Life insurance agents wear many hats in today's economy. They sell policies that pay beneficiaries when policyholders pass away. They can also have a wide array of other skills. These may include retirement planning, estate planning, or pension plan set-up. Life insurance continuing education credits are required in all states for license renewal. They are key to adding to and maintaining agent skill sets.
This particular industry has seen resurgence since the economic recession. Many companies downsized agents prior to the slowdown. They relied on financial advisers, stockbrokers, banks, and the internet for sales. Whole life policies were touted as unattractive products. Many financial planners advised clients to purchase cheap term policies. They suggested investing the money that clients saved in the stock market. When the stock market plummeted, however, those "unattractive" whole life policies retained their value.
Many companies are now actively recruiting agents. They recruit former real estate agents, mortgage brokers, bankers, and lawyers. Life insurance agents have a difficult path. Seventy percent of agents earn less than $35,000 in their second year. Only twenty percent stay on the job for four or more years. After the fifth year, however, agents who persevere can make $100,000 or more.
There are many different types of continuing education courses. Firm element and regulatory courses include ethics and suitability, prevention of money laundering, securities products, economic topics, and FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rules and regulations. Agents can also take courses in accelerated benefits, annuities, and distribution planning. They can take courses in health and benefits insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and health savings accounts.
Continuing education requirements vary from state to state. Most require license renewal every two years. The number of continuing education hours can be as few as eighteen and as many as thirty. Requirements are decided by state departments of insurance. Some states require specific courses. For instance, nearly twenty states require ethics and consumer protection courses.
Choosing an education provider can be daunting. Agents have to do their own due diligence. A referral from a firm or colleague is helpful. Agents should make sure that the CE provider has experience and a good reputation. They should look for online, live, and textbook courses. The coursework should be approved nationwide and accredited by the state. Some firms reimburse employees for CE, and others require the agent to pay out-of-pocket.
If a firm is looking for CE providers, they should take a few steps. One is to hire a compliance specialist who has Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses. A local compliance officer employed by government can help small firms. Larger firms need to hire a specialist. A firm should make sure that the course provider offers classes for all of the firm's services. These could include CFP, CIMA, CPA, ChFC, and CLU credits.
All states set and maintaining life insurance continuing education requirements. These requirements are different from state to state. Therefore, it is important to do due diligence before committing to a CE provider. In a growing industry, licensure compliance and continuing education are major priorities.
This particular industry has seen resurgence since the economic recession. Many companies downsized agents prior to the slowdown. They relied on financial advisers, stockbrokers, banks, and the internet for sales. Whole life policies were touted as unattractive products. Many financial planners advised clients to purchase cheap term policies. They suggested investing the money that clients saved in the stock market. When the stock market plummeted, however, those "unattractive" whole life policies retained their value.
Many companies are now actively recruiting agents. They recruit former real estate agents, mortgage brokers, bankers, and lawyers. Life insurance agents have a difficult path. Seventy percent of agents earn less than $35,000 in their second year. Only twenty percent stay on the job for four or more years. After the fifth year, however, agents who persevere can make $100,000 or more.
There are many different types of continuing education courses. Firm element and regulatory courses include ethics and suitability, prevention of money laundering, securities products, economic topics, and FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rules and regulations. Agents can also take courses in accelerated benefits, annuities, and distribution planning. They can take courses in health and benefits insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and health savings accounts.
Continuing education requirements vary from state to state. Most require license renewal every two years. The number of continuing education hours can be as few as eighteen and as many as thirty. Requirements are decided by state departments of insurance. Some states require specific courses. For instance, nearly twenty states require ethics and consumer protection courses.
Choosing an education provider can be daunting. Agents have to do their own due diligence. A referral from a firm or colleague is helpful. Agents should make sure that the CE provider has experience and a good reputation. They should look for online, live, and textbook courses. The coursework should be approved nationwide and accredited by the state. Some firms reimburse employees for CE, and others require the agent to pay out-of-pocket.
If a firm is looking for CE providers, they should take a few steps. One is to hire a compliance specialist who has Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses. A local compliance officer employed by government can help small firms. Larger firms need to hire a specialist. A firm should make sure that the course provider offers classes for all of the firm's services. These could include CFP, CIMA, CPA, ChFC, and CLU credits.
All states set and maintaining life insurance continuing education requirements. These requirements are different from state to state. Therefore, it is important to do due diligence before committing to a CE provider. In a growing industry, licensure compliance and continuing education are major priorities.
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