Alabama
The Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) requires each person selling insurance in the state to hold an insurance producer license.
Getting Started:
This page contains a detailed roadmap to obtaining a license as an insurance agent. We will guide you through the entire procedure and will readily answer any queries you might have throughout this journey.
The Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) mandates every individual who wishes to sell insurance within the state to possess an insurance producer license. You are given the liberty to choose your line of authority for licensing, which can be health insurance, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, or a fusion of these lines.
Upon deciding the type of license required, you are all set to commence the process. There are four steps to secure your insurance license in Alabama.
1. Recommend Prelicensing Course:
Effective January 1st, 2024, Alabama Department of Insurance will no longer require pre-licensing education courses. Alabama does not require licensing candidates to complete prelicensing education. However, it is recommended to complete an exam prep course before attempting to take your state’s licensing exam.
Gosaus provides prelicensing insurance coursework designed to equip you with the knowledge to ace the state exam on your first try. We deliver in the classroom or online programs that can be enhanced with additional web-based classes and educational aids such as flashcards and study guidebooks.
2. Pass The State of Alabama Licensing Exam:
Upon completing your pre-licensing course with Gosaus. You’ll be prepared to sit for the state licensing exam. Achieving a minimum score of 70% is necessary to pass this test.
Bear in mind that retaking the exam incurs extra fees, making it crucial to secure a passing score on your first attempt. This why is recommended you take a per-licensing course to prepare you for the exam.
3. Get Fingerprinted:
The State of Alabama requires fingerprint impressions from all applicants who are yet to get a license. It would be prudent to get your fingerprints taken after you’ve successfully passed your exam and a day prior to you submitting your license application.
4. Apply for License
Once you’ve passed the exam, you can proceed to apply for your license thru the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) through an online application process. After a five-day period, visit the Alabama Department of Insurance website, and under the Producers/Agents section, choose License Search to verify if your license has been issued. Upon license issuance, you have the option to print it directly from the homepage.
5. Continuing Education Requirement:
Insurance producers in Alabama are obligated to undertake and complete continuing education (CE) courses as a part of their license maintenance. The renewal of your license necessitates the completion of this education every 2 years.
Alabama-based insurance agents are required to accomplish 24 hours of CE, starting from their second license renewal period. In these 24 hours, at least 3 hours should be devoted to ethics-related subjects. In case you aim to sell annuities or long-term care insurance policies, there are additional educational prerequisites.
For a deeper understanding of the CE requirements, visit the Alabama CE page. As for nonresident producers are currently required to adhere to their home state’s requirements.
Where do I take the state exam?
The University of Alabama conducts the licensing exams. You can choose to sit for the exam online or at a physical venue located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, or Montgomery.
The exam fee needs to be paid when booking the exam, using a credit or debit card. All booking requests should be made at least seven days (which equates to five business days) ahead of the preferred exam date.
Reservations can be made through an online process or by dialing (205) 348-3000.
How should I prepare for my state exam?
Arrive at the examination center 15-20 minutes early to ensure ample time for the check-in procedure, carrying with you a valid government-issued ID.
The examination center does not permit any personal items, including bags, wallets, cell phones, calculators, electronic devices, and wristwatches, to be brought in. Furthermore, food, chewing gum, and tobacco products are also banned.
All such belongings must be left in your vehicle or stored in the designated storage space provided. However, you’re allowed to carry a beverage. During the examination, participants are not permitted to exit the room without gaining approval from the exam supervisor.
