{"id":1092,"date":"2024-08-19T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1092"},"modified":"2025-10-13T18:26:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T18:26:04","slug":"how-to-independent-insurance-agent-southwest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/independent-agent\/how-to-independent-insurance-agent-southwest\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become an Independent Insurance Agent in America\u2019s Midwest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What does it take to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/become-a-producer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">be an insurance agent<\/a> in the Midwest? Fortunately, for aspiring agents like yourself, the licensing protocol is very similar from state to state. The vast majority of states require you to complete pre-licensing education, pass a digital exam, and maintain your license by completing continuing education requirements every couple of years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn more about what it takes to become a successful agent, including skills for an insurance agent and a step-by-step guide for each state in the heartland of the United States!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What it Takes to Be an Independent Insurance Agent<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The qualifications to become an agent include (but are not limited to):&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Education<\/strong>: You\u2019ll want to have a proper education, including resources like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaplanfinancial.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaplan Financial Education<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.examfx.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ExamFX<\/a>. There are multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/independent-agent\/6-certifications-for-insurance-professionals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">certifications for insurance professionals<\/a> to consider.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Licensing<\/strong>: Each state in the Midwest has its own licensing requirements, though there are broad similarities among them.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Business Acumen<\/strong>: General business acumen can be helpful. Consider taking business courses at your local community college or university.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Social Skills<\/strong>: This is a sales-driven business, and your ability to connect with your prospects will ultimately determine your financial success in the industry. In fact, it\u2019s one of the numerous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/independent-agent\/7-traits-that-all-agents-and-insurance-professionals-need\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">key traits you\u2019ll need to be a successful insurance professional<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Carrier Relationships<\/strong>: Negotiate favorable terms and commissions with carriers to maximize your income.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Independent Insurance Agent Requirements in the Midwest U.S.: State-by-State Breakdown<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What does it take to be an insurance agent in the Midwest states? Below is a state-by-state breakdown of qualifications to become an insurance agent for aspiring agents like you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Illinois<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To become an agent in Illinois, you must be 18 years old and have a clean criminal record. You should complete pre-licensing education in your area of expertise, whether that\u2019s life, health, or casualty products.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE. After passing the exam, apply for your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Illinois also requires your fingerprints.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining your license in Illinois involves continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must include ethics training. You\u2019ll need to renew your license biannually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Indiana<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Indiana, you\u2019ll need to be 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, complete pre-licensing education, and take a Pearson VUE exam to be licensed in Indiana.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll require 20 hours per line of authority prior to taking the licensure exam. Fingerprints and a criminal background check will also be conducted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, three of which need to focus on ethics. You\u2019ll need to renew your license biannually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Iowa<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming an agent in Iowa requires you to have reached the age of 18, maintain a clean criminal background, complete 20 hours of education per line, and take a licensure examination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iowa requires 36 hours of continuing education every three years, including three hours of ethics training. Renew your license every three years as opposed to every two years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kansas<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the state of Kansas, you must be 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, complete pre-licensing education, and take a Pearson VUE exam to be licensed in Kansas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The state requires 20 hours per line of authority prior to taking the licensure exam. Fingerprints and a thorough background check are required.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every two years, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education, three of which need to focus on ethics. License renewal occurs biannually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Michigan<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming licensed in Michigan involves a licensure exam. However, in Michigan, you will take your licensing exam through a service known as PSI Exams Online rather than Pearson VUE, as is typical in other states.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The state asks that you be 18 years old, have a clean background check, complete 20 hours of training per line prior to your PSI Exam, and complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years as part of your renewal process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Minnesota<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To become an agent in Minnesota, you must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Twenty hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE is mandated. After passing the exam, apply for your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Minnesota also requires your fingerprints to submit your application.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining your license in Minnesota requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training. You\u2019ll need to renew your license biannually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Missouri<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Missouri requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including three hours of ethics training. License renewal occurs every two years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legal age to become an agent in Missouri is 18. You must complete a background check, and undergo 20 hours of training for each line you intend to sell. You\u2019ll also complete a Pearson VUE test and supply your fingerprints prior to licensing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"617\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Bluefire-how-to-become-an-independent-insurance-agent-in-americas-midwest-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Bluefire-how-to-become-an-independent-insurance-agent-in-americas-midwest-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Bluefire-how-to-become-an-independent-insurance-agent-in-americas-midwest-2-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Bluefire-how-to-become-an-independent-insurance-agent-in-americas-midwest-2-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Bluefire-how-to-become-an-independent-insurance-agent-in-americas-midwest-2-800x494.