Can I Do My Texas Insurance CE Online?

Texas allows insurance producers and adjusters to complete their continuing education entirely online, but not all online courses are created equal. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)Agcehome.html Agent divides CE hours into two format categories: classroom (or classroom equivalent) and self-study. Understanding the difference is essential for planning your 24-hour CE requirement correctly.

What Is the 50/50 Rule for Texas Insurance CE?

TDI requires that at least half of your 24 CE hours — a minimum of 12 hours — be completed in a classroom or classroom equivalent setting. The other 12 hours may be completed through self-study courses. This 50/50 split applies to all Texas resident producers and adjusters, regardless of license type. If you hold multiple licenses, the rule still applies to your single 24-hour total since Texas requires only one set of CE hours for all license typesPre License What Type Of Insurance License Should I Get In Texas Resources combined.

What Does "Classroom Equivalent" Mean for Online Courses?

Classroom equivalent is a designation for online courses that replicate the engagement level of in-person instruction. According to TDI rules, classroom equivalent courses must include features such as forced progression (you cannot skip ahead), timed seat-time tracking, unit quizzes with a minimum passing score of 70%, and in some cases, bio-data verification questions to confirm the registered student is the one completing the course.

These courses are more interactive than basic self-study formats and are designed to ensure genuine learning rather than simply reading and testing. When searching for courses on Sircon, the instruction method is listed for each course, so check this detail before enrolling.

What Qualifies as Self-Study?

Self-study courses are generally less structured. They typically involve reading a text-based course and completing a final exam with a passing score of 70% or higher. Self-study exams are usually open-book, and no proctor or monitor is required. You can retake the exam as many times as needed to pass without additional fees from most providers.

Self-study is convenient for experienced agents who learn quickly and want to move through material at their own pace. However, it is limited to 12 hours per cycle, so you cannot use self-study alone to satisfy all 24 hours.

How Should I Plan My CE Mix?

The most efficient approach is to start with your 12 hours of classroom equivalent courses, since they take longer to complete due to seat-time requirements and interactive elements. Once those are done, fill in the remaining hours with self-study courses on topics that interest you or build skills relevant to your career pathPre License Is Becoming A Licensed Property And Casualty Insurance Agent Worth It Resources.

Here is a practical breakdown for planning your 24 hours:

1. Complete 3 hours of ethics in classroom equivalent format (satisfies both the ethics and classroom equivalent requirements simultaneously)
2. Complete 9 additional hours in classroom equivalent format to reach the 12-hour minimum
3. Complete up to 12 hours in self-study on general topics of your choice
4. Layer in any specialty training (annuity, LTC, Medicare, flood) where applicable — many specialty courses are offered in classroom equivalent format

Do Specialty Training Hours Count Toward the 50/50 Split?

Yes. If your annuity, LTC, Medicare, or flood training courses are designated as classroom equivalent, those hours count toward both your specialty requirement and your 12-hour classroom equivalent minimum. This is an efficient way to satisfy multiple requirements at once. When searching for specialty courses on Sircon, filter by instruction method to find classroom equivalent options.

What If I Take the Wrong Format?

If you accidentally take too many self-study hours and not enough classroom equivalent, the excess self-study hours will not count toward the classroom equivalent requirement. You will need to complete additional classroom equivalent courses to fill the gap. This is why checking the instruction method before enrolling is critical. Your Sircon CE transcriptInquiry LoginCETranscript.do ComplianceExpress breaks down your hours by format, so monitoring it throughout your cycle keeps you on track.

How Does Texas Compare to Other States on Online CE?

Many states allow 100% of CE hours to be completed through self-study or online courses without a classroom equivalent requirement. Texas's 50/50 rule is stricter than average. States like Florida and California allow more flexibility in how online hours are categorized. However, Texas's approach ensures a higher standard of engagement with course material, which benefits agents in the long run by reinforcing learning. If you hold licenses in multiple statesPre License Where Do Insurance Agents Make The Most Money Resources, pay attention to how each state categorizes online course formats.

What Can Slow Down the Licensing Process in Texas?

• Enrolling in self-study without checking format: Agents often assume all online courses are classroom equivalent, only to discover their hours do not count toward the 12-hour requirement.
• Ignoring seat-time requirements: Classroom equivalent courses enforce timed progression. If you close the browser mid-course, you may need to restart sections.
• Waiting for reporting: Even after completing a classroom equivalent course, providers have up to 30 days to report to Sircon.
• Not verifying quiz scores: A 70% minimum is required on unit quizzes for classroom equivalent courses. Failing a quiz may require retaking that section before you can proceed.

Complete Your Texas CE the Smart Way

Online CE gives Texas agents the flexibility to learn on their own schedule, but the 50/50 rule means you need a plan. Start with your classroom equivalent hours, layer in self-study, and use the Sircon transcript to track your progress. Aceable Insurance is building a modern, mobile-first Texas CE platform that makes it easy to complete classroom equivalent and self-study courses from anywhere. From career-building resourcesPre License Tips Becoming A Successful Insurance Agent Resources to intuitive course design, Aceable is reimagining what CE can be.