Sales & Customer Service
Insurance Agent
Insurance agents help people and businesses choose coverage — as employees or independents.
What They Do
Help individuals and businesses select insurance coverage. Licensing is state-specific and mandatory; agents may work for one company, an agency, or independently.
Why someone might consider this career
Licensing is fast, income commonly blends salary and commission, and experienced agents often run independent agencies.
Work Environment
The Basics
Training time
1–3 months including licensing
Training cost
Information pending verification
Education commonly associated with entry
Information pending verification
Certification / licensing
Required: a state insurance license, line-specific (life/health or property/casualty), which involves prelicensing education and a state exam. Continuing education applies. Verify with your state insurance department.
Physical demand
Low
People interaction
High
Remote potential
Moderate
Self-employment potential
High
Typical Training Path
- 1Choose a line: life/health or property/casualty
- 2Complete your state's prelicensing education
- 3Pass the state licensing exam
- 4Apply for your license and complete appointments
- 5Join an agency or build an independent book of business
A common route — actual requirements vary by program, employer, and state.
Certification & licensing note: Required: a state insurance license, line-specific (life/health or property/casualty), which involves prelicensing education and a state exam. Continuing education applies. Verify with your state insurance department.
A course certificate, a professional certification, and a state license are three different things — completing training alone never makes you licensed or certified.
Licensing & requirements in your state
Requirements for this career vary by jurisdiction. We never assume your location — pick your state to check.
Select your state to see requirements.
Planning to work for yourself in this field? Build your business toolkit in Business & Software →
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell insurance?
Yes. Agents must be licensed by their state for the lines they sell, which requires prelicensing education and an exam. Requirements vary by state — verify with your state insurance department.
Last verified: September 26, 2026
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Career requirements, licensing rules, education requirements, costs, and employment conditions can change. Verify official requirements with the appropriate licensing agency, credentialing body, employer, or educational institution. Lucky Finds does not guarantee admission, certification, licensure, employment, salary, or career outcomes.