What you need to do to become a licensed life and health insurance agent in Georgia
To sell life and health insurance in Georgia, you must pass the state licensing exam, complete pre-licensing education, and submit your application to the Georgia Department of Insurance. The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and schedule your exam. You cannot legally sell insurance without this license, and the state enforces this rule through fines and license suspension.
Georgia does not require you to work for an agency before you apply, but most people do because agencies help with the exam prep and often pay for the course. Whether you go that route or study independently, the steps are the same: take the approved course, pass the state exam, and file your application with proof of both.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a state-approved pre-licensing course before you can sit for the Georgia life and health insurance exam.
- The exam covers state insurance law, policy types, and ethical requirements; you need a passing score to move forward with your application.
- After you pass the exam, you submit your application to the Georgia Department of Insurance along with your exam results and course completion certificate.
- The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster if you complete coursework and schedule your exam quickly.
- Many insurance agencies will sponsor you and cover course costs in exchange for a commitment to work for them after licensing.
Pre-licensing education requirements in Georgia
Georgia requires you to complete a pre-licensing course from a provider approved by the Georgia Department of Insurance. The course covers state insurance law, types of life and health policies, underwriting basics, and ethical standards for agents. You do not need a specific number of classroom hours — instead, you need to complete the full curriculum and pass the course exam before you can register for the state licensing exam.
You can take the course online, in person, or through a hybrid format. Most providers offer online options that let you work at your own pace, though some have time limits (typically 30 to 90 days to complete). The cost ranges depending on the provider, but expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the course. Many insurance agencies will cover this cost if you agree to work for them after you are licensed.
When you finish the course, the provider gives you a completion certificate. Keep this certificate — you will need to upload it or provide it when you apply for your license. Some providers submit your completion directly to the Georgia Department of Insurance, so confirm with your course provider whether you need to do this step yourself.
Registering for and passing the Georgia licensing exam
After you finish your pre-licensing course, you register for the state exam through Pearson VUE, the testing company Georgia uses. You will need your course completion certificate and a valid government-issued ID. The exam costs around $100 to $150, depending on whether you are taking the life insurance exam, the health insurance exam, or both together.
The exam covers Georgia insurance law, policy provisions, underwriting, and agent responsibilities. You can take it at a Pearson VUE testing center in Georgia or at an approved remote testing location if you prefer to test from home. Most people schedule their exam within one to two weeks of finishing their course, though you can wait longer if needed.
You need a passing score to move forward. Georgia does not publish the exact passing percentage, but most states use a score around 70 to 75 percent. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a waiting period (typically five to seven days). Your exam results are sent directly to the Georgia Department of Insurance.
Submitting your license application to the Georgia Department of Insurance
Once you pass the exam, you submit your application for a life and health insurance license to the Georgia Department of Insurance. You can apply online through their licensing portal or by mail. The application asks for your personal information, exam results, course completion certificate, and details about any criminal history or prior insurance license suspensions.
You will also need to provide fingerprints for a background check. Georgia requires this for all new applicants. You can get fingerprinted at a local law enforcement agency, a private fingerprinting service, or sometimes at the insurance agency where you plan to work. The fingerprint card goes with your application.
The Georgia Department of Insurance typically processes applications within two to four weeks. You can check the status of your application online using your application number. Once approved, you receive your license by mail or email, depending on how you applied.
Working with an insurance agency versus applying independently
Most people who get licensed in Georgia do so through an insurance agency that sponsors them. The agency pays for your pre-licensing course, provides study materials, and sometimes offers exam prep support. In return, you commit to working for them for a set period (often one to three years) after you are licensed. This arrangement is common and legal.
You can also pursue licensing on your own without agency sponsorship. You pay for the course yourself, study independently, and apply to the Georgia Department of Insurance without an employer. This route gives you more flexibility but costs more upfront and means you are responsible for finding a place to work after you are licensed. Some independent agents and brokers take this path, though it is less common for people starting out.
If you go through an agency, ask whether they will help you with the application process. Many agencies have compliance staff who review your paperwork before you submit it to the state, which can catch errors and speed up approval. This is a real advantage, especially if you are new to the licensing process.
Maintaining your license after you are approved
Your Georgia life and health insurance license is valid for two years. Before it expires, you must complete continuing education to renew it. Georgia requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least three hours in ethics. Your employer or a continuing education provider can help you find approved courses.
You also need to report any changes to the Georgia Department of Insurance, such as a change of address, a change of employer, or any criminal charges. Failing to report these changes can result in license suspension or revocation. Keep your license information current by logging into the state's licensing portal and updating your details as needed.
If you move out of Georgia or stop working in insurance, you can let your license expire by not renewing it. If you want to return to insurance work later, you will need to renew your license or apply for a new one, depending on how long it has been inactive.
Common mistakes to avoid during the licensing process
One of the most common mistakes is starting the application before you have your exam results in hand. The Georgia Department of Insurance will not process your application without proof that you passed the exam. Wait until you receive your official exam results before you submit anything.
Another mistake is providing incomplete or inaccurate information on your application. The state conducts background checks, and discrepancies between your application and what they find can delay approval or result in denial. Be honest about any criminal history, prior license suspensions, or other relevant details. If you are unsure whether something needs to be reported, contact the Georgia Department of Insurance before you apply.
Do not assume your course completion certificate will be submitted automatically. Confirm with your course provider whether they send it to the state or whether you need to do it yourself. Missing this step is a common reason applications get delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get licensed in Georgia?
The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you start your pre-licensing course. This assumes you complete the course within two to three weeks, pass the exam on your first attempt, and submit your application promptly. If you need to retake the exam or if the state takes longer to process your application, it could take longer.
Do I need a high school diploma or college degree to get licensed?
Georgia does not require a specific level of education to become a licensed insurance agent. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Georgia or have a valid Georgia business address. Beyond that, the state does not have educational prerequisites.
Can I sell insurance while my application is being processed?
No. You cannot legally sell insurance in Georgia until your license is approved and issued. Working without a license is a violation of state law and can result in fines and criminal charges. Wait until you receive your official license before you start selling.
What if I fail the Georgia licensing exam?
You can retake the exam after a waiting period, typically five to seven days. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, though you will need to pay the exam fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they use study guides or take a prep course between attempts.
Do I need to renew my license every year?
No. Your Georgia life and health insurance license is valid for two years. You renew it every two years by completing 24 hours of continuing education (including at least three hours in ethics) and paying the renewal fee. Your employer or a continuing education provider can help you find approved courses.