The Future of Insurance Education is Mobile, Flexible, and Career-Focused

Quick Facts:

• 85% of insurance professionals had to learn essential job skills on their own after licensing, revealing a critical gap between exam preparation and career readiness that leaves new agents struggling with client conversations, sales tools, and relationship building.
• Mobile-first learning is proving highly effective, with 97% of mobile learners reporting that flexible structures helped them complete licensing, and 96% appreciating the ability to learn at their own pace while balancing work and life commitments.
• The industry overwhelmingly supports modernization, with 91% more likely to recommend programs combining mobile learning with real-world preparation over traditional test-focused approaches, and 93% recognizing the need for formal support in transitioning from licensing to the workplace.

New research shows that mobile-first learning combined with real-world preparation is transforming how professionals enter the insurance industry.

A comprehensive survey of 602 licensed insurance professionals across 46 states reveals what works: flexible scheduling that fits real life, practical scenarios that build confidence, and built-in support that keeps learners on track.

Initial Confusion and Uncertainty

Nearly one in four professionals (23%) struggled with unclear licensing requirements when starting their journey. 

Additionally, 21% experienced confusion around choosing the right licensing program, while 19% lacked confidence in evaluating their options. These early stumbling blocks set a challenging tone from the outset.

Rigid Structure Creates Time Pressures

Traditional insurance education often conflicts with real-world responsibilities. The research found that 35% of professionals encountered programs requiring larger time commitments than they could reasonably manage. This inflexibility particularly affects educated professionals—those with college degrees were 22% more likely to wish they'd had more flexible scheduling options.

The impact on younger professionals is especially pronounced. Half of Gen Z respondents reported that their pre-licensing education structure didn't fit well with their work or personal life, making them 72% more likely than average to experience this challenge.

High Risk of Attrition

These barriers have real consequences. Nearly one in three professionals (31%) considered abandoning their licensing journey at some point. This attrition risk was 68% higher among those newest to the industry (with one year or less of experience).

For those who considered quitting, the reasons were clear: 52% cited limited time as the primary factor (with Gen Z 35% more likely to cite this), 49% struggled with staying motivated (Gen Z 43% more likely), and 38% lacked support when encountering difficulties (Gen Z 32% more likely).

Flexibility That Keeps Students Engaged

Mobile learning addresses the flexibility challenge directly. An impressive 97% of mobile-first learners reported that the flexible structure helped them stay on track to obtain their license.

The format allows professionals to learn at their own pace (96% confirmed this benefit) while staying motivated and reducing pressure to cram (92% reported this advantage). This flexibility proves essential—nine in ten professionals identified flexible program completion timelines as a key component of helpful licensing education.

Built-In Tools That Aid Learning

Mobile-first programs integrate features that professionals find most valuable for retention:

• Practice quizzes (75% found most helpful)
• Short video modules (54%)
• Flashcards and quick-review tools (52%)
• Scenario-based case studies (44%)

These tools align with what all professionals—regardless of their education method—say would improve learning outcomes. Overall, 73% believe real-world scenarios would boost confidence and retention, 58% want interactive quizzes and practice tests, and 52% prefer mobile and interactive learning elements.

Support When It Matters

Among those who considered giving up on their insurance education, 35% wished they'd had access to built-in coaching and support. Mobile-first learners who did have instructor and coach access (34% cited this as most helpful) were far less likely to consider quitting—those who contemplated leaving were 78% more likely to value this support.

Additional support features that would help reduce attrition include:

• More flexible access to coursework (51% of those who considered quitting)
• A clearer studying roadmap (51%)
• Progress-tracking accountability tools (36%)

Targeted Study Tools

An overwhelming 97% of professionals agree that entrants would benefit from study tools helping them identify weak areas and focus their time efficiently. This personalized approach addresses the diverse needs of learners while maximizing the effectiveness of their study time.

Impact on Career Success and Confidence

The benefits of improved education extend well beyond passing the licensing exam. Better education and training models would have:

• Improved job satisfaction for 77% at the beginning of their insurance career (Gen Z 21% more likely to report this)
• Increased confidence in ability to succeed for 84%
• Made new entrants feel better equipped to get started (93%)

Additionally, 90% believe new entrants would benefit from a clearer understanding of what the job actually entails—addressing the readiness gap identified earlier.

Industry-Wide Support for Change

The research reveals near-universal recognition that insurance education needs modernization:

• 94% believe practical tools for studying and retention are key assets for licensing education
• 93% recognize the importance of formal support in transitioning from licensing to the workplace (88% want new entrants to experience this)
• 91% would be more likely to recommend a licensing provider combining mobile learning with real-world preparation than one focused solely on passing the exam

For Prospective Professionals

When choosing insurance educationPre License Why Become A Life Health Insurance Agent Resources, look for programs that offer:

• Flexible, mobile-first learning that fits around work and personal commitments
• Real-world scenarios and practical applications beyond exam preparation
• Built-in support and coaching for when challenges arise
• Progress tracking and personalized study tools to maximize efficiency
• Clear guidance about career expectations after licensing

For the Industry

Organizations committed to attracting and retaining talent should:

• Partner with modern education providers that demonstrate strong outcomes
• Emphasize real-world readiness alongside regulatory knowledge
• Provide structured support for the transition from licensing to workplace
• Measure success beyond just pass rates to include career readiness and retention

For Education Providers

The data shows clear pathways to improvement:

• Integrate flexibility through mobile-first platforms
• Balance test preparation with practical career skills
• Build in support systems including coaching and instructor access
• Develop personalized tools that help learners identify and address weaknesses
• Provide career context so students understand how education translates to work