Different states have different requirements for new licensees as well as for ones looking to renew their health, fire, casualty or life insurance licenses. The state of California requires continuing education for the first four years. The requirements are as below.
- New licensees in the state have to complete up to 25 hours of continuing education per year for the first four years. After this term expires, the licensee will need to complete 30 hours for every two years of the license term period.
- Life/ Health and accident insurance agents/brokers have to complete 24 hours of California insurance continuing education for two year term periods.
- Limited Line automobile insurance agents must complete 20 hours of continuing education whilst personal lines agents need to complete 10 hours of continuing education.
How and when to submit?
The best time to complete the continuing education is about 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license as this gives ample time to the provider to submit the necessary documents and records to the California Department of Insurance.
Correspondence courses
Correspondence courses are ideal for California insurance continuing education. You can complete the courses according to your own leisure and pace and then get the appropriate credit hours mailed to you as a certificate. Different course providers have different policies on how completion dates are determined. While some course providers choose it by postmark date, others choose a grading date. It is recommended that you are well versed with the terms and conditions of your course education provider for it will enable you to complete your continuing education hours on time. However, if your license is renewed late and you have completed extra hours of California insurance continuing education whilst your license was inactive, then it can be credited towards the appropriate term.