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nebraska<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nebraska requires licensing renewal every two years, and the state uses Pearson VUE for its exams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record to receive a Nebraska insurance license.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam. Maintaining your license in Nebraska requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>North Dakota<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>North Dakota also uses Pearson VUE for licensure exams. You must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record to receive a North Dakota insurance license.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>North Dakota does not require classroom education to become an insurance agent, but 20 hours per line of authority are recommended before taking your licensing exam. Maintaining your license in North Dakota requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ohio<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To become an agent in Ohio, you must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record. You\u2019ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining your license in Ohio requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years, three must focus on ethics training. You\u2019ll need to renew your license biannually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>South Dakota<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>South Dakota requires continuing education every two years consisting of different hours for each line. One hour of this training should cover ethics materials. License renewal is considered at the conclusion of required CE\u2019s.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otherwise, you\u2019ll need 20 hours per line of authority prior to sitting for your exam, and you need to also meet all other minimum requirements, including being 18 or older and having a clean background.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wisconsin<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Wisconsin, you can apply for your license through the NIPR or the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To become an agent in Wisconsin, you must be 18 years old and maintain a clean criminal record. You\u2019ll need to complete 20 hours per line of authority before taking your licensing exam through Pearson VUE.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining your license in Wisconsin requires completing continuing education requirements of 24 hours every two years. Of these hours, three must focus on ethics training. You\u2019ll need to renew your license biannually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Be a Successful Insurance Agent<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What else does it take to be a successful insurance agent? To be a successful agent as a newcomer, start by thoroughly understanding your products and state regulations. Focus on building strong client relationships through excellent customer service and responsiveness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Utilize technology like CRM tools to manage client information and follow up on leads. Network actively by attending industry events and leveraging social media. Create a solid marketing plan to attract new clients and always act with integrity to build trust. Stay organized, continuously educate yourself on new products, and be persistent in reaching your sales goals. But these are just some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/independent-agent\/job-skills-for-insurance-agents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">skills for insurance agent<\/a> aspirants like yourself \u2014 it\u2019s not an exhaustive list!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Resources for Aspiring Independent Insurance Agents<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Aspiring independent insurance agents can benefit from a variety of resources to build a successful career. Start with educational programs from providers like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaplanfinancial.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaplan Financial Education<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.examfx.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ExamFX<\/a> for licensing and continuing education through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join industry associations such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/pianational.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentagent.com\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Independent Insurance Agents &amp; Brokers of America (IIABA)<\/a> for networking, advocacy, and educational programs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Engage in online communities and forums, like Insurance Forums and Reddit\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/Insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">r\/Insurance<\/a>, for peer advice. Leverage technology tools like Salesforce or HubSpot for CRM and EZLynx for quoting. Enhance your marketing skills through digital marketing courses on Coursera or Udemy, and use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to acquire clients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Utilize financial planning and business development resources from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Small Business Administration (SBA)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.score.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Score.org<\/a>, and stay informed with industry publications like Insurance Journal. Seek mentorship through industry programs and professional coaching for personalized guidance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, stay compliant with regulations by referring to state insurance department websites and the NAIC.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Becoming an Independent Insurance Agent Right for You?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/independent-agent\/what-does-an-insurance-agent-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Becoming an independent insurance agent<\/a> could be right for you if you value autonomy, have strong entrepreneurial skills, and are passionate about helping clients find the best solutions. You\u2019ll need to be self-motivated, as this role requires managing your own business, setting goals, and staying organized without a corporate structure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Excellent interpersonal and sales skills are crucial for building and maintaining client relationships. If you enjoy networking and are willing to invest in continuous learning and marketing, this career can offer substantial financial rewards and professional satisfaction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Best Place For Independent Insurance Agents<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a high degree of business acumen and relationship-building prowess, you could find success as an independent insurance professional. To get your career off the ground in most Midwest states, you\u2019ll need to complete pre-licensing education, pass a digital exam, and maintain your license through continuing education courses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/become-a-producer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Become a Bluefire agent<\/a> today and find out why we\u2019re the best firm in the business for independent producers like yourself. We support our partners with competitive commissions, multiple payment options for clients, and a multilingual customer service and claims department that is among the best in the business. We look forward to working with you!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"tel:(866)-424-9511\">Call Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What does it take to be an insurance agent in the Midwest? Fortunately, for aspiring agents like yourself, the licensing protocol is very similar from state to state. The vast majority of states require you to complete pre-licensing education, pass a digital exam, and maintain your license by completing continuing education requirements every couple of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":1095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-independent-agent"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1092"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1097,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1092\/revisions\/1097"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bluefireinsurance.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}