Last verified: October 28, 2026. Your state's Department of Insurance is the final authority.
The short answer
Passing the exam isn't the finish line. Next you apply for the license (if you haven't yet), record your license number and National Producer Number (NPN), put errors and omissions (E&O) coverage in place, get appointed with the carriers you'll sell for, and decide where you'll work. The order and fees vary by state. Need the full path from the start? See our guide to becoming an insurance agent or the licensing checklist.
Step 1: If you only passed the exam, apply now
A passing score isn't a license. You still apply to your state, usually through NIPR or a state portal, and NIPR adds a $5.60 transaction fee on top of the state fee (NIPR). Don't wait: in Florida, for example, a passing score is valid for one year (Pearson VUE Florida handbook). Many states also need fingerprints. Georgia, for instance, has you fingerprint through IdentoGO after you submit your application (Pearson VUE Georgia handbook). Deadlines and the order of steps vary by state; check with your state's Department of Insurance.
Step 2: Record your license number and NPN
Your NPN is a unique identifier assigned during the licensing application process (NIPR). Carriers and agencies ask for it on every contracting form, so save it with your license number and the license's effective and expiration dates. You can look up your NPN on NIPR if you don't have it.
Protect it. Only give your NPN and Social Security number to carriers and agencies you've checked out and chosen to contract with.
Step 3: Get E&O coverage
Errors and omissions insurance covers claims that you made a professional mistake. Carriers require it before they'll appoint you, so most agents buy it right after they're licensed. Read more in our E&O guide for agents.
Step 4: Get appointed with carriers
A license lets you sell in your state; an appointment lets you sell a specific carrier's products. You can't write a policy for a carrier until you're appointed. Carriers run their own background and contracting checks, and some states charge appointment fees; rules vary by state and carrier. See how to get appointed with insurance carriers.
New agents usually get appointed one of two ways:
- Through an IMO or agency. The IMO handles contracting with several carriers at once. Learn what an IMO is and how to read an IMO contract before you sign.
- Through a captive company. You sell one company's products, often with more structure and less choice. Compare them in captive vs independent.
Step 5: Choose where you'll work
Questions worth asking any agency before you sign:
- Is it free to join, or are there sign-up, training or software fees?
- Will you be a W-2 employee or a 1099 independent contractor?
- Where do leads come from, what do they cost, and who pays?
- What training is included, and is it live?
- How do commissions, advances and chargebacks work? (See commission structure and avoiding chargebacks.)
- Can you talk to current agents?
Step 6: Set up as a 1099 contractor (if you go independent)
Independent agents are usually 1099 contractors, not employees. That means no tax withholding: the self-employment tax rate is 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare (IRS), and you may need to make quarterly estimated payments. Track your business expenses; see tax deductions for insurance agents. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.
Step 7: Plan your first 30 days
Block out time for product training, scripts and practice calls before you work leads. Our first 30 days guide lays out a week-by-week plan.
How TPG fits
Joining TPG is free, and agents are independent 1099 contractors. TPG helps with carrier contracting and offers training. After your first three sales, TPG reimburses the $39 JustInsurance licensing course, your state exam fee and your state license fee. Fingerprinting, NIPR and appointment fees aren't reimbursed, carriers require E&O, and sales and income aren't guaranteed.
FAQ
What should I do right after passing the life insurance exam?
Apply for your license (if your state doesn't issue it automatically), complete fingerprints if required, and save your score report. Passing scores expire; Florida's is valid for one year.
Can I sell insurance as soon as I'm licensed?
Not until you're appointed with the carrier whose product you're selling, and carriers require E&O first.
What is an NPN?
A National Producer Number, a unique identifier assigned during the licensing application process. You can look it up on NIPR.
Should a new agent join a captive company or an IMO?
It depends on how much product choice, structure and independence you want. Ask about fees, leads, training and contracts before you sign with either.
Next step
- Get free licensing and sales resources
- Join TPG free. A license doesn't guarantee acceptance, carrier appointment or sales.
Sources
- NIPR, Apply for an initial license; Look up a National Producer Number
- Pearson VUE candidate handbooks: Florida (121000), Georgia (121100)
- IRS, Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes)
