How to Get Your Colorado Insurance License

You live in Colorado, and you’ve been researching a career in insurance. You’ve reviewed the basics and have decided to become an insurance agent. Here are the 5 steps for earning your license in your home state.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Licensing Candidate Handbook

What does a career in insurance in Colorado require? What education do you need? Do you have to be a college graduate? Are you an insurance agent in another state and would also like to be licensed in Colorado? Can other coursework count toward your prelicensing education? Find answers to these questions and more in the Colorado Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook. It offers a wealth of information on the specifics of insurance licensure in Colorado, including all the education requirements, the costs, and the procedures for taking the exam.

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Step 2: Complete all Prelicensing Education Requirements

You’ll need to complete prelicensing education before taking the exam for your license. This education helps you prepare for the exam and your future career. You’ll need to take 50 hours each (10 hours of which must be Colorado-specific) for the following types of insurance: life, accident and health, property and casualty, and personal lines. All training is good for up to one year after you complete your courses.

After you complete your education, the training school will inform Pearson Vue, the exam provider. However, hang onto your training school code, because you’ll need it to make a reservation for your exam.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam, Pay the Fee, and Prepare Yourself

To take the exam, you must make a reservation with Pearson Vue, which you can do online at www.pearsonvue.com/co/insurance. Simply create an account and follow the step-by-step instructions to make your exam reservation. You’ll need to make the reservation at least 24 hours before the exam. If you’re paying by electronic check, you’ll need to do it at least 5 days in advance.

The fee is $48 for an individual exam. You’ll need to pay the fees when you register and provide the code for the training center you used for your prelicensing education. In preparation for the exam, you should study and practice. The Colorado Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook has information about how to pay for the exams, and the Colorado Division of Insurance Producer Information and Instructions website has a link to exam content outlines.

Step 4: Take the Exam and Pass

On the day of the exam, report to the exam center 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Be sure to have two forms of current ID with a signature, such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, state-issued ID card, and so on. You’ll be asked to sign a Candidate Rules Agreement form, and you’ll be photographed for your score report. Also, if you’re nervous, you have the opportunity to take a tutorial that will not cut into your exam time.

After you complete your exam, you’ll be given a score report. If you passed, and you meet all other requirements, you’re eligible for your license.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

To apply, go to the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website. The cost of the license for a Colorado resident is $89 (plus a $5 NIPR transaction fee) for each line of authority. More details about fees can be found on the NIPR fees page.

As You Pursue Your New Career

As you follow these steps for successfully earning your Colorado insurance license, keep in mind that you will also have continuing education requirements to meet after you’ve earned your license. You’ll also need to renew your license, so be sure to keep up with the latest information on the Colorado Division of Insurance Producer Information and Instructions web page.