Considering becoming an insurance agent but don’t have a college degree? Good news, you don’t need one to get started. But what do you need? Before you picture yourself closing big deals and helping people protect their futures, understand the easy and attainable requirements. This guide can help you understand the requirements and break down what kind of training and education you’ll need to get started with confidence.
A College Degree Is Not Required to Get Started in Insurance
If you don’t have a college degree, don’t sweat it! You don’t need to graduate from college in order to be an insurance agent. Many agents get their start by transferring from other fields, like banking, sales or the military. Building transferrable, valuable skills like time management, educating people and leadership through life experiences other than college can help you when considering becoming an agent.
If you are interested in earning a college degree, it can add value to your future as an insurance agent. You may want to study business, economics or finance to build a background that dovetails with what insurance agents do.
What Types of Education Do Insurance Agents Need?
You will need at least a high school diploma or GED to get started as an insurance agent. Additionally, you can also earn various certifications that demonstrate you have knowledge about different areas of insurance. Obtaining certificates can help you increase your confidence and help better serve your client/members.
The requirements to be an insurance agent vary by state. So, you’ll need to make sure you get the licenses and certifications you need for the state where you live and, if needed, nearby states where you want to be able to sell insurance. The hours required to become certified, and the costs, also vary by state.
States may require licensing for you to sell certain types of insurance, including:
- Life insurance: Protection for your clients’ loved ones in the case of the client’s death.
- Health insurance: Plans that help cover medical expenses for your clients and their families.
- Property and casualty insurance: Protection for farms, ranches and other property as well as for legal claims.
- Adjuster: Investigating insurance claims to see if they should be paid and, if so, how much.
- Personal lines: Protection for individuals with policies like homeowners, renters, auto and umbrella.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Yourself
It might seem complicated to determine what kinds of licenses and certifications you need to become an insurance agent. At Farm Bureau, we have a tried-and-tested system in place to help people like you learn what it takes to be an agent and to meet the requirements.
The first step to becoming an agent is obtaining your license. Don’t worry though, Farm Bureau supports you with study materials and internal support/study tips. Next, you’ll transition to the Developing Agent Program, which gives you the chance to explore whether a future in insurance is a good fit for you, without leaving your current job.
Once you get started as an agent, ongoing training means you’ll be learning from day one, so you can build your business. You’ll attend our training academies in your first two years as an agent, completing Agent Academy 1, 2 and 3. In years three and four you can move on to Life Academy and Advanced Life Academy.
Engaging in online and classroom learning, plus field training, means you have opportunities to learn in different ways and at times that work with your schedule.
Take the Next Step Toward Success
If you think a future as an insurance agent might be right for you, whether you have a college degree or not, reach out to learn more.