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Home » How to get your insurance license in Texas?

How to get your insurance license in Texas?

May 7, 2025 by TinyGrab Team Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

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  • How to Get Your Insurance License in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide
    • Step 1: Choosing Your License Type
    • Step 2: Completing a Pre-Licensing Course
    • Step 3: Passing the Texas Insurance Exam
    • Step 4: Submitting Your License Application
    • Step 5: Undergoing Fingerprinting and Background Check
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
      • 1. How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Texas?
      • 2. How long does it take to get an insurance license in Texas?
      • 3. What is the passing score for the Texas insurance exam?
      • 4. Can I take the Texas insurance exam online?
      • 5. How many times can I take the Texas insurance exam?
      • 6. What is continuing education, and why is it important?
      • 7. How do I renew my insurance license in Texas?
      • 8. What happens if my insurance license expires?
      • 9. Can I get an insurance license if I have a criminal record?
      • 10. What is the difference between an insurance agent and an insurance broker?
      • 11. Do I need to be sponsored by an insurance company to get a license?
      • 12. How do I find an insurance job in Texas after getting my license?

How to Get Your Insurance License in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re thinking about joining the ranks of insurance professionals in the Lone Star State? Excellent choice! Texas is a thriving market with plenty of opportunities for driven individuals. But before you start selling policies and building your book of business, you’ll need to navigate the licensing process. This guide breaks down the steps on how to get your insurance license in Texas, making the journey as smooth as a perfectly poured Shiner Bock.

The core process involves completing these steps: 1) Choosing your license type, 2) Completing a pre-licensing course, 3) Passing the Texas insurance exam, 4) Submitting your license application, and 5) Undergoing fingerprinting and background check. Let’s dive into each of these essential steps in detail.

Step 1: Choosing Your License Type

First things first, you need to decide what kind of insurance you want to sell. Texas offers several different license types, each covering a specific area of the insurance industry. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common ones:

  • Life Insurance: Covers life insurance policies, annuities, and related products.
  • Health Insurance: Covers health insurance policies, including individual, group, and Medicare plans.
  • Property Insurance: Covers damage or loss to physical property, like homes and buildings.
  • Casualty Insurance: Covers liability for injuries or damages caused to others. Think auto insurance, general liability, and workers’ compensation.
  • Personal Lines Insurance: A combination of property and casualty insurance specifically designed for individuals and families.
  • Title Insurance: Covers issues related to property title ownership.
  • Surplus Lines Insurance: This is for those wanting to handle insurance for risks that standard insurance companies won’t cover.

Choosing the right license is crucial, as it dictates the types of insurance you’ll be authorized to sell. Consider your interests, skills, and the market demand in your area to make an informed decision. You can hold more than one license type, but each requires its own pre-licensing education and exam.

Step 2: Completing a Pre-Licensing Course

Now that you know what license you need, it’s time to hit the books! Texas requires all aspiring insurance agents to complete a state-approved pre-licensing course specific to their chosen license type. These courses cover essential topics such as:

  • Texas insurance laws and regulations
  • Insurance principles and practices
  • Policy provisions and coverage
  • Ethics and professional conduct

These courses are offered by various providers in different formats, including:

  • Online self-study: Offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
  • Classroom instruction: Provides a structured learning environment with direct interaction with instructors and classmates.
  • Live online webinars: A blend of online and classroom learning, offering real-time instruction and interaction.

The number of hours required for the pre-licensing course varies depending on the license type. For example, a Life and Health license typically requires 40 hours, while a Property and Casualty license also requires 40 hours. Make sure the course provider is approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). You can find a list of approved providers on the TDI website.

Step 3: Passing the Texas Insurance Exam

Once you’ve completed your pre-licensing course, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! You’ll need to pass the Texas insurance exam for your specific license type. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a leading testing provider.

Here’s what you need to know about the exam:

  • Scheduling: You’ll need to schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE website or by phone.
  • Exam Fee: There is an exam fee, which varies depending on the license type.
  • Exam Format: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
  • Passing Score: You need to achieve a passing score of at least 70%.
  • Content Outline: Familiarize yourself with the exam content outline provided by the TDI.
  • Study Materials: Utilize practice exams and study guides to prepare effectively.

On exam day, be sure to bring a valid form of government-issued identification and arrive at the testing center on time. If you fail the exam, you can retake it, but you’ll need to pay the exam fee again. There are limitations to how many times you can retake the exam in a given period.

Step 4: Submitting Your License Application

Congratulations, you’ve passed the exam! Now it’s time to submit your license application to the TDI. You’ll typically do this online through the Sircon website.

The application process involves providing personal information, education and employment history, and answering questions about your background. Be honest and accurate in your responses. Any misrepresentations or omissions could delay or even disqualify your application. You will also need to provide proof of completing your pre-licensing course. There is an application fee associated with submitting your license application.

Step 5: Undergoing Fingerprinting and Background Check

As part of the licensing process, you’ll need to undergo fingerprinting and a background check. This is to ensure that you meet the character requirements for holding an insurance license. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints taken at an approved fingerprinting location. The TDI will then conduct a background check to review your criminal history and other relevant information.

A criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining a license, but it will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation will be considered.

Once you’ve completed all these steps and your application is approved, you’ll receive your Texas insurance license! You can then begin selling insurance policies and helping Texans protect their assets and futures. Remember to comply with all continuing education requirements to maintain your license in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Texas?

The total cost can vary depending on the pre-licensing course provider you choose, the exam fee, the application fee, and the fingerprinting fee. Expect to spend between $300 to $600 on average.

2. How long does it take to get an insurance license in Texas?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete the pre-licensing course, schedule and pass the exam, and submit your application. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

3. What is the passing score for the Texas insurance exam?

You need a score of at least 70% to pass the Texas insurance exam.

4. Can I take the Texas insurance exam online?

No, the Texas insurance exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.

5. How many times can I take the Texas insurance exam?

You are allowed four attempts to pass the exam within a 12-month period.

6. What is continuing education, and why is it important?

Continuing education (CE) are courses that licensed insurance agents must complete periodically to maintain their license. It keeps agents up-to-date on industry changes, regulations, and best practices. Texas requires agents to complete a certain number of CE hours every license period.

7. How do I renew my insurance license in Texas?

You can renew your insurance license online through the Sircon website. You’ll need to complete your required CE hours and pay a renewal fee.

8. What happens if my insurance license expires?

If your license expires, you won’t be able to legally sell insurance in Texas. You may be able to reinstate your license within a certain period, but you’ll likely need to pay a late fee and complete additional CE hours.

9. Can I get an insurance license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but the TDI will review your background on a case-by-case basis.

10. What is the difference between an insurance agent and an insurance broker?

An insurance agent represents one or more insurance companies and sells their products. An insurance broker represents the client and shops around for the best insurance coverage from various companies.

11. Do I need to be sponsored by an insurance company to get a license?

No, you don’t need to be sponsored to obtain your license. However, once you are licensed, you’ll typically need to be affiliated with an insurance company or agency to sell their products.

12. How do I find an insurance job in Texas after getting my license?

Networking, online job boards, and contacting insurance agencies directly are all great ways to find an insurance job in Texas. Be sure to highlight your license, skills, and passion for helping people protect their assets.

Filed Under: Personal Finance

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