How to Get an Insurance License in Missouri

Getting your insurance license in Missouri is your gateway to a rewarding career in one of the fastest-growing industries in America. Whether you're looking to become a life insurance agent, health insurance specialist, or property and casualty professional, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the Missouri insurance licensing process.

Why Choose an Insurance Career in Missouri?

Missouri's insurance industry offers exceptional opportunities for career growth and financial success. The state's flexible licensing requirements make it an attractive destination for aspiring insurance professionals, and the potential for high earnings makes it a smart career move.

The insurance industry offers incredible opportunities for career growth and financial success nationwide, including right here in Missouri.

Understanding Missouri Insurance License Requirements

Age and Basic Requirements

To qualify as a Missouri resident insurance producer, you must be at least 18 years old and meet several other basic requirements:

• Minimum Age: 18 years old for most license types
• Background Check: Clean criminal history (certain convictions may require a waiver)
• Exam Requirement: Pass the Missouri insurance licensing exam for your chosen line of authority
• Application: Submit the required forms and fees

Types of Insurance Licenses Available

Missouri offers several different insurance license types, each with specific exam requirements:

Life and Health Insurance Licenses

• Life Insurance Producer: Allows you to sell life insurance policies
• Accident and Health Insurance Producer: Covers health insurance products
• Life, Accident and Health Combined: The most comprehensive option for life and health

Property and Casualty Insurance Licenses

• Property Insurance Producer: Covers property insurance, like homeowners
• Casualty Insurance Producer: Includes auto insurance and liability coverage
• Property and Casualty Combined: Comprehensive P&C license
• Personal Lines Producer: Focused on personal insurance products

Discover how much you can earn with an insurance license. Use our salary calculator and explore career paths in Life, Health, and P&C insurance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Missouri Insurance License

Step 1: Choose Your License Type

Before starting the process, decide which type of insurance you want to sell. Between Life and Health, students say that the Missouri Health insurance exam is the more difficult. Health insurance policies are simply more complicated than life insurance policies. The Property insurance exam is easier than the Casualty insurance exam.

Consider your career goals and interests when choosing:

• Life Insurance: Focus on long-term financial planning and family protection
• Health Insurance: Navigate complex medical coverage options
• Property & Casualty: Protect homes, cars, and businesses

Step 2: Complete Pre-License Education (Highly Recommended)

Although prelicensing education is not required in Missouri, those looking to earn an insurance license have a significantly higher chance of passing their licensing exam when they complete a quality exam prep course.

Why Take a Pre-License Course?

• Significantly increases your chances of passing on the first attempt
• Provides structured learning and study materials
• Offers practice exams that simulate the real test
• Gives you confidence on exam day

Step 3: Schedule Your Licensing Exam

Candidates must make an online reservation at least twenty-four (24) hours before the desired examination date through Pearson VUE, Missouri's official testing provider.

Exam Scheduling Information:

• Online: Visit www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/mo/insurance.html
• Phone: Call (866) 274-4740
• Requirements: Schedule at least 24 hours in advance
• Payment: Credit card, debit card, or voucher required at time of booking

Step 4: Understand Exam Details and Structure

The examination fee must be paid at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, voucher, or electronic check. Fees will not be accepted at the test center.

Missouri Insurance Exam Structure:

• Life Insurance Producer: 2 hours
• Accident and Health Producer: 2 hours
• Life, Accident and Health Combined: 3 hours
• Property Insurance Producer: 2 hours
• Casualty Insurance Producer: 2 hours
• Property and Casualty Combined: 3 hours
• Personal Lines Producer: 2.5 hours

Exam Format: Students report that about 1/3 of the questions are terminology (definitional) questions, 1/3 are number/day questions, and 1/3 are questions where you have to apply the knowledge to reason through a practical situation (story problems – usually short).

In Missouri, you need a score of 70 to pass each exam. But, each exam consists of two parts – the "national" insurance section and the "state rules" section. You will need a score of 70 on each section – the two scores are not averaged together.

Step 5: Take and Pass Your Exam

Important Testing Updates: Exams are taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing site. Remote state exams are no longer offered.

What to Expect on Exam Day:

• Arrival: Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
• ID Requirements: Bring two forms of valid identification
• Prohibited Items: No personal items, phones, or calculators allowed
• Duration: Varies by exam type (1-3 hours)
• Results: You'll receive your score immediately after completion

Candidates who are late will not be admitted to the examination and will forfeit the examination fee.

Step 6: Apply for Your License

After passing your exam, you must wait 24-48 hours before applying for your license to allow time for results to be processed.

Application Process:

• Online: Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) at www.nipr.com
• Application Fee: Required per line of authority, plus transaction fee for online applications
• Mail Option: Send paper application with check to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance

Application Address: Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance PO Box 4001 Jefferson City, MO 65102

Special Considerations for Different License Types

Life Insurance License

The Missouri Department of Insurance will issue a life insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam. This license opens doors to helping families plan for their financial future.

Explore a flexible, fulfilling day in the life of a life insurance agent from lead calls to client consults to closing deals on your terms.

Health Insurance License

Health insurance is one of the most complex but rewarding areas of insurance. Turn empathy and clarity into income. Discover why calm, people-first communicators succeed as insurance agents, and how you can too.

Property and Casualty License

The Missouri Property and Casualty exam has 170 questions. The breakdown is 100 scoreable + 20 pretest questions on national/general content and 40 scoreable + 10 pretest questions on Missouri state-specific content.

Tips for Success

Study Strategies

1. Start Early: Give yourself 4-6 weeks to prepare
2. Use Practice Exams: Simulate testing conditions
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Use diagnostic tools to identify knowledge gaps
4. Join Study Groups: Connect with other candidates for support

Test-Taking Tips

Establish a consistent pretest routine. Acclimate yourself to exam conditions by following a specific routine on each practice exam at home. This should help you feel less anxious during your exam day.

Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can exacerbate your anxiety and increase your self-doubt. Make sure you are consistently getting a good night's sleep in the week leading up to your exam.

After Getting Licensed: Next Steps

Once you have your license, you'll need to:

1. Get Appointed: Find an insurance company to appoint you
2. Complete Company Training: Most insurers require additional training
3. Develop Your Client Base: Start building relationships and generating leads
4. Continue Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and regulations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Pre-License Education: Don't underestimate the value of structured learning
2. Inadequate Study Time: Rushing through preparation leads to failed exams
3. Wrong License Type: Choose the license that matches your career goals
4. Ignoring State-Specific Content: Missouri law questions are crucial for passing

Resources for Success

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance

• Address: 301 West High Street, Room 530, Jefferson City, MO 65101
• Phone: (573) 751-3518
• Email: licensing@insurance.mo.gov
• Website: www.insurance.mo.gov

Pearson VUE Testing

• Phone: (866) 274-4740
• Website: www.pearsonvue.com

Conclusion

Getting your Missouri insurance license is a straightforward process that opens doors to a rewarding career with excellent earning potential. By following this guide and taking advantage of quality pre-license education, you'll be well-prepared to pass your exam and start your insurance career.

Remember, a license is a privilege, not a right or a gift. You must commit yourself from the beginning to comply with the laws and regulations set forth to regulate the insurance industry.

Take the first step today by choosing your license type and enrolling in a comprehensive pre-license course. Your future in insurance starts now.