
If you're interested in selling life insurance, you'll need to obtain a license. The process for getting a license varies depending on the state you're in, but there are some general steps you can expect to follow. These include completing pre-licensing education, passing a state insurance exam, and submitting an application. The entire process can take between two and eight weeks, and you'll also need to take continuing education credits to maintain your license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | You must be at least 18 years old |
| Pre-licensing education | Required by some states |
| Exam | Required by all states |
| Application | Submitted to the state's department of insurance regulation |
| Fee | Varies between states |
| Time | The entire process can take between two and eight weeks |
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What You'll Learn

Pre-licensing education
To obtain a life insurance license, you must complete pre-licensing education. This is a requirement in most states, although there are a few that do not require it, so it is important to check with the state's insurance organisation before you begin. The number of hours of pre-licensing education you will need to complete varies by state, as does the cost.
The pre-licensing education process will also help you to build your knowledge of insurance agent requirements. This includes understanding the general requirements for selling insurance, as well as the specific regulations that apply in your state. It is important to be familiar with these regulations, as they will impact your day-to-day work as an insurance agent.
The entire process of getting a life insurance license can take between two and eight weeks. A large portion of this time will be spent on pre-licensing education and coursework. This is a crucial step in the process, as it will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to sell insurance and advise clients.
Once you have completed your pre-licensing education and passed the state insurance exam, you can apply for your life insurance license. You will need to submit an application to your state's department of insurance regulation and pay a licensing fee. The fee varies between states, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your state.
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State insurance exam
To obtain a life insurance license, you must pass a state insurance exam. Each state has its own set of requirements for obtaining a life and health license, so it's important to verify the requirements for each state before taking any steps toward obtaining a license. Generally, candidates must complete pre-licensing education specific to their state’s requirements and meet all other requirements set forth by their state’s Department of Insurance. The number of hours of pre-licensing education and the cost vary by state, and a few states do not require pre-licensing education at all.
Once you have completed any necessary pre-licensing education, you can take the state insurance exam. This exam will test your knowledge of the insurance industry and the specific regulations and requirements of your state. It is important to study for this exam and be well-prepared, as passing it is a requirement for obtaining your life insurance license.
After passing the exam, you can apply for your life insurance license. You can submit your license application to your state’s department of insurance regulation, usually via an online form on the state department’s website. You will also need to pay a licensing fee, which varies between states. There is often no set timeframe for the review of your application, as each license application is treated differently.
Obtaining a life insurance license can take between two and eight weeks, with a large chunk of this time spent completing pre-licensing coursework and studying for the state licensure exam. Once you have obtained your license, you will need to take a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education (CE) credits during a two-year term to maintain your license.
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State-specific requirements
The requirements for obtaining a life insurance license vary from state to state. Generally, candidates must complete pre-licensing education specific to their state’s requirements, pass a state insurance exam, and meet all other requirements set forth by their state’s Department of Insurance.
Some states require you to earn a joint life and health insurance license. In some states, prelicensing education is not required, but the number of hours and the cost of this education vary by state.
Once you have passed the exam, you can apply for your life insurance license. You can submit your license application to your state’s department of insurance regulation. You will also need to pay a licensing fee, which varies between states.
After you get your life insurance license, you'll need to take a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education (CE) credits during a two-year term.
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Application process
The application process for a life insurance license involves pre-licensing requirements, application requirements, and passing the Life and Health insurance state’s exam. Each state has its own set of requirements for obtaining a life and health license, so it's important to verify the requirements for each state before taking any steps toward obtaining a license.
Generally, candidates must complete pre-licensing education specific to their state’s requirements. The number of hours of pre-licensing education required varies by state, and a few states do not require prelicensing education, so it's important to check with the state’s insurance organization before starting the process.
After completing any required prelicensing education, candidates must pass a state insurance exam for life insurance or life and health insurance. Once the exam has been passed, candidates can apply for their life insurance license by submitting an application to their state’s department of insurance regulation. It's recommended to wait at least 48 hours after passing the exam before submitting the application. The application can be filled out online on the state department’s website, and there is a licensing fee, which varies between states.
The insurance regulation department will then review the application. There is often no set timeframe for this review process as each license application is treated differently. Once approved, licensees can ask for a copy of their life insurance license. Some departments don’t mail printed licenses, so it may be necessary to download and print the license. If there is a delay in processing or the application is erroneously rejected, the department can be contacted for clarity. The entire process of getting a life insurance license can take between two and eight weeks, with a big chunk of this time spent completing pre-licensing coursework and studying for the state licensure exam.
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Continuing education
Once you have passed your state insurance licensing exam, you can apply for your life insurance license. You will need to submit your license application to your state's department of insurance regulation. You will also need to pay a licensing fee, which varies between states.
After you have obtained your life insurance license, you will need to take a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education (CE) credits during a two-year term. This is to ensure that you are up to date with the latest knowledge and skills in the insurance industry. The specific requirements for continuing education may vary depending on your state, so it is important to check with your state's insurance organization for the most accurate information.
There are various ways to fulfil your continuing education requirements. You can attend workshops, seminars, or online courses offered by accredited institutions or industry associations. These educational programs are designed to cover a range of topics relevant to the insurance industry, such as ethics, compliance, risk management, sales techniques, and product knowledge. By participating in these learning opportunities, you can deepen your understanding of insurance principles and stay informed about any legislative updates that may impact your practice.
Additionally, continuing education provides a platform for networking and connecting with other professionals in the insurance field. Through interactive sessions and industry events, you can build relationships, exchange insights, and learn from the experiences of your peers. This not only broadens your perspective but also fosters a sense of community within the industry. By actively engaging in continuing education, you demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of practice in the insurance profession.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on the state, but generally include pre-licensing education, passing a state insurance exam, and meeting other requirements set by the state's Department of Insurance. You must also be at least 18 years old.
The entire process of getting a life insurance license can take between two and eight weeks. This includes the time spent completing pre-licensing coursework and studying for the state licensure exam.
After passing the state insurance exam, you can submit your license application to your state's department of insurance regulation. You can fill in the application form online and will need to pay a licensing fee, which varies between states.





















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