Getting A Texas Life Insurance License: Steps To Success

If you're looking to get a Texas life insurance license, there are a few steps you need to follow. Firstly, it's recommended that you complete a prelicensing course to prepare for the state licensing exam. While prelicensing education is not mandatory, the exam is challenging, and enrolling in a study course can increase your chances of passing. Once you've completed your prelicensing course, you'll need to pass the Texas licensing exam. After passing the exam, the next step is to get fingerprinted. You can schedule an electronic fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO. Following this, you can submit your license application online. There is a $50 application fee, and you'll need to provide various documents, including proof of financial responsibility. Finally, you should plan to complete the required insurance continuing education credits to maintain your license.

Complete a prelicensing course

To obtain a Texas life insurance license, you must complete a prelicensing course. This step is optional if you are not applying for a temporary 90-day license. However, due to the challenging nature of the licensing exams, it is highly recommended that you undertake a study course.

The Texas Department of Insurance requires applicants for a Texas insurance license to complete a prelicensing education course, which can be done through various online platforms. These courses are designed to provide you with the fundamental knowledge required to pass the state licensing exams. The courses are typically self-study or instructor-led and are structured to cover all the essential topics included in the exams.

The prelicensing course for a Texas life insurance license will cover various topics, such as life and health insurance products, accident and health insurance, and general insurance knowledge. The course will also include exam preparation materials, such as exam simulators and flashcards, to help you reinforce your understanding of the subject matter.

It is important to note that if you are applying for a temporary 90-day license, you must complete 40 hours of prelicensing education within 14 days of submitting your temporary license application. This requirement is mandatory and must be fulfilled through a sponsoring licensed insurance company, agency, or agent.

The Texas Department of Insurance also specifies the acceptable methods of education for the prelicensing course. One method is the "forced progression," where you must complete each section of the online course before proceeding to the next. Additionally, there is the "proctor" method, where a disinterested third party, who is not related to the student and is not their employee or subordinate, must monitor the certification exam.

By completing a comprehensive prelicensing course, you will gain a strong foundation in the subject matter and increase your chances of successfully passing the Texas life insurance licensing exams.

Pass the Texas licensing exam

Passing the Texas licensing exam is a crucial step in obtaining your life insurance license. Here's a detailed guide to help you prepare and pass the exam:

Understanding the Exam Structure:

The Texas licensing exam is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the state's insurance regulations and industry practices. The exam is comprehensive and covers a range of topics related to life insurance. It is created to ensure that individuals are well-equipped to provide accurate and ethical advice to clients.

Choosing a Prep Course:

While prelicensing education is not mandatory in Texas, it is highly recommended due to the exam's difficulty. Enrolling in a reputable prep course, such as those offered by Kaplan Financial or XCEL Solutions, can significantly enhance your understanding of the material and increase your chances of passing. These courses are designed to cover all the relevant topics and provide you with effective study strategies.

Study Strategies and Resources:

When preparing for the Texas licensing exam, it is essential to develop a structured study plan. Set aside dedicated time for studying and create a quiet, distraction-free environment. Focus on understanding the concepts rather than simply memorizing facts. Review practice questions and take advantage of exam simulators offered by prep courses to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing.

Scheduling the Exam:

The Texas licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a third-party testing provider. You can schedule your exam online or over the phone by contacting their customer service. Appointments are typically available up to one calendar day before the desired exam date, depending on availability. Remember to verify that your legal name and personal information are correct during the scheduling process, as they will appear on your exam documentation.

Exam Day Tips:

On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing center early to allow yourself time to relax and review any last-minute notes. Bring your government-issued ID and any other required documentation. During the exam, carefully read and understand each question before answering. Pace yourself and use your time efficiently. If you don't know an answer, don't spend too much time on it; instead, flag it for review and return to it later if you have time.

