Requirements for education and training for insurance sales agents

For jobs in insurance sales agent , most companies and independent agencies prefer to hire college graduates - especially those that specialize in business or economics . Graduates of the school are sometimes hired if they have proven sales ability or have been successful in other types of work . In fact, many participants in the insurance sales job transfer agent other occupations. In selling commercial insurance , technical expertise in a particular field can help sell policies to those of the same profession. As a result , new agents tend to be older than participants in many other occupations.

The formation of the university can help agents understand the technical aspects of insurance policies and the fundamentals and procedures of selling insurance . Many colleges and universities offer courses in insurance, and some schools offer a bachelor's degree in the field. University courses in finance, mathematics, accounting, economics, business law , marketing, and business administration enable insurance sales agents to understand how social and economic conditions related to the insurance industry . Courses in psychology , sociology, and public speaking can prove useful in improving sales techniques . Furthermore, given that computers provide instant information on a variety of financial products and greatly improve the efficiency of the agents , familiarity with computers and popular software packages has become very important.

The insurance sales agents must be licensed in States where they plan to make the sale. Separate agents who sell life and health insurance and property and casualty insurance license required. In most States , licenses are issued only to applicants who complete courses established ALS and pass the state exams covering insurance fundamentals and State insurance laws. As a result of the Gramm- Leach- Bliley Act of 1999 , the industry is moving increasingly towards uniform rules for granting state licenses and reciprocal licensing, allowing agents who earn a license in one state to obtain a license another State where there passed the appropriate examinations and courses .

Several organizations offer professional designation programs that certify an experience in specialties such as life , health and property and casualty insurance and financial consulting . Although voluntary , such programs assure clients and employers that an agent has a thorough understanding of the specialty . Agents are usually required to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education to maintain their designation.

Employers are also placing greater emphasis on continuing professional education as the diversity of financial products sold by insurance agents increases. It is important for insurance agents to keep abreast of issues with customers. Changes in tax laws , government benefit programs , and other state and federal regulations can affect the insurance needs of customers and how agents conduct business. Agents can enhance their selling skills and expand their knowledge of insurance and other financial services, taking courses at universities and by attending institutes , conferences and sponsored by insurance organizations seminars. Most authorities state licensing also have mandatory continuing education requirements focusing on insurance laws , consumer protection , and technical details of various insurance policies .

As the demand for financial products and financial planning increases , many insurance agents are choosing to earn obtaining certification to sell securities and other financial products and licenses . Doing so , however , requires substantial study and passing an additional examination, whether the Series 6 or Series 7 licensing exam , which is administered by the National Association of Securities Dealers ( NASD). The Series 6 exam is for people who want to sell only mutual funds and variable annuities , whereas the Series 7 exam is the main NASD series license that qualifies agents as sales representatives of general values ​​. In addition , to further demonstrate competence in the field of financial planning , many agents find it valuable to earn the designation "Certified Financial Planner" or " financial consultant . "

The insurance sales agents must be flexible , enthusiastic , confident, disciplined , hard working and willing to solve problems. They should communicate effectively and inspire customer confidence . Because they usually work without supervision , sales agents must be able to plan your time well and have the initiative to locate new customers .

An insurance sales agent who shows ability and leadership may become a sales manager at a local office . Some advance to agency superintendent or executive positions. However, many people who have built a good clientele prefer to remain in sales work . Some - especially in the field of property and casualty to establish their own independent agencies or brokerage firms .