Top Questions About Getting Your Tennessee Insurance License
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Quick Answer:
- The process typically takes 3-6 weeks from starting your preparation to receiving your license
- Total investment runs approximately $200-400 including education, exam, fingerprinting, and application fees
- You need 70% to pass the exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers or online through OnVUE
Starting a new career path comes with questions. We've compiled the most common questions prospective Tennessee insurance agents ask—with clear, direct answers to help you move forward confidently.
1. Do I need a college degree to become an insurance agent in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee does not require a college degree for insurance licensing. You need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass the state licensing exam
- Complete a background check
- Submit a license application
Insurance is one of the most accessible career paths for people without advanced degrees. Your success depends on your skills, work ethic, and commitment—not your educational background.
2. Is pre-licensing education required in Tennessee?
Technically, no. Tennessee is among the states that don't legally mandate pre-licensing education before taking the exam.
Practically, yes. The exam is comprehensive and challenging. Candidates who complete structured pre-licensing courses pass at significantly higher rates than those who attempt the exam without preparation. Investing in education saves time, money, and frustration compared to multiple failed attempts.
3. How much does it cost to get licensed?
Budget approximately $200-400 total, depending on your choices:
- Pre-licensing education: Varies by provider and format
- Exam fee: ~$49-59 per exam (per Pearson VUEEn Tn Insurance.html Us)
- Fingerprinting: ~$37-42 (per IdentoGO)
- License application: $50 plus transaction fee (per NIPRLicensing Center State Requirements Tennessee Resident Licensing Individual Nipr.com)
This investment is modest compared to most professional licenses and pays for itself quickly once you start earning commissions.
4. How long does the process take?
Typical timeline: 3-6 weeks
- Pre-licensing education: 1-3 weeks depending on your schedule
- Scheduling and taking the exam: 1-7 days
- Fingerprinting: 1-5 days
- Application processing: ~15 business days
Motivated candidates who study full-time can complete the entire process in as little as 2-3 weeks. Those balancing other commitments typically finish in 4-6 weeks.
5. What's on the Tennessee insurance exam?
Exams include both general insurance concepts (70-75%) and Tennessee-specific content (25-30%).
Life, Accident & Health exam:
- Types of life insurance and annuities
- Health insurance fundamentals
- Policy provisions and riders
- Tennessee insurance laws and regulations
Property & Casualty exam:
- Property and homeowners coverage
- Auto insurance
- Liability concepts
- Tennessee-specific requirements
For detailed exam information, see our guide on how to study for the examPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources.
6. What score do I need to pass?
70% is the passing score for all Tennessee insurance exams. Results are immediate—you'll know whether you passed before leaving the testing center or ending your online session.
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7. What if I fail the exam?
You can retake the exam as soon as 24 hours after a failed attempt. Each retake requires paying the full exam fee again. There's no limit on total retakes, though extended waiting periods may apply after multiple failures.
If you're testing online through OnVUE, you're limited to two attempts per exam online—subsequent attempts must be at a physical testing center.
8. What's the difference between Life & Health and Property & Casualty licenses?
Life, Accident & Health (L&H): Authorizes you to sell life insurance, health insurance, annuities, disability coverage, and long-term care products. Focuses on protecting people's health and financial futures.
Property & Casualty (P&C): Authorizes you to sell homeowners insurance, auto insurance, renters insurance, commercial property, and liability coverage. Focuses on protecting things people own and against liability claims.
Many agents eventually get licensed in both to serve more client needs. For more on this decision, explore our guide on choosing your license typePre License What Type Of Insurance License Should I Get In Texas Resources.
9. Can I work as an insurance agent while getting licensed?
Not until you're licensed. Tennessee requires a valid insurance producer license before you can sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance products. Some people study for their license while working another job, then transition once licensed.
However, some agencies may hire you provisionally, allowing you to train and learn while completing your licensing—you just can't sell until your license is active.
10. How much can I earn as a Tennessee insurance agent?
Tennessee insurance agents typically earn $53,000-$79,000 annually on average, with top performers exceeding six figures. According to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsSales Insurance Sales Agents.htm Ooh, national median earnings for insurance sales agents are around $60,370.
Your actual income depends on:
- License type (Life & Health vs. Property & Casualty vs. both)
- Career path (captive agent vs. independent)
- Location within Tennessee
- Your effort and sales skills
- Years of experience (income typically grows significantly after year one)
For detailed income information, explore our insurance salary guidePre License What Could Your Insurance License Be Worth Resources.
Bonus Questions
Do I need to live in Tennessee to get a Tennessee license?
For a resident license: Yes, you must have a Tennessee address. For a nonresident license: No—if you're licensed in another state, you can apply for a Tennessee nonresident license through NIPR.
How long is my license valid?
Tennessee licenses are valid for two years and expire on the last day of your birthday month. Renewal requires completing 24 hours of continuing education (including 3 hours of ethics) and paying the renewal fee.
Can I sell insurance in other states with my Tennessee license?
Your Tennessee license authorizes you to sell in Tennessee only. To sell in other states, you'll need to apply for nonresident licenses in those states. Tennessee participates in producer license reciprocity, which simplifies this process.
What background issues might prevent me from getting licensed?
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you. Tennessee reviews each case individually, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Serious crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or breach of trust face more scrutiny than minor or old offenses. Be completely honest on your application—false statements are grounds for denial.
Ready to Get Started?
You have the answers. Now it's time to take action. Getting your Tennessee insurance license opens the door to a flexible, lucrative career helping people protect what matters most.
Aceable Insurance offers Tennessee exam prep courses designed to help you pass on your first attempt. Our mobile-friendly platform fits your schedule, and our practice exams mirror what you'll see on test day.
Start your Tennessee pre-licensing course today and take the first step toward your insurance career.
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