The Insurance Industry and Job Growth

The great dilemma of our time is that the American workforce is shrinking.�Hard working Americans are continuing to be laid off in droves, creating the largest unemployment sector since the Great Depression.�This time of uncertainty and job loss has been nerve racking to say the least. However, in every problem lies a solution.

Health and life insurance will always be a necessity in America, and regardless of how bad the current economy, insurance agents are always in demand.�As the nation's unemployment hovers around 10%, the insurance industry's employment projections point to an industry with an upward job growth rate exceeding 2.5% annually, making it one of the strongest job creation industries in America.� So, as unemployment increases and the jobs market remains tough, the insurance industry remains a vital part of our economy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income range for insurance agents is �between $33,070 to $68,730. Median annual wages in the two industries employing the largest number of insurance sales agents were $48,150 for insurance carriers, and $44,450 for agencies, brokerages, and other insurance related activities.'

Starting a career in insurance sales begins with becoming a licensed health and life agent�and it starts right at home.�State licensing laws require completing an insurance course and/or passing an insurance licensing exam in order to attain an insurance license.�Preparing for the state insurance exam is as simple as going online.� Many insurance schools now offer online licensing courses that can be completed in the comfort of one's own home and one's own pace.�Many states also streamline the licensing process by accepting online licensing applications, providing for a quicker license approval and leading to a quicker start up to becoming a licensed agent.

The following are helpful steps in attaining an insurance license:

1. If required by the state department of insurance, an individual may need to complete a pre-licensing course of study before sitting for a state licensing exam. �Most states require completion of a pre-licensing course of study to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to assist consumers in health and life insurance purchases.�Whether or not a pre-licensing course is required by the state, all states do require passing a state-monitored licensing exam.�
   
   Too busy to sit in an insurance class for 40-60 hours?�Some insurance schools now offer online courses that satisfy the state pre-licensing course requirement.�In our hectic day in age, a good tip is to choose a school that allows for online self-study. Completing the pre-licensing course in the comforts of one�s home and at one�s own pace can be advantageous over traveling to and sitting in a classroom.�Choose an online self-study course that offers practice exams as well. This will prepare for and simulate the actual state insurance exam. A few online schools also provide video assistance in understanding key concepts, but look for videos that are short and to the point, as some schools have overly lengthy videos that might hinder concept comprehension.
2. Apply for the insurance license and pay the appropriate state application and licensure fees.� Most states now allow individuals to expedite this process by applying for their insurance license directly through the state�s Department of Insurance website.
3. Most states require completion of a background check and/or fingerprints to be filed with the state to qualify for a state insurance license. These requirements can also be satisfied and/or scheduled directly through the states� department of insurance website and fingerprints can be taken at local fingerprinting vendors throughout the state.� Be sure to check with the state for an acceptable fingerprinting center before being fingerprinted to ensure state compliance. If background issues are of concern, contact the state department of insurance for a detailed explanation of allowable and deniable personal history issues.
4. Finally, schedule and pass a state insurance exam. Each state requires passing a state insurance exam before becoming a licensed health or life insurance agent.�This exam must be completed at a state-certified exam center and cannot be completed online.�State insurance exams are conducted through companies such as Prometric or Pearson Vue, though some states use other vendors as well.�Again, the state department of insurance website lists which vendor it conducts exams through and provides the necessary links to schedule the state insurance exam.

So, as a solution to unemployment and a necessity to the insurance industry, starting a new career in life and health insurance sales is becoming more affordable and achievable than ever.� With the convenience of completing the licensing process online, attaining an insurance license is simple and quick. Becoming a licensed insurance agent can be accomplished in as little as 7-10 days.