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How can I learn more about what an insurance career really offers?
Visit the career information section of our Web site for a helpful overview of the exciting world of insurance. Talking to successful professionals is another great way to learn more about being an insurance agent on a daily basis. Check out our free articles to help you decide if an insurance career is right for you!
Why is ProSchools’ program better than the competition’s?
You may find cheaper programs, but you will not be able to find a better program of study. Our students often express their appreciation for how we consistently go the extra mile.
With ProSchools’ exclusive Web-based program, you are able to study at home any hour or day of the week, thereby reinforcing what you learned in the classroom. Our unbeatable online quiz and mock state exams—included FREE—provide you with the confidence to pass the first time!
Can I complete the program at home?
Yes. As of July 1, 2009, you can complete the education at home without special permission. ProSchools' offers live lecture classes or start anytime with our online courses. ProSchools has been granted permission to offer the online programs as of June 15, 2009. Anyone who begins the online program prior to July 1, 2009 must wait until after July 1, 2009 to take their state exam.
What kind of financial investment does it take to start a career
in insurance?
Investment in your new insurance career is surprisingly low. For just under $500, you can be trained, tested, and licensed in just a couple of weeks.
Where are the lectures held?
ProSchools holds classes in Vancouver.
The address for the Vancouver classes is:
201 NE Park Plaza Dr., Suite 268
Vancouver, WA 98684
What content is covered in each insurance class?
ProSchools’ Washington insurance classes meet the state’s education requirement for insurance agent licensing. Here are some of the highlights covered in each course:
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| Washington Insurance Laws & Regulations |
- Duties of the Washington state insurance commissioner
- Insurance agent license requirements
- Fair market practices
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| Washington Life Insurance |
- Whole life products
- Term and endowment insurance products
- Group life and business uses of life insurance
- Annuities
- Retirement Plans
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| Washington Disability Insurance |
- Disability income insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment policies
- Senior care
- Group insurance
- Taxes and field underwriting
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| Washington Property and Casualty Insurance |
- Insurance concepts and contracts
- Dwelling policy forms
- Homeowners policy
- Auto insurance
- Commercial package policy
- Business owners policy
- Workers Compensation Insurance
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Why is a background check required?
Since insurance professionals have access to individuals’ and businesses’ personal and financial information, state licensing agencies need to protect the public by ensuring only trustworthy people enter the profession.
Prior to receiving your license, you must submit a set of fingerprints with your license application. With these fingerprints, the Washington state insurance commissioner’s office will perform a background check through the Washington State Patrol.
Where can I get fingerprinted?
You will be fingerprinted at the Pearson Vue exam site. Be sure to take a cashier’s check or money order to pay the fingerprinting charge. Many police stations also offer the service if you call ahead for an appointment. Make sure they use form FD-258. Do not use a highlighter on the fingerprint card and do not fold it because it will not be accepted.
How do I know in which lines of insurance I need to be licensed?
The manager who has expressed interest in hiring you as an insurance agent knows which lines of insurance you’ll be selling. Contact him/her to find out which coursework you’ll need.
Do I need to find a company to work for before completing the education?
Generally, students complete the education as a result of having already selected an employer for whom they’d like to work. However, it is not required that you already know for whom you’d like to work before completing the education requirement and applying for the license. But you will not be able to activate your license until you are affiliated with an existing agency or appointed by an insurer.
How do I apply for the insurance license?
The insurance license application form is available from your new employer’s managing broker or online at the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) www.insurance.wa.gov. Your application packet should include all of the following: a completed fingerprint card, at least one Appointment/Affiliation Notice, fingerprint processing fee payable to the Washington State Patrol, original exam score reports, signed prelicense education certificates of completion, and appropriate filing and license fees.
What if I am already licensed in another state?
If you are relocating to Washington and are currently licensed in another state for the same lines of authority you are not required to complete any prelicensing education or take the state examination. This exemption is only available if you are currently licensed or if your application to Washington is received within 90 days of the cancellation of the previous license.
Where can I get an “Appointment/Affiliation Notice”?
At least one Appointment/Affiliation Notice (form #INS-18) must accompany your license application. A license will not be issued without one. This form is available from your new employer’s managing broker or online at www.insurance.wa.gov.
