COMPLETE GUIDE TO OBTAINING AND RENEWING YOUR HEALTH & LIFE LICENSE IN THE UNITED STATES(AGENT USE ONLY – FOR LICENSED OR PROSPECTIVE INSURANCE AGENTS)
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to obtain your Life and Health insurance license, how to renew it, where to complete your Continuing Education (CE), and how to fulfill required certifications such as FFM, AML, and AHIP (or NABIP as an alternative).
📘 STEP 1: PRE-LICENSING EDUCATIONBefore sitting for your state exam, you must complete a state-approved pre-licensing course. 🖥 OPTION 1: EXAMFX Official Website: https://www.examfx.com ✔ Nationally approved in most states ✔ Courses for Life, Health, or combined Life & Health ✔ Includes practice exams and exam simulation tools ✔ 100% online formatEstimated Cost: $150 – $350 (varies by state) 🎓 If you contact DIA (Dedicated Insurance Advisors) directly before enrolling, you may qualify for special tuition discounts.
🖥 OPTION 2: ESCUELA DE SEGUROS USAOfficial Website: https://www.escueladesegurosusa.com ✔ Courses available in Spanish ✔ Virtual and live instruction options ✔ Focused preparation designed to help you pass the state examIf you contact DIA (Dedicated Insurance Advisors) directly before enrolling, you may qualify for special tuition discounts.
📝 STEP 2: STATE LICENSING EXAM In most states, licensing exams are administered through: 🏢 PEARSON VUEOfficial Website: https://www.pearsonvue.com Steps:
Create an account
Select your state
Schedule your exam
Present valid identification
Pass the exam
Estimated Exam Fee: $40 – $80 Some states may use alternative testing vendors. Always confirm requirements through your State Department of Insurance.
📄 STEP 3: LICENSE APPLICATION – RESIDENT OR NON-RESIDENT- After passing your exam, you must officially apply for your license. To review your state's specific requirements: https://nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements
Estimated License Fee: $50 – $200 (varies by state)
⚠ IMPORTANT: SOME STATES USE ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS Certain states process applications through: 🌐 SIRCONOfficial Website: https://www.sircon.com SIRCON is an authorized provider in various states for: • License applications • Renewals • Information updates • License status verificationAlways verify on your State Department of Insurance website which platform is required.
🔄 LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS Most states require license renewal every two (2) years.Common Requirements:• 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) • Minimum of 2 hours in Ethics • Some states require a 4-hour NAIC Annuity Suitability course (particularly if selling annuities)Always confirm your state's specific renewal guidelines.
🎓 CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)Recommended Platforms: 🌐 WEBCE: https://www.webce.com 🌐 EXAMFX CE: https://www.examfx.com 🌐 SUCCESS CE: https://www.successce.com 🌐 CE4LESS: https://www.ce4less.com Estimated Cost: $20 – $80 per full packageRequirements vary by state. Confirm compliance before enrolling.
📑 REQUIRED ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS" 🏥 FFM CERTIFICATION (MARKETPLACE – ACA)Required to sell Marketplace (Affordable Care Act) plans. Official Registration & Training: CMS ENTERPRISE PORTAL: https://portal.cms.gov ✔ Typically no cost ✔ Must be renewed annually 🔐 AML (ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING TRAINING)Required if selling: • Life Insurance • AnnuitiesApproved Providers: 🌐 LIMRA: https://www.limra.com 🌐 WEBCE: https://www.webce.com 🌐 SUCCESS CE: https://www.successce.com Estimated Cost: $0 – $30 Must be completed annually 🏥 AHIP CERTIFICATION (MEDICARE)Required to sell: • Medicare Advantage • Medicare Part D Official Website: https://www.ahip.org Estimated Cost: $125 – $175 Must be renewed annually 🔄 ALTERNATIVE TO AHIP: NABIP (FORMERLY NAHU) Some carriers accept NABIP certification as an alternative. Official Website: https://nabip.org
Always verify with each insurance carrier which certification is accepted. 📌 PROCESS SUMMARY
Complete pre-licensing education (ExamFX or Escuela de Seguros USA).
Pass the state licensing exam (Pearson VUE or approved provider).
Submit license application (NIPR or SIRCON depending on state).
Complete AML if selling Life or Annuities.
Complete FFM if selling ACA Marketplace plans.
Complete AHIP or NABIP if selling Medicare products.
Maintain CE compliance every renewal cycle.
🚀 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIA AGENTS ✔ Do not wait until your expiration date to complete CE, begin at least six months in advance. ✔ Schedule annual reminders for FFM and AHIP renewals. ✔ Contact DIA before enrolling in pre-licensing courses to access potential tuition discounts. ✔ Maintain digital copies of all certifications in one organized file. ✔ Once these certifications are completed, you are prepared to pursue carrier appointments and product contracting opportunities.
