Bluefire Insurance

What does it take to be an insurance agent in the Midwest? Fortunately, for aspiring agents like yourself, the licensing protocol is very similar from state to state. The vast majority of states require you to complete pre-licensing education, pass a digital exam, and maintain your license by completing continuing education requirements every couple of years. 

Read on to learn more about what it takes to become a successful agent, including skills for an insurance agent and a step-by-step guide for each state in the heartland of the United States! 

What it Takes to Be an Independent Insurance Agent 

The qualifications to become an agent include (but are not limited to): 

• Education: You’ll want to have a proper education, including resources like Kaplan Financial Education or ExamFX. There are multiple certifications for insurance professionals to consider. 

• Licensing: Each state in the Midwest has its own licensing requirements, though there are broad similarities among them. 

• Business Acumen: General business acumen can be helpful. Consider taking business courses at your local community college or university. 

• Social Skills: This is a sales-driven business, and your ability to connect with your prospects will ultimately determine your financial success in the industry. In fact, it’s one of the numerous key traits you’ll need to be a successful insurance professional. 

• Carrier Relationships: Negotiate favorable terms and commissions with carriers to maximize your income. 

Independent Insurance Agent Requirements in the Midwest U.S.: State-by-State Breakdown 

What does it take to be an insurance agent in the Midwest states? Below is a state-by-state breakdown of qualifications to become an insurance agent for aspiring agents like you. 

Illinois 

To become an agent in Illinois, you must be 18 years old and have a clean criminal record. You should complete pre-licensing education in your area of expertise, whether that’s life, health, or casualty products. 

You’ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE. After passing the exam, apply for your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Illinois also requires your fingerprints. 

Maintaining your license in Illinois involves continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must include ethics training. You’ll need to renew your license biannually. 

Indiana 

In Indiana, you’ll need to be 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, complete pre-licensing education, and take a Pearson VUE exam to be licensed in Indiana. 

You’ll require 20 hours per line of authority prior to taking the licensure exam. Fingerprints and a criminal background check will also be conducted. 

You’ll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, three of which need to focus on ethics. You’ll need to renew your license biannually. 

Iowa 

Becoming an agent in Iowa requires you to have reached the age of 18, maintain a clean criminal background, complete 20 hours of education per line, and take a licensure examination. 

Iowa requires 36 hours of continuing education every three years, including three hours of ethics training. Renew your license every three years as opposed to every two years. 

Kansas 

In the state of Kansas, you must be 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, complete pre-licensing education, and take a Pearson VUE exam to be licensed in Kansas. 

The state requires 20 hours per line of authority prior to taking the licensure exam. Fingerprints and a thorough background check are required. 

Every two years, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education, three of which need to focus on ethics. License renewal occurs biannually. 

Michigan 

Becoming licensed in Michigan involves a licensure exam. However, in Michigan, you will take your licensing exam through a service known as PSI Exams Online rather than Pearson VUE, as is typical in other states. 

The state asks that you be 18 years old, have a clean background check, complete 20 hours of training per line prior to your PSI Exam, and complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years as part of your renewal process. 

Minnesota 

To become an agent in Minnesota, you must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record. 

Twenty hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE is mandated. After passing the exam, apply for your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Minnesota also requires your fingerprints to submit your application. 

Maintaining your license in Minnesota requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training. You’ll need to renew your license biannually. 

Missouri 

Missouri requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including three hours of ethics training. License renewal occurs every two years. 

The legal age to become an agent in Missouri is 18. You must complete a background check, and undergo 20 hours of training for each line you intend to sell. You’ll also complete a Pearson VUE test and supply your fingerprints prior to licensing. 

Nebraska 

Nebraska requires licensing renewal every two years, and the state uses Pearson VUE for its exams. 

You must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record to receive a Nebraska insurance license. 

You’ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam. Maintaining your license in Nebraska requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training. 

North Dakota 

North Dakota also uses Pearson VUE for licensure exams. You must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record to receive a North Dakota insurance license. 

North Dakota does not require classroom education to become an insurance agent, but 20 hours per line of authority are recommended before taking your licensing exam. Maintaining your license in North Dakota requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training. 

Ohio 

To become an agent in Ohio, you must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record. You’ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE. 

Maintaining your license in Ohio requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years, three must focus on ethics training. You’ll need to renew your license biannually. 

South Dakota 

South Dakota requires continuing education every two years consisting of different hours for each line. One hour of this training should cover ethics materials. License renewal is considered at the conclusion of required CE’s. 

Otherwise, you’ll need 20 hours per line of authority prior to sitting for your exam, and you need to also meet all other minimum requirements, including being 18 or older and having a clean background. 

Wisconsin 

In Wisconsin, you can apply for your license through the NIPR or the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). 

To become an agent in Wisconsin, you must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record. You’ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE. 

Maintaining your license in Wisconsin requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training. You’ll need to renew your license biannually. 

How to Be a Successful Insurance Agent 

What else does it take to be a successful insurance agent? To be a successful agent as a newcomer, start by thoroughly understanding your products and state regulations. Focus on building strong client relationships through excellent customer service and responsiveness. 

Utilize technology like CRM tools to manage client information and follow up on leads. Network actively by attending industry events and leveraging social media. Create a solid marketing plan to attract new clients and always act with integrity to build trust. Stay organized, continuously educate yourself on new products, and be persistent in reaching your sales goals. But these are just some of the skills for insurance agent aspirants like yourself — it’s not an exhaustive list! 

Resources for Aspiring Independent Insurance Agents 

Aspiring independent insurance agents can benefit from a variety of resources to build a successful career. Start with educational programs from providers like Kaplan Financial Education or ExamFX for licensing and continuing education through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). 

Join industry associations such as the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) for networking, advocacy, and educational programs. 

Engage in online communities and forums, like Insurance Forums and Reddit’s r/Insurance, for peer advice. Leverage technology tools like Salesforce or HubSpot for CRM and EZLynx for quoting. Enhance your marketing skills through digital marketing courses on Coursera or Udemy, and use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to acquire clients. 

Utilize financial planning and business development resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Score.org, and stay informed with industry publications like Insurance Journal. Seek mentorship through industry programs and professional coaching for personalized guidance. 

Finally, stay compliant with regulations by referring to state insurance department websites and the NAIC. 

Is Becoming an Independent Insurance Agent Right for You? 

Becoming an independent insurance agent could be right for you if you value autonomy, have strong entrepreneurial skills, and are passionate about helping clients find the best solutions. You’ll need to be self-motivated, as this role requires managing your own business, setting goals, and staying organized without a corporate structure. 

Excellent interpersonal and sales skills are crucial for building and maintaining client relationships. If you enjoy networking and are willing to invest in continuous learning and marketing, this career can offer substantial financial rewards and professional satisfaction. 

The Best Place For Independent Insurance Agents 

If you have a high degree of business acumen and relationship-building prowess, you could find success as an independent insurance professional. To get your career off the ground in most Midwest states, you’ll need to complete pre-licensing education, pass a digital exam, and maintain your license through continuing education courses. 

Become a Bluefire agent today and find out why we’re the best firm in the business for independent producers like yourself. We support our partners with competitive commissions, multiple payment options for clients, and a multilingual customer service and claims department that is among the best in the business. We look forward to working with you!