Texas

Texas Insurance Prelicensing Requirements

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On this page, you’ll find a comprehensive guide for getting your insurance license and the state requirements. We’ll walk you through the process, and we’ll be here to answer any questions you have along the way.

Texas requires each person selling insurance in the state to hold an insurance license. You will choose which line of authority you want to be licensed in: health insurance, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, or any combination of those lines.

Once you know which license you need, you’re ready to begin. In Texas, there are 5 steps to getting your insurance license.

Step 1: Complete a Prelicensing Course

While Texas does not require prelicensing education, we recommend that you complete an exam prep course in order to pass the licensing exam. The licensing exam can be very difficult and is designed to test your product knowledge, industry terminology, state requirements, and state and federal insurance law.

A.D. Banker offers prelicensing courses that will prepare you to successfully pass the state exam on your first attempt. We offer online courses that can be supplemented with webinars or learning tools like flashcards and study manuals.

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted

To receive your fingerprint service code and instructions, you must begin the application process on TDI’s online initial application and fingerprint portal.

Most applicants must:

Get a fingerprint background check from IdentoGO.
Send TDI a copy of the IdentoGO receipt showing that their fingerprints were sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Certain exemptions apply for individuals who already have active licenses or registrations in Texas or hold active resident licenses in other states. More details can be found on the Texas Administrative Code.

Step 3: Pass the State Licensing Exam

After you finish your prelicensing course, you are now ready to take the state licensing exam. You must score 70% or higher to pass. If you fail the exam, you will need to pay an additional fee to retake it.

Step 4: Apply for Your License

After passing the exam, you are ready to apply for your license through Sircon, pay the application fee, and submit your fingerprints. You must apply for your license within 12 months of passing the exam, or you will be required to retake it.

Step 5: Plan for Continuing Education

Continuing education (CE) is required for all Texas insurance agents for license renewal. The continuing education requirements are generally 24 hours of education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training.

Limited lines agents must complete 10 total hours of CE courses.

Nonresident license holders are currently required to adhere to their home state’s continuing education requirements. If the insurance agent is selling long-term care (LTC) or annuity products, there are additional requirements from the State of Texas.

Texas Insurance Licensing Exam FAQ

Am I exempt from the state exam?

The Texas Insurance Code provides exemptions for individuals who hold certain professional designations. If you are exempt from the exam, you must submit documentation of the designation with your Sircon license application.

How long should I spend studying?

We encourage you to spend at least 20 hours of study per line of authority before attempting the state exam. If you are pursuing a combination license (e.g., Life & Health or Property & Casualty), we recommend 40 hours of study.

Where will I take the state exam?

Exams are taken in-person at a Pearson VUE testing site. Effective 3/1/2024, remote state exams are no longer offered.

How do I schedule my state exam?

You can schedule your state exam through Pearson VUE or by calling (888) 754-7667. Exam fees must be paid at the time of reservation.

What score do I need to pass?

For all insurance exams, you need to score 70% or higher to pass. Immediately after your exam, you will receive a pass or fail notification.

What happens if I fail my exam?

If you do not pass the exam, you can log into your Pearson VUE account to obtain a diagnostic report showing your strengths and weaknesses. You can reschedule a new exam immediately without a waiting period.

Disclaimer

This document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and exam details are subject to change based on updates from the Texas Department of Insurance and other regulatory agencies. Always verify information with the official Texas Department of Insurance website before proceeding with your licensing application.