Texas Insurance License Exam Preparation

If you're looking to obtain an insurance license for the state of Texas, you must take a state licensing exam. The Texas Department of Insurance does not allow its candidates to broker insurance transactions until they have adequately proved to the state that they are knowledgeable of the insurance coverages of Texas law by passing the state exam.

Types of Texas Insurance Licenses

• The state of Texas offers several different types of insurance licenses. Before you can prepare for the licensing exam, you must decide which type of license you would like to obtain. There are different exams for different types of licenses. For example, Texas offers licenses for general lines, life agent, personal lines, surplus lines and several other types of insurance. Visit the Texas Department of Insurance website for a full listing of the various types of licensing.

Pre-Licensing Study Material

• Unlike several other states, Texas does not require its insurance licensing candidates to take formal pre-licensing education classes. Some states, such as New York, require its candidates to sit for 90 hours of pre-licensing education credits for the property/casualty license.

  Even though Texas does not require pre-licensing education, unless you have hands-on experience in the field and a firm grasp of Texas insurance laws, you should contact one of the many course providers and take a licensing preparation class. Companies such as Kaplan Financial or Test Teachers Online offer insurance exam preparatory classes.

  When researching the various pre-licensing education providers, make sure to not only request the fee schedule but request a syllabus. Compare the syllabus and pricing of at least three different companies to ensure that you are receiving the best education for your money.

Licensing Information Packet

• The state of Texas uses Prometric to administer the state exam. When you visit the Prometric website, in addition to registering for the exam, you'll be able to download a pre-licensing education packet. This packet outlines the type of questions you'll see on the state exam. By reviewing the outline and comparing it to the education provider's syllabus, you'll not only have a good idea of what to expect when you take the state exam but you'll also be able to select the best educator to prepare you for the exam.

Criminal Background Check

• Texas requires its agents to submit to a criminal background check prior to obtaining a license. In order to undergo a background check, you must get fingerprinted. The fingerprinting occurs at the Prometric location, but you must schedule the fingerprinting through L1 Enrollment.

Texas Insurance License Application

• Before sitting for the state licensing exam you must download, complete the Texas Department of Insurance Individual Insurance License Application. The application is available at the Prometric website. Once you have completed the application, submitted to fingerprinting and have registered with Prometric, you can take the state licensing exam.