Life Insurance License Courses

A life insurance license gives you the legal authority to sell a broad range of life insurance and annuity products to consumers. This includes term life insurance — the most widely purchased coverage type — as well as permanent products like whole life and universal life insurance that build cash value over time. Most states also require a life insurance license to sell fixed annuities, making this credential the cornerstone of retirement and financial planning practices.

The career opportunity in life insurance is substantial. The U.S. has an estimated 10 million households that are underinsured or have no life coverage at all. Independent agents who build a life insurance book of business benefit from renewal commissions that pay out year after year as clients keep their policies in force — creating a compounding income stream that rewards consistent effort.

To sell life insurance legally, you must first complete a state-approved prelicensing course, pass the state licensing exam, submit a license application, and receive approval from your state's Department of Insurance. JustInsurance provides the prelicensing education for this process — online, self-paced, and at a flat $199 with no hidden fees. Select your state below to see the specific course hours required and what the exam covers.