Securities Licensing > Insurance Licensing > Workers' Comp > Certifications > Event Calendar > Professional Development >

Insurance Licensing: Requirements, Exams, Careers & Training

Insurance licensing is the foundation of a successful career in the insurance industry. Whether you want to sell insurance, advise clients, adjust claims, or specialize in areas like workers' compensation or financial services, earning the correct insurance license is a legal and professional requirement in the United States.

This comprehensive insurance licensing guide explains everything you need to know, including:

• What insurance licensing is and why it exists
• The different types of insurance licenses
• Insurance licensing requirements by state
• Insurance licensing exams and how they work
• How to study for insurance exams
• Career paths and earning potential
• How ABTrainingCenter.com helps insurance professionals succeed

What Is Insurance Licensing?

Insurance licensing is the legal authorization issued by a state insurance department that allows an individual to sell, negotiate, service, or adjust insurance policies. Because insurance is regulated at the state level, each state sets its own licensing rules, exams, and continuing education requirements.

What Is Insurance Licensing?

Insurance licensing exists to:

• Protect consumers
• Ensure ethical conduct
• Verify professional competency
• Enforce state insurance laws

Anyone who sells or services insurance products without a valid license may face fines, license denial, or legal penalties.

How Insurance Licensing Works in the United States

Resident vs. Non-Resident Insurance Licenses

• Resident License - Issued by the state where you live or conduct primary business
• Non-Resident License - Allows you to operate in additional states, often through reciprocity

Resident vs. Non-Resident Insurance Licenses

Most insurance professionals begin with a resident license and later apply for non-resident licenses as their business expands.

Types of Insurance Licenses

Insurance licenses are divided into lines of authority, which define what products you are legally allowed to sell or service. These are Life & Health, Property & Casualty, and Adjuster, as explained below.

Life & Health Insurance License

A Life & Health Insurance License allows professionals to sell:

• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Accident & sickness policies
• Annuities
• Long-term care insurance

This license is common among:

• Insurance agents
• Financial advisors
• Benefits specialists

Learn more:

• Life & Health Insurance License

Property & Casualty Insurance License

A Property & Casualty Insurance License allows professionals to sell:

• Auto insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Renters insurance
• Commercial insurance
• Liability coverage

This license is essential for agents working with individuals, businesses, or commercial clients.

Learn more:

• Property & Casualty License

Insurance Adjuster License

An Insurance Adjuster License is required for professionals who:

• Investigate insurance claims
• Evaluate damages
• Determine settlement amounts
• Work with policyholders and insurers

Adjusters may work independently, for insurance companies, or as public adjusters.

Learn more:

• How to Become an Insurance Claims Adjuster
• What Does a Claims Adjuster Do?

Workers' Compensation Training

Workers' compensation often requires specialized training, especially for professionals handling claims, compliance, or case management. Some states mandate:

• Workers' compensation–specific exams
• Continuing education credits
• Specialized designations

Learn more:

• Workers' Compensation Training
• Workers' Compensation State Requirements

Insurance Licensing Requirements by State

While requirements vary, most states follow a similar framework.

Common Insurance Licensing Requirements

Most applicants must:

• Complete pre-licensing education
• Pass a state-approved licensing exam
• Submit fingerprints and background checks
• Apply for licensure through the state insurance department
• Pay licensing fees

Insurance Licensing Exams Explained

Insurance licensing exams test your knowledge of:

• Insurance principles
• Policy types and coverage
• State insurance laws
• Ethics and consumer protection

Exam Format

Most exams:

• Are multiple-choice
• Are computer-based
• Have time limits
• Require a passing score (typically 70%)

Common Exam Providers

• Pearson VUE
• PSI Exams

How to Study for Your Insurance Licensing Exam

Passing an insurance exam requires preparation and discipline. Proven Study Strategies include:

• Understand the exam content outline
• Use approved pre-licensing materials
• Create a realistic study schedule
• Break content into manageable sections
• Take practice exams regularly
• Focus on weak areas

Careers You Can Pursue with an Insurance License

An insurance license opens doors to many career paths. Common insurance careers include:

• Insurance Agent
• Insurance Broker
• Claims Adjuster
• Underwriter
• Risk Manager
• Compliance Specialist

Insurance Careers Explained

• How To Earn An Insurance License And Become An Insurance Agent

Insurance License Salary & Earning Potential

Earnings vary based on:

• License type
• Experience
• Location
• Commission vs salary structure
• Client base

Many professionals increase earning potential by:

• Holding multiple licenses
• Expanding into new states
• Adding securities or financial credentials

Why Choose ABTrainingCenter.com for Insurance Licensing?

ABTrainingCenter.com has supported insurance professionals since 1994 and is trusted by thousands of companies, including: Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, Allstate, and State Farm.

When you train with ABTrainingCenter.com, you receive:

• Expert instruction from industry professionals
• Instructor-led, online, and self-study options
• Exam-specific course design
• Practice quizzes and exams
• Ongoing career support

Start Your Insurance Licensing Journey Today

Whether you are starting a new career or expanding your credentials, ABTrainingCenter.com provides the training and support you need.

Explore next steps:

• Life & Health Insurance License
• Property & Casualty License
• Adjuster Licensing

FAQs About Insurance Licensing

How long does it take to get an insurance license?

Most candidates complete licensing within 2–6 weeks, depending on state requirements and study time.

Can I hold more than one insurance license?

