Talk Insurance

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.

Based on the stability of the product, there is now a large demand for agents. Companies are recruiting former lawyers, bankers, mortgage brokers, and real estate agents. The industry is grueling in the early years. Few agents earn more than $35,000 in their second years. After four years, only twenty percent stay in the field. Agents who stick it out into the fifth year, however, may find themselves making $100,000 or more.

Agents can take a wide variety of CE courses. Regulatory and firm element courses may include suitability and ethics, money laundering prevention, securities, topics in economics, and FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rules and regulations. Other courses may include distribution planning, annuities, and accelerated benefits. Agents can also study health savings accounts, Medicaid and Medicare, and health and benefits insurance. Each state has its own CE requirements. License renewal usually must occur biannually. Some states require as few as eighteen hours. Other states require as many as thirty. Each state's department of insurance has authority over renewal requirements. Some states require specific coursework. For instance, nineteen states require consumer protection and ethics courses.

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.

There is not a lot of information out there about choosing a CE provider. As a result, agents must do their own due diligence. Referrals from colleagues or from a firm can weed out undesirables. Any CE provider should have a strong background and a strong reputation. Providers should offer online, textbook, and live classroom courses. Courses should be state-approved and also approved nationwide. While some firms will reimburse their employees for CE, others will not.

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.

Life insurance continuing education is required by all states. Specific requirements may vary. It is important to research any CE provider before making a commitment. As the industry grows, firms and agents have to make licensure compliance a priority.