing courses that cover insurance concepts, definitions, laws, and regulations. IIANC (State agent association) also offers educational resources to members.
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