Sales & Marketing

How to become an Insurance Agent

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–6 months

Typical pay

$42k–$85k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Take pre-licensing for your line

   Life and health, or property and casualty. They are separate licences.

   1–3 months

2. 2

   Pass the state exam

   Line-specific, plus a background check and appointment by a carrier.

   State insurance producer licence

3. 3

   Join a carrier or agency

   Captive agencies train you; independents pay better once you can sell.

   1–3 months

   Course that covers thisFoundations of SalesUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Build a book

   Renewals are the point — this is a business you own over time.

   2–3 years

   Course that covers thisSalesforce Administrator (Admin-201) Practice Exams : 2026Udemy · around $19.99 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.