A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Insurance Agent in Tennessee

Are you interested in starting a career as an insurance agent in Tennessee? The state offers lucrative opportunities for motivated individuals who want to sell insurance policies and help protect people’s lives and assets.

Becoming an insurance agent in Tennessee involves education, exams, paperwork, and more. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps so you can launch your insurance career.

Overview of Licensing Requirements

To sell insurance legally in Tennessee, you must obtain an insurance producer license (also known as an agent license). Here’s an overview of the state’s key requirements:

• Complete pre-licensing education courses

• Pass a licensing exam

• Submit fingerprints for a background check

• Submit a license application and pay fees

You’ll need to complete these steps for each “line of authority” you want to sell, such as life, health, property, and casualty insurance. Let’s look at each requirement more closely.

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

Tennessee requires insurance agents to complete approved pre-licensing education before applying for a license. This involves taking 20-40 credit hours of courses depending on the lines of insurance you want to sell.

For example, completing a 20-hour course qualifies you to sell accident and health or life insurance. A 40-hour course is required if you want to sell both. Courses are offered by schools that are certified by the state.

Pre-licensing education covers key insurance concepts like:

• Insurance basics and principles

• State insurance regulations

• Product knowledge

• Ethics and best practices

You can take classroom courses at local colleges, but many people now complete them online for added convenience. Look for a state-approved provider that offers engaging content, flexible pacing, and student support.

Step 2: Pass the Licensing Exam

After finishing your pre-licensing education, the next step is passing the state licensing exam. You must make a reservation through Pearson VUE to take the test at one of their authorized testing centers.

The exams include around 80 questions and you need a score of at least 70% to pass. There are separate tests for each line of authority, such as life, accident and health, property, and casualty insurance.

During the exam, you cannot bring notes or study materials. The test covers concepts from your pre-licensing courses as well as state insurance regulations. Carefully review these topics before your exam date to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Step 3: Submit Fingerprints

Tennessee requires a fingerprint-based background check for insurance agent applicants. You’ll schedule an appointment with a certified provider to have your fingerprints collected electronically.

This step helps confirm you don’t have a criminal history or other disqualifying records. Approvals usually take 2-3 days after submitting fingerprints.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application

Once you’ve completed all the prior steps, it’s time to formally apply for your Tennessee insurance license. You can submit your application through the online Vertafore system.

The application asks for personal information, pre-licensing details, exam results, and more. You’ll also pay a $50 fee for each line of authority you’re requesting.

Provided there are no issues with your background check, Tennessee aims to process applications within 30 days. You’ll receive your license number by mail.

Maintaining Your Active License

Getting licensed is just the first step! Once approved, you must comply with ongoing obligations to keep your Tennessee insurance license in active status. These include:

• Complete 24 hours of continuing education each 2-year period to stay current on insurance topics.

• Pay a $50 renewal fee by the expiration date tied to your birth month.

• Maintain an active appointment with at least one insurance company.

• Report any legal or disciplinary actions promptly to the state.

Meeting these requirements will allow you to continue legally selling insurance and serving clients in Tennessee.

Key Steps to Launch Your Insurance Career

Here is a summary of the key steps covered in this guide to becoming an insurance agent in Tennessee:

• Research pre-licensing education providers and enroll in a course for each line of insurance you want to sell. Be sure to use a state-approved school.

• Study diligently and commit the materials to memory to pass your licensing exam(s).

• Schedule an appointment to submit electronic fingerprints for your background check.

• Upon passing the exams, complete your license application through Vertafore and pay fees.

• Look for job openings, attend industry events, and build your network to launch your insurance sales career.

• Once approved, make sure to comply with continuing education and other requirements to maintain an active license.

Finding Insurance Agent Job Opportunities

There are several paths to begin selling insurance once licensed:

• Insurance companies – Many insurers hire agents to sell policies directly to consumers. BlueCross BlueShield, State Farm, Allstate, and other major carriers offer agent jobs.

• Insurance agencies – Independent agencies represent multiple insurance companies and hire producers to sell various policies.

• Self-employment – You can start your own insurance agency, although this requires substantial startup funds and business expertise.

Key tips to land your first insurance agent role:

• Start applying to openings before completing licensing to get a head start.

• Highlight sales skills and passion for helping customers on your resume.

• Ask current agents if their agency is hiring or check with local insurance associations.

• Consider starting in a call center or other entry-level insurance position to gain experience.

• Schedule informational interviews and enroll in a mentoring program to further build connections.

With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a licensed insurance agent in Tennessee. This guide outlined the key steps – now it’s up to you to put them into action!