What Happens After You Get Licensed in Pennsylvania?

What Changed in Pennsylvania (2025)

Pennsylvania made big changes to make becoming an agent easier. Senate Bill 1241, you no longer need to take 24 hours of pre-licensing courses before your exam. This change took effect on April 29, 2025.

What this means for you: More people are entering the insurance field, so you need to stand out from day one.

Important Note: While pre-licensing education is no longer required, most successful agents still invest in quality exam preparation. The Pennsylvania insurance exam covers complex topics, and first-time pass rates are significantly higher for candidates who take structured prep courses. Aceable's Pennsylvania insurance prep course is specifically designed for the post-2025 requirements and helps ensure you pass on your first attempt.

Step 1: Finish Your Licensing Process

Even though you passed your exam, you're not done yet. Here's what you need to do:

Get Your Background Check

Schedule your fingerprinting appointment right away. You'll need to:

• Visit an IdentoGO center and use service code 1KGBGJ
• Allow 2-3 weeks for processing

Important: Your license won't be issued until this is complete.

Submit Your Application

Apply online through:

• Sircon, or
• National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)

Fees:

• Pennsylvania residents: $55
• Non-residents: $110

Step 2: Choose Your Path

You have two main options as a new agent:

Work for an Agency

Pros:

• Get training and support
• Steady paycheck while you learn
• Leads provided
• Less startup costs

Cons:

• Less control over your business
• May have sales quotas
• Limited carrier options

Go Independent

Pros:

• Work with multiple insurance companies
• Keep more of your commissions
• Build your own business

Cons:

• Need more money upfront
• Find your own leads
• Handle all business operations

New to insurance? Most experts recommend starting with an agency first. You'll learn faster and have support. Check out this guide on how to become an insurance agent with no experience for more tips.

Step 3: Get Appointed by Insurance Companies

Having a license doesn't mean you can sell insurance yet. You need "appointments" with insurance companies. Think of this as getting permission to sell their products.

How Appointments Work

1. Apply to insurance companies
2. Complete their training (if required)
3. Get errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
4. Sign contracts

Which Companies to Target

Start with these well-known carriers in Pennsylvania:

• State Farm
• Allstate
• Progressive
• Geico
• Nationwide

Pro Tip: Focus on companies with good training programs for new agents.

Step 4: Set Up Your Business

Whether you work for an agency or go independent, you need basic systems:

Essential Tools

• Customer management software (CRM)
• Rate comparison tools
• Email and phone systems
• Professional website or business cards

Technology Tips

Pennsylvania customers expect fast service. Make sure you can:

• Provide quotes quickly
• Answer questions promptly
• Handle claims efficiently

Step 5: Learn the Rules

Pennsylvania has specific rules you must follow:

Continuing Education Requirements

Every two years, you must complete:

• 24 total hours of continuing education
• 3 hours of ethics training
• 2 hours of flood insurance training (for property & casualty agents)

Start planning now: Don't wait until the last minute to complete these requirements.

Stay Compliant

• Keep detailed client records
• Follow disclosure requirements
• Join professional associations for updates

Helpful Resource: The Pennsylvania Insurance Department provides ongoing regulatory updates and guidance for licensed agents.

Step 6: Find Your First Clients

This is where many new agents struggle. Here's how to start:

Warm Market First

Contact people you already know:

• Family and friends
• Former coworkers
• Neighbors
• Social media connections

Important: Don't be pushy. Simply let people know you're now licensed to help with insurance needs.

Networking Strategies

• Join local business groups
• Attend community events
• Partner with real estate agents
• Connect with financial advisors

Consider Specializing

Pennsylvania offers many opportunities:

• Urban areas (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh): Renters and condo insurance
• Rural areas: Farm and agricultural insurance
• Suburban areas: Auto and homeowners insurance
• Senior communities: Medicare supplements

Want to focus on property and casualty? Learn more about starting a career in property & casualty insurance to see if it's right for you.

Your First 90 Days: A Simple Plan

Days 1-30: Get Set Up

• Complete fingerprinting
• Submit license application
• Choose agency or independent path
• Apply for carrier appointments

Days 31-60: Learn and Prepare

• Complete agency training
• Set up business systems
• Get E&O insurance
• Create client contact lists

Days 61-90: Start Selling

• Contact warm market
• Begin networking activities
• Set daily activity goals
• Track your progress

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Waiting to get started 

Solution: Take action immediately after passing your exam

Mistake 2: Trying to learn everything at once 

Solution: Focus on one or two insurance types initially. Start with quality exam preparation through a structured course like Aceable's Pennsylvania program, which breaks down complex concepts into manageable sections.

Mistake 3: Not tracking activities 

Solution: Keep records of calls made, appointments set, and applications submitted

Mistake 4: Giving up too quickly 

Solution: Most agents need 6-12 months to build momentum

Planning for Success

Set Realistic Expectations

• Month 1-3: Focus on learning and setup
• Month 4-6: Begin consistent sales activity
• Month 7-12: Build momentum and grow income

Financial Planning

Insurance income can be irregular at first. Plan ahead:

• Save 3-6 months of expenses
• Consider part-time income initially
• Track all business expenses for taxes

Keep Learning

Your education doesn't stop after getting licensed. Successful agents:

• Read industry publications
• Attend training sessions
• Pursue professional designations
• Learn from experienced agents

For comprehensive guidance on building your career, check out these tips for becoming a successful insurance agent specifically for Pennsylvania's market.

Pennsylvania Market Opportunities

The Keystone State offers diverse opportunities:

Growing Industries

• Technology (especially around Philadelphia)
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture

Market Trends

• Aging population needs Medicare help
• Young professionals need renters insurance
• Small businesses need commercial coverage
• Families want life insurance protection

Resources for New Agents

Professional Organizations

• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors - Pennsylvania (NAIFA-PA)
• Independent Insurance Agents of Pennsylvania
• Local insurance agent associations

Training Opportunities

• Carrier-sponsored programs
• Industry conferences
• Online courses
• Mentorship programs

Your Next Steps

This Week:

1. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment
2. Research agencies in your area
3. Start your license application

This Month:

1. Complete the application process
2. Choose your business model
3. Begin carrier appointment process
4. Set up basic business systems
5. Consider enrolling in Aceable's Pennsylvania prep course if you haven't already

Next 90 Days:

1. Complete all training requirements
2. Launch your marketing efforts
3. Set and track daily activity goals
4. Build your professional network

Bottom Line

Getting your Pennsylvania insurance license opens the door to a rewarding career. But success depends on what you do next. Focus on these key areas:

1. Complete your licensing 
2. Choose the right business model for you
3. Get proper training and support - including quality exam preparation from trusted providers like Aceable
4. Start building relationships immediately
5. Stay compliant with state requirements

The insurance industry in Pennsylvania is strong and growing. With the elimination of pre-licensing requirements, more people are entering the field - but that also means more opportunities for those who are prepared and professional.

Smart Investment: Even though Pennsylvania no longer requires pre-licensing education, the most successful new agents still invest in comprehensive preparation. Aceable's Pennsylvania insurance course provides the knowledge foundation that helps you excel from day one, with study materials you can reference throughout your career.