Getting your Massachusetts life insurance license is the first step toward becoming a life insurance agent in the state.
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) requires you to complete a four-step process to become a life insurance agent in Massachusetts — from taking the life insurance exam to applying for a license.
These steps will take a few weeks to complete so we recommend you bookmark this page so you can use it as a reference throughout the process.
How to Get Your Massachusetts Life Insurance License
- Complete a Massachusetts Insurance Pre-license Course (Kaplan Education Company – $149+)
- Take the Massachusetts Life Insurance Licensing Exam (Prometric – $39)
- Complete a Massachusetts Life Insurance License Application (National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) – $225 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee)
- Watch for Your Application Results
Life Insurance License Massachusetts
Obtaining your Massachusetts life insurance license isn’t difficult. Just follow these four steps to start your journey toward becoming a life insurance agent. Once you earn this license, check out our guide on how to get your Massachusetts property and casualty (P&C) license as well.
Step 1: Complete a Massachusetts Insurance Pre-license Course
Before you take the Massachusetts life insurance licensing exam, it’s important to make time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need to pass this exam on your first attempt. Completing a pre-license education course will equip you with the necessary information and tools you’ll need to prepare for your exam.
While Massachusetts doesn’t have any formal pre-license education requirements, most insurance professionals opt to take a pre-license education course online. Others purchase books or self-study materials to prepare themselves for the exam.
A pre-license education course provides very specific industry knowledge that will be tested during the exam. There is very little information on the test that could be considered “common sense.” Pre-license education courses are self-paced and include study materials like practice exams and flashcards.
Beyond helping you effectively prepare for and pass the life insurance licensing exam on your first try, taking a pre-license education course also will give you a solid understanding of your duties as a life insurance agent.
Recommended Course
Over 81% of our readers use Kaplan’s online courses — which come with a 93% pass rate — when preparing for their insurance license exam(s). For comprehensive study packages, StateRequirement recommends:
Step 2: Take the Massachusetts Life Insurance Licensing Exam
After you complete a prep course and your own independent studying, it’s time to take the Massachusetts life insurance exam.
Massachusetts uses Prometric as its official testing service for delivering licensure exams.
The Massachusetts life insurance exam outline contains a total of 100 scored questions. The exam includes eight sections — from state insurance regulations to federal tax considerations for life insurance and annuities.
You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam. The Massachusetts life insurance exam fee is $39, which you must pay at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher. The exam is a proctored test, meaning an official proctor will closely monitor you in a controlled environment.
If you happen to fail the Massachusetts life insurance exam, you can schedule a time to retake it as soon as 24 hours after your first attempt. There’s no limit to the number of attempts a candidate can make on the same exam.
Tip
Check out our in-depth insurance exam guide for tips to help you pass on the first attempt.
The best way to understand if you are prepared for the test is to take a Life Insurance Practice Exam.
Step 3: Complete a Massachusetts Life Insurance License Application
Once you pass the life insurance exam, you can apply for your Massachusetts life insurance license. Prometric will electronically submit your exam score report to the NIPR, enabling you to apply online at the NIPR website. The application fee is $225 plus a $5.60 NIPR transaction fee for a total of $230.60.
The Massachusetts DOI will issue a life insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam. You should submit your completed license application within 12 months of passing the exam.
To apply for a life insurance license in Massachusetts, make sure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the Massachusetts Insurance Code.
Send any questions or supporting documents to producerupdate.mailbox@state.ma.us.
Step 4: Watch for Your Application Results
After you complete the previous three steps, the Massachusetts DOI’s Producer Licensing Department will review your application. It reviews applications in the order it receives them, and this process usually takes two business days from the date you submit your application.
Once it finishes reviewing your application, the Massachusetts DOI’s Producer Licensing Department will email you with its decision or ask you to provide more information.
You can print your license from the NIPR website. There’s no charge to create an account or print a license. You also can search for and verify your license through the Massachusetts DOI’s monthly-generated master list of individuals and business entities.
Congratulations!
You’re now ready to get started as a life insurance agent in Massachusetts.
Recommended: Over 81% of our readers use Kaplan’s online courses — which come with a 93% pass rate — when preparing for their insurance license exam(s). For comprehensive study packages, StateRequirement recommends:
Steps After Securing Your Massachusetts Life Insurance License
Once you complete the above steps and have your Massachusetts life insurance license, there are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to a) excel as an insurance agent, and b) maintain your life insurance license.