Yes. Many professionals hold multiple licenses to expand services and income.

Do insurance licenses expire?

Yes. Licenses must be renewed periodically and usually require continuing education.

Is insurance licensing difficult?

With proper preparation and training, most candidates pass on the first or second attempt.

Getting Started: How To Understand The Insurance Licensing Requirements For Your State And Earn Your Insurance Licence

An insurance license allows you to sell insurance products in your state legally. While each state has unique requirements, much of the process will be the same across the country. The following steps will put you on the path toward your career as an insurance agent.

Step 1: Choose A License

Before you can become an insurance agent, you'll need to decide which type of insurance license you want, as well as where you want to base your practice.

If you'd like to sell insurance to neighboring states as well as your own, you'll need to receive a license for each one before conducting business. These are issued by the state's insurance commissioner. While you can get these licenses without being affiliated with a registered agency, affiliation is required before you can officially do business.

Licenses are also separated based on different insurance types, which are known as lines of authority. These include:

• Life and health
• Life-only or health-only
• Limited lines auto
• Personal lines
• Property and casualty
• Workers' compensation

You must have a license for each type of insurance you wish to sell, so knowing which career path you want to take is an essential first step. Different states break down these categories differently, so be sure to look up the licensing classification types specifically for the areas where you will do business.

Step 2: Background Checks

While each state's specific requirements vary, you'll likely need to provide a background history, work history and a complete set of fingerprints that might be shared with various law enforcement agencies. Your insurance department will use the information to receive a national criminal background check.

Step 3: Exam Preparation

Metting all pre-licensing requirements is an obligatory step before taking your state exam. Specifics vary from state to state, but many states require a certain number of hours in insurance licensing classes. These classes - which can be taken either in person or online - provide a general overview of insurance concepts and regulations.

Once you've completed any required pre-licensing course hours, you might need to take and pass a certification exam. A third-party proctor must monitor the exam.

Whether your state requires pre-licensing classes or you're free to take the state exam at your will, you can continue your exam preparation with self-study training materials. Course materials should be specific to your state.

Step 4: Passing the State Exam

After you've done your research and finished any pre-licensing requirements, you'll put your knowledge to the test with your state exam. You must earn a passing score of 70 percent or higher to begin your rewarding career as an insurance agent.

If you're starting the process of acquiring your insurance license, you might be wondering where to turn to find the support you need to succeed. At AB Training Center, you'll find an array of insurance courses and resources dedicated to helping you meet your state's requirements and pass your state exam.

Types of Insurance Licensing Classes / About Our Course Features And Course Materials

AB Training Center has partnered with well-known providers such as Kaplan Financial, ExamFX, and Xcel to offer a range of pre-licensing and exam-prep training insurance courses. These courses and resources - tailored to different lines of authority - help you thoroughly prepare for your state exam.

Because different states have different requirements to be licensed, it's essential to use the study materials specific to your area. The types of courses we offer vary by state to fulfill a range of unique requirements. Select your state's page above to learn more about the specific services you can choose from.

Here are the three types of insurance training we offer

• Seminars
  
  For many states that require a certain number of pre-licensing education hours, we offer live instructor-led seminars presented by recognized industry professionals. These seminars will fully satisfy state education demands. At the end of the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion that will allow you to move on to your state exam. You may need to pass a certification exam to receive this certificate.
  
  Many students prefer a live seminar format so they can meet fellow aspiring financial professionals and ask questions on difficult concepts. The instructor - as well as the included print and online course materials - will walk you through a range of topics that will be on your state exam.
  
• Online Insurance Licensing Classes
  
  While some students favor a live learning environment, others prefer learning from home on their own time. You can choose to meet the demands of your state's pre-licensing requirements online with our online course packages.
  
  Like in-person seminars, our proprietary online classes fulfill any required number of pre-licensing hours. After completing the course - and passing your certification exam if required by your state - you'll receive the certificate of completion necessary for taking your state exam.
  
  These courses offer several interactive study solutions, so you can choose to learn and study in a way that works best with your learning style. Materials include audio and video reviews and a printable textbook.
  
  Our available online insurance courses provide a full range of insurance training to give you the information you need to sail through virtually any insurance license exam. Available insurance training courses include:
  
  
  • Life and Health Insurance Licensing
    
    Life and health insurance are major industries throughout the United States. We can offer the training you need for life and health insurance licensing, regardless of the state you would like to operate in, with both online courses and in-person courses. Whether you need accident training, ethics training, or general life and health training, we can help you get the hours and education you need to successfully sit for your state's life and health insurance licensing exams.
  
  
  • Property & Casualty Insurance Licensing
    
    AB Training Center offers many property and casualty courses to assist you in becoming a P&C Insurance Agent, including pre-licensing courses, study guides, practice tests, and exam prep materials via live in-person classes, online training courses, and self-study materials. We also offer self-study for the prestigious CPCU, AIC, and other designations! Simply click on the links above for your state.
    
    
  • Claims Adjuster Licensing
    
    Our popular insurance courses also include claims adjuster training courses to help you earn your claims adjuster license. In addition to state-specific claims adjuster licensing examination training, we also offer training on Xactimate, the software for generating replacement cost estimates that has become the industry standard throughout the country and may even be mandated for adjusters for your organization.

Insurance Licensing Study Materials

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing study materials for any insurance licensing exams. While Agent Broker Training Center offers some of the most comprehensive classes available - and in a variety of