Get Continuing Insurance Education Credits to Keep Your License Valid


by Ed Hulse


Insurance education courses are required to sit for the test and to obtain a license to sell policies. Testing confirms that you understand all the relevant policies and that you are able to meet your customers' financial needs. Each state creates the tests and creates regulations concerning continuing education credits.

The industry was created to protect people from extreme financial losses. It is designed to get them back to the same financial position they were in before the accident. If a policy has a high deductible, it is less expensive than one that has a much lower deductible.

The money from the sale of all of the policies is put into a pool. When some of the customers have losses, money is pulled from that pull. If there are too many losses, the pool is diminished, so the rates must be raised. In extreme conditions, like in often-flooded coastal areas, the sale of flood insurance may be dropped by a company. There are strict regulations concerning when this can be done.

Only licensed insurance agents are authorized to sell policies. A license for each type of policy requires a different test. A license is required for selling annuities, life and health, as well as property and casualty. Examples of the test names are the Series 6 or Series 63.

For financial advisers who will be selling stocks and bonds, another test is required. The Series 7 is a detailed exam that covers all aspects of investing and risk management. It is a very difficult test. Most people study for it for several months before attempting it.

The initial licensing tests will qualify applicants to get a license. In order to keep their license, they must continue to take courses that refresh and increase their knowledge. There are a number of courses available, many are online. Most are self-study. There are state regulations that dictate the qualifications to retain a license.

Most companies will only hire college graduates with a bachelor's degree. Often, students will focus on areas in business so that they can have a firm grasp of the industry. The nature of the work demands a constant interaction with clients. Sometimes groups of clients will be presented with information. It is beneficial to have courses in public speaking so agents can get their message across successfully.

Insurance education is required to not only obtain a license, but to keep your license. Keep your knowledge current and refresh what you already knew. Local regulations will list all of the requirements you must satisfy to be licensed.