- 1). Earn a bachelor's degree in business, finance or economics from an accredited college or university. Take any insurance courses that are offered, as well as classes in mathematics, accounting and psychology. Be computer proficient. Candidates with only a high school degree can be considered if they have an extensive sales background.
- 2). Complete prelicensing education courses in preparation for the state licensing exam. These classes offer a fundamental understanding of the insurance industry, according to the BLS, as well as an overview of state insurance laws. Register online with a pre-licensing program; classes are offered in cities around the state, including Charleston, Columbia and Myrtle Beach.
- 3). Pass the Prometric-administered state licensing exam. Fill out the exam application and pay the registration fee ($51 as of June 2010) to the state DOI. Consult the Prometric website for outlines to the various state licensing exams from which to study. If you are going into life and health insurance or property and casualty insurance, you may need an additional license ($25 as of June 2010).
- 4). Submit to a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) background check, which can be accessed on the division's website. Pay the processing fee ($25 as of June 2010). Along with your SLED report, provide evidence of having passed the Prometric exam and the Series 6 or 7 exams for agents who are applying for variable contracts to the DOI. Administered by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), the Series 6 exam is designed for future insurance agents dealing with mutual funds and variable annuities while the Series 7 exam is reserved for those interested in becoming general securities sales representatives.
- 5). Join a professional organization, such as the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina, to network and improve your job prospects. Stay apprised of changing tax law, government regulations and benefits programs, says the BLS. Continue fine-tuning your sales skills by attending industry conferences and seminars.
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