Let’s take a brief look at these below.
Obtain All Relevant Securities Licenses
If you’re planning on selling advanced life insurance products, you’ll likely need to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and obtain the relevant securities licenses (e.g., Series 6, 7, and 63).
For more information on this step, you can have a look at our in-depth Securities Licensing overview.
Choose a Means of Selling
You’ll have to decide whether you’d prefer working as a captive agent employed by one company, or running your own business as an independent agent.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely benefit from working as a captive agent, but this will ultimately depend on your personal aspirations and opportunities.
Develop Your Marketing Approach
To succeed as an insurance agent, you’ll need to adopt a marketing approach that’s effective for you.
We recommend finding and sticking to a niche, as well organizing all client appointments for the start of your week. This is because this can improve your overall client conversions.
Keep Your License Valid
In Massachusetts, you must take 60 hours of continuing education (CE) for your first three-year renewal period to maintain your license. Three of those required hours must focus on ethics. You also must take 45 hours of CE in each subsequent three-year renewal period.
As a life insurance producer who sells or intends to sell annuity products, you will also need to complete an approved, one-time program of instruction or seminar equivalent to at least four classroom hours of instruction.
To avoid delays in renewing your license, you must complete your required CE hours at least 60 days before your license expires.
You can renew your Massachusetts insurance license online through the NIPR. The renewal fee for this is $225.
For a more in-depth look at each one of these steps, check out our Steps After Getting Your Insurance License guide.
Massachusetts Division of Insurance Contact Information
Mailing Address
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Division of Insurance
1000 Washington Street, Suite 810
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 521-7794
Email: producerupdate.mailbox@state.ma.us
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-insurance
License Search: Massachusetts Insurance License Search
Massachusetts Life Insurance License FAQ
How much does it cost to get a life insurance license in Massachusetts?
Obtaining a life insurance license in Massachusetts requires these fees:
Insurance Pre-license Education Course Fee: $149+ via Kaplan Education Company
Exam Fee: $39 via Prometric
Application Fee: $225 + $5.60 transaction fee via the NIPR
How long does it take to process a life insurance license application in Massachusetts?
This process typically takes two business days from the date you submit your application. You must apply online through the NIPR.
Can I get a temporary life insurance agent license in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts provides a 180-day, temporary life insurance license. You can apply through the Massachusetts Division of Insurance on paper by downloading the Uniform Application for Individual Producer License/Registration until an online option is available through NIPR for temporary licensees. You must also include in your application an appointment/sponsor form completed by the sponsoring insurer with a fee of $75. You can find the form here.
Can I get an emergency life insurance agent license in Massachusetts?
No. An emergency license isn’t available for life insurance agents in Massachusetts.
Do I need to get my securities license on top of a life insurance license in Massachusetts?
Probably. While you can sell certain basic life insurance products with just a life insurance license, a securities license removes the limits on what you can sell and puts you in a much better career position. As a securities license holder, you can provide your clients with products tied to the securities market as part of their retirement and life insurance plans. But, you’ll need FINRA accreditation to obtain your securities license.
What can I sell with a life insurance license in Massachusetts?
With a Massachusetts life insurance license, you can sell life insurance policies that pay a designated beneficiary when the insured person dies. You also can sell annuities that pay a set income at retirement.
How much can you make with a life insurance license in Massachusetts?
According to ZipRecruiter, life insurance agents earn an average of $79,730 per year.
What are the limitations of a Massachusetts life insurance license?
Unless you have multiple licenses to sell various types of insurance products (e.g., the combined life and health insurance license), having a Massachusetts life insurance license only qualifies you to sell life insurance policies as well as retirement plans and annuities. You can’t sell other types of insurance. A securities license on top of your life insurance license removes that limitation and enables you to offer securities, including stocks and bonds.
Can I cancel my life insurance license in Massachusetts?
Yes. To cancel your license, you must submit a written letter to the Massachusetts DOI’s Producer Licensing Department. In the letter, you must specify you want to cancel your life insurance license. Submit your letter to the Producer Licensing Staff by email, phone, or fax.
How hard is it to get a life insurance license in Massachusetts?
The process is quite simple! Follow the steps above and get started today!