Remember, obtaining your Texas life insurance license is a process that requires dedication and a strong understanding of the material. By thoroughly preparing for the exam and utilizing the resources available, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in the insurance industry.

Get fingerprinted

To get a Texas life insurance license, you will need to get fingerprinted as part of a background check. This is a requirement for most people applying for a license.

To get fingerprinted, you must first receive your fingerprint service code and instructions by beginning the application process on TDI's online initial application and fingerprint portal.

You can then make an appointment for electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO by IDEMIA. You can do this by calling 888-467-2080 from Monday to Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central Time, or by scheduling online.

After getting fingerprinted, you will need to send a copy of the IdentoGO receipt showing that your fingerprints were sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Some people may be exempt from getting a fingerprint background check. To learn more, refer to the Texas Administrative Code. You do not need to get a fingerprint background check if you live in Texas and have an active license or registration with the Texas Department of Insurance and have already submitted fingerprints.

Submit an application

To submit an application for a Texas life insurance license, you must first complete a prelicensing course. While the state of Texas does not require prelicensing education, you can apply for a temporary 90-day license, which allows you to be licensed before passing an examination and receiving a permanent license. This temporary license requires 40 hours of prelicensing education, which must be completed no later than 14 days after the date of the temporary license application.

After completing the required prelicensing course, you must pass a state licensing exam. The Texas Department of Insurance requires that you pass an exam before submitting your application. You can schedule an exam through the Pearson VUE website or over the phone by contacting customer service.

Once you have passed the state licensing exam, you can submit your application for a Texas insurance license. You can apply online using Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry. The application fee is $50.

If you are applying for a resident agent license, you must pass the Texas licensing exam before applying. If you apply before passing the exam, you will be required to submit a new application and pay the application fee again.

For a resident agency license, you will need to provide additional information, including a Texas DRLP (designated responsible licensed producer), information for all executive officers, directors, or partners who administer the agency's operations in Texas, and proof of financial responsibility.

It is important to note that most people who apply for a license must also undergo a fingerprint background check from IdentoGO and submit the receipt showing that their fingerprints were sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Plan to complete required insurance continuing education credits

To get a Texas life insurance license, you must complete required insurance continuing education credits. Here's a step-by-step plan to help you achieve that:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before you begin, it's important to understand the continuing education (CE) requirements for a Texas life insurance license. According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), license holders must complete 24 hours of continuing education for each license period. Out of these 24 hours, 12 hours must be completed in a classroom or classroom-equivalent setting, and three hours must cover ethics/consumer protection. These requirements must be fulfilled every two years, and the deadline for renewal is the last day of your birth month.

Step 2: Choose Your Courses

Select the courses that meet the CE requirements. You can choose from a variety of topics, such as ethical practices, insurance laws and regulations, annuity suitability, and anti-money laundering. You can find a list of approved courses and providers on the TDI website or through third-party education providers like Kaplan Financial Education and ExamFX.

Step 3: Enroll and Complete the Courses

Enroll in the chosen courses and ensure that you complete them before submitting your license renewal application. You can opt for classroom/webinar courses, classroom-equivalent courses, or self-study courses. However, keep in mind that only 12 hours of self-study credits will be applied to your CE transcript.

Step 4: Keep Track of Your Progress

Stay organized by keeping track of the courses you've completed and the credits you've earned. You can use tools like the Continuing Education Transcript Inquiry to view your transcripts and ensure that your Texas CE credits are up to date. This will help you identify how many more hours you need to complete.

Step 5: Submit Your Renewal Application

Once you've fulfilled all the CE requirements, it's time to submit your license renewal application. Make sure to do this before your license expiration date to avoid any penalties or delays in renewing your Texas life insurance license.

Remember to regularly check the TDI website for any updates or changes to the CE requirements, as these regulations are subject to change. By planning and staying on top of your CE credits, you can ensure that you meet the necessary requirements to obtain and maintain your Texas life insurance license.

Frequently asked questions