Where are the exam testing centers?
Test centers are located in Wenatchee, Lacey, Kennewick, Tukwila, Spokane, Vancouver, Yakima, and Everett. Specific locations and schedules are available in the State of Washington Insurance Candidate Handbook, and at www.pearsonvue.com. Scheduled test days vary widely by location.
What can I take with me to the exam testing site?
You may not bring any materials to the exam site. You will be given some paper for math calculations.
What is the exam like?
The exam is administered on a computer. However, you really don’t need to know how to use a computer. An exam proctor will explain all of the procedures, answer any questions about the testing process, and monitor the exams. During the exam, you may change answers, and/or go back and review previous questions.
How do I know if I passed?
You’ll be given your exam results immediately upon completion.
What about retesting if I fail?
Candidates who fail are required to retake only the portion of the exam they failed. A candidate must pass the failed portion within 90 days of passing the first portion in order to pass the entire exam.
You may test as many times as necessary; however each time you test, you will have to pay the state exam fee. It is highly recommended that you study more before taking the test a second time.
Once I pass, when can I begin selling insurance?
Passing the test does not guarantee issuance of the license. You’ll be able to start selling insurance policies only after you have actually received your license.
Where do I obtain an insurance license application?
The individual insurance license application (INS-14) is available from your new employer’s managing broker or at www.insurance.wa.gov. You will need to sign and date it, and also have your employer sign it.
What’s the difference between an “affiliation” and an “appointment”?
An affiliation must be submitted if you represent and/or share commissions with a licensed firm, LLC or corporation. An appointment must be submitted if you directly represent an insurer.
What is the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)?
The OIC is the Washington department of insurance responsible for overseeing the industry in the state. Their mailing address is: State of Washington Office of Insurance Commissioner, P.O. Box 40257, Olympia, WA 98504-0257. Licensing instructions and forms (except the fingerprint card) are available at www.insurance.wa.gov or by calling (360) 725-7144.
Where is the OIC located?
They are located in Tumwater, Washington. To hand deliver your license application, visit their office: Insurance 5000 Building, 5000 Capital Blvd., Tumwater, WA 98501.
Directions, I-5 from the south: Exit 102, Trosper Road. Turn right onto Trosper Road. At next light, turn left onto Capital Blvd. 5000 Insurance Building, 5000 Capitol Boulevard is one block down on the right.
Directions, I-5 from the north: Exit 102, Trosper Road. Turn left onto Trosper Road. At the second light, turn left on Capital Blvd. 5000 Insurance Building, 5000 Capitol Boulevard is one block down on the right.
Who is Pearson Vue?
Pearson Vue is the testing company hired by the OIC to administer Washington state insurance license exams. You may contact Pearson Vue directly at 800-274-8949 or online at www.pearsonvue.com.
As of January 1, 2009, what are the requirements to sell, solicit, or negotiate long-term care insurance coverage?
After January 1, 2009, an insurance producer must successfully complete a one-time education course consisting of no fewer than eight hours on long-term care coverage, long-term care services, state and federal regulations and requirements for long-term care and qualified long-term care insurance coverage, changes or improvements on long-term care services or providers, alternatives to the purchase of long-term care insurance coverage, the effect of inflation on benefits and the importance of inflation protection, and consumer suitability standards and guidelines.
I currently sell long-term care insurance coverage. Do I still need to complete the 8 hour course?
Yes. In order to continue soliciting, selling or negotiating long-term care, all insurance producers selling, soliciting or negotiating long-term care coverage prior to January 1, 2009, must successfully complete the 8 hour, one-time long-term care education and training course no later than July 1, 2009.
Will I need to take additional long-term care courses to continue to sell long-term care insurance coverage?
Yes. In addition to the one-time education and training course, you must complete no fewer than 4 hours every 24 months of continuing education specific to long-term care insurance coverage and issues.
Does ProSchools offer the one-time education and training course required to solicit, sell or negotiate long-term care insurance?
Yes. ProSchools has the one-time education and training course. Visit our course catalog for more information on ProSchools' approved LTC course. |
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