Guide to Becoming an Insurance Agent in Massachusetts

To become an insurance agent and sell insurance in Massachusetts, you need to get licensed. Our step-by-step guide offers detailed instructions for obtaining and maintaining your license. We’ve also included information on renewal and reciprocity so you’ll have everything you need to start an exciting new career as an insurance agent. Keep reading to learn details on the following steps.

1. Prepare for the Massachusetts state insurance exam
2. Register for and pass the state exam
3. Submit application
4. Stay compliant and renew your license

Let’s get started!

#1: Prepare for the Massachusetts Insurance Agent License State Exam

While the state doesn’t require a pre-licensing course, we highly recommend you take an All-Lines Training Massachusetts Insurance Exam Prep Course so you’ll be fully prepared to ace the state exam. There are many different license options for Massachusetts agents. The state offers a Property or a Casualty license, so make sure you purchase the exam prep course that matches the license you’re interested in. We  recommend preparing for and taking both the Property and the Casualty exams for better income potential. Every All-Lines course has been rigorously prepared and is regularly updated. Our online classroom allows you to print reference materials, take practice tests, and even create your own quizzes to help with subjects you are struggling with. Once you’re consistently making 90% on your practice tests and passing all the quizzes with flying colors…it’s exam time!

#2: Register for and Pass the Massachusetts Insurance Exam

When you’re ready to take the exam, register through Prometric. Make sure you register for the exam that corresponds to your exam prep course.

• Detailed information on Prometric’s testing policies, procedures, and scoring methods are available in the Candidate Handbook.

#3: Submit Application for Your Massachusetts Agent License

You may apply for your license online through the National Insurance Producer Registry. Make sure you are applying for the insurance license you tested for. You can find step-by-step instructions on the Massachusetts Department of Insurance website.

#4: Complete Massachusetts’s Insurance Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements

Massachusetts insurance agents are required to complete 60 hours of continuing education courses during their first compliance cycle and then 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years after that. You cannot repeat the same course within a compliance cycle and receive continuing education credit. Excess credits will not be applied to your next compliance cycle.

• Three hours must be an Ethics course

Massachusetts agent licenses are renewed every three years on the last day of your birthday month. You can renew your license through NIPR.

Additional Information for Massachusetts Insurance Agents

Massachusetts Insurance License Lookup: https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/

Massachusetts Insurance Agent Licensing Fees

• All-Lines Training Exam Prep Course: $179
• Application Fee: $300
• Exam Fee: $39
• Renewal Fee: $300

Massachusetts Insurance Agent License Reciprocity Insurance agent and producer license reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between states that says an agent holding a license in his or her home state can successfully apply for a license in another state without having to take that state’s exam or pre-licensing course. As an insurance agent, you can apply for a reciprocal license in any other state as long as the license you are applying for covers the same lines of authority. So if you hold a Personal Lines license, for example, you will not qualify for a Property and Casualty Lines reciprocal license because P&C covers more lines of authority than your current license. Your home state license needs to be in good standing, and you will need to apply for the license, pay the fees, and register the licenses with NIPR. Holding multiple licenses will allow you to sell insurance policies across state lines, increasing your customer base and your income. Massachusetts Department of Insurance Contact Information Website: https://www.mass.gov/doi Mailing Address:  Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Insurance 1000 Washington Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02118 Phone: (617) 521-7794 Email: producerupdate.mailbox@mass.gov

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If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.