Being an insurance sales agent can have many benefits.  You will be in the business of helping people and companies obtain security against risk.  With that in mind, while you may work with companies, you’ll always be working with people.

You’ll need to help analyze the needs of those that desire your services, recommend options that may best suit them, and help navigate the often times confusing road to a positive solution.

More often than not, while you may work for a larger company, you’ll almost always be an independent agent. What does that mean?  Well, being an independent agent means that you’ll be left to your devices to insure your success.  You may be given support in the way of corporate marketing and an office to work from, but you may be responsible for generating your leads, marketing yourself, making your own hours…and getting and keeping your insurance license.

The task may be daunting at first, but with a bit of guidance and perseverance, you’ll be just fine.   The steps are relatively easy, so lets get to it:

Step 1 – Identify what type of insurance you would like to sell. This may come as a result of what you are interested in.  Do you like companies, homes, cars, and boats…Property & Casualty may be your avenue.  Are you interested in the transfer of wealth and seeing to it that successive generations are protected or are you keen on the ins and outs of the health care industry…Life and Health could be your ticket.

Step 2 – Contact your state’s Department of Insurance. You may find The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is a good resource to find your state’s Department.   You can also find them by searching for “Department of Insurance + Insurance”.  You want to discover exactly what requirements you’ll need in order to get licensed.  This usually consists of pre-licensing requirements, ability to apply to be licensed, where and when you’ll be able to take the state exam, and free resources and department contact information should you have any questions.

Step 3 – Obtain study materials. You may have to purchase these and can be as much as $300, depending upon your state.  It may also be a good idea to register for an insurance class, where you’ll receive focused learning modules, not only on the materials you’ll be tested on, but also on the format of the test.  Knowing how to take the test is muy importante!

Step 4 – Learn the material. This may seem a bit unnecessary to point out, but the certification tests have become much more involved in recent years,  due to the high demand of people wishing to be licensed, and you’ll need to know your stuff.  I found this guide to be full of great study tips, which I encourage anyone to look over and take away what might work for them.  Sure, we studied as youngsters , but getting it done as an adult is another ballgame.

Step 5 – Take care of yourself prior to and on test day. Get plenty of rest, drink loads of water, and eat clean and nutrient rich food.  Your mind will thank you for it.

Step 6 – Follow the test instructions and ask questions. The way you take the test is very important.  You be or may not be allowed test aids, such as a calculator or scratch, but you’ll have to pay attention to find out.  If you are unsure about something, ask!  The only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked.

Step 7 – Follow up. Contact with your department to get test results, file necessary paper work, and pay any license fees.  Your Department of Insurance may also have great information on tips for starting a career in Insurance sales.

If you’ve followed these instructions and worked hard, you’ll be just fine!  You have the rest of your life to help people, work in a rewarding career, and make a great living for yourself and your family.

Onward and upward!