If you’re interested in a career that can bring steady and consistent income, then becoming an insurance agent is the perfect fit for you because it’s always in demand. These are the steps you need to take to get started as a new insurance agent in California.
How to Become an Insurance Agent in California
In California how do you become an insurance agent? Problems that an insurance agent may face in California, One of the most difficult challenges for those who are just starting is finding the right course of study that will qualify them to sit for the California Insurance Exam. To become a licensed insurance agent in California, students should consider taking courses from both a college and an agency.
The exam consists of three sections: one on insurance laws, one on principles of insurance, and one on general insurance practice. Students should also consider taking part in training seminars such as ones offered by the National Association of Insurance Professionals (NAIP) and practicals to learn how to write applications and policy premium rates.
Requirements to Become an Insurance Agent
California insurance agents must meet specific requirements to become licensed. These include taking and passing an examination, a certain amount of work experience, and passing a criminal background check. For insurance agents in California, the legal requirements for being an agent include getting a license and training. To receive your license, you must be over 18 years old and have either a bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. For those interested in becoming an agent with an insurance company, you will need to do a lot of on-the-job training.
If you are looking for more information about the application process or about becoming an agent in California, visit the California Department of Insurance website.
Required Certifications
Insurance agents must be certified to sell life insurance, property, and casualty insurance. First, a state-approved training course is required. For life insurance certification, the candidate needs to complete two exams and pass two other subtests to receive certification. Property and casualty insurance agents must have completed their training course and passed three tests or courses for the insurance agent exam.
Pass Your Licensing Exam
Becoming an insurance agent in California requires passing the licensing exam. The exam is offered four times a year at Pearson VUE testing centers around the country, and you can purchase your exam voucher through the CA Department of Insurance website. You’ll need to show up at the testing center with an accepted form of photo identification, cash for payment (they do not accept credit cards), and bring a pencil or pen with you so you can fill out your answer sheet.
Follow this step to complete your insurance course:-
- Complete your California Pre-licensing Insurance Course first- After completing the final examination of the pre-licensing course, you will be given a Certificate of Course Completion.
| Pre-Licensing Course | Credit Hours of Insurance Course |
| Life, Accident & Health | 52Hrs |
| Life | 32Hrs |
| Accident & Health | 32Hrs |
- Pass the California Insurance License Exam- After you have completed your pre-licensing insurance course, you will need to register with PSI Services to take your state insurance exam.
| Exam | Exam Time | Scored Questions | Pre-Test Questions | Total Questions |
| Life | 1Hr 5min | 75 | 5 | 80 Min |
| Accident & Health | 1Hr 5min | 75 | 5 | 80 Min |
Tips for Success in the Insurance Industry
Many factors can help someone become a successful insurance agent in California. Before becoming an insurance agent in California, you need to be licensed by the Department of Insurance. Once you have your license, it is wise to research the market and be ready to make cold calls. A successful insurance agent also needs an understanding of personal finance as this will help with client acquisition and retention.
Conclusion
The field of insurance is a wide one. There are many types of insurance agents and you need to determine what type of agent you want to be before deciding on your certification program, school, or whether or not to get an agent license. Nevertheless, one thing is best for all agents: find the company that will make you successful!