New Agent Licensing Guide

XCEL training packages

Start your pre-licensing course

Originally $199

From $50

State reporting fees or taxes may apply

Partner code fflhiddengems-9qmg Confirm it in the gray bar before purchasing

Visit the partner site below and confirm the top gray bar reads Partner: fflhiddengems-9qmg — if not, enter that code in the pop-up or top bar.
Under Find courses now, select your state and Education: "Get License" — then pick your line of authority below.
Choose the package that fits you, add it to cart, and click Continue to Checkout to create your account.
To begin your course, click My Training in the top right. Returning later? Go back through the partner site first, then log in.

Health Priority

Covers everything you need to write ACA and Medicare — this is the line most Time Financial Group agents should pick. It's the fastest, most direct path to writing business with us.

Life & Health

Adds life insurance authority on top of health. Choose this only if you plan to also write life policies — it's a longer course for authority you may not need right away.

Visit the XCEL partner site →

The five stages

How to obtain your health insurance license

Register for the pre-licensing courseMandatory

The law requires you to complete this before you can sit for the state exam. Through the XCEL partner link above, choose either the Health line (priority — all you need to write ACA and Medicare) or Life & Health if you also want life authority. It's entirely online, so you can work through it from home at your own pace.

Cost: from $50 (state fees may apply)

Length: 60 hours total

You don't have to complete it all at once — work through it gradually.
At the end of the course, you'll receive instructions to schedule your state exam.

Schedule the state exam

This exam grants you the state's permission to work as an agent. You can take it from home online or at an official testing center, and you can schedule it before finishing your course to give yourself time to study.

Cost: $42

Support: 888-274-2020

If you pass, move straight to fingerprinting.
If you don't pass the first time, don't worry — you can retake it up to 5 times.

Fingerprints and background checkMandatory

The state checks your fingerprints to confirm there's nothing preventing you from holding a license. Book your appointment through Pearson: select New Appointment → Insurance Agent → Zip Code → Location and Time.

Cost: $42

You'll get a receipt confirming your fingerprints are complete — keep it.
This step is required before you can apply for your license.

Book your fingerprint appointment →

Register with NIPR & apply for your license

NIPR (the National Insurance Producer Registry) is where you officially apply. Create an account, select your state, and apply for the same line of authority you trained for — Health or Life & Health — then complete the application and pay the fee.

Florida: ~$55–$60

Texas: ~$50–$60

Other states: cost varies

The state reviews your exam, fingerprints, and application together.
If everything's in order, expect approval within a few days.

Go to the NIPR Licensing Center →

Obtain your NPN & E&O coverage

Your NPN (National Producer Number) works like an SSN for insurance agents — every licensed agent in the U.S. has one. It's generated automatically once your license is approved; look yours up using your Social Security Number.

Timing: 5–10 days after passing your exam

Keep your NPN safe — you'll need it for every carrier contract.

Look up your NPN →

Then purchase your Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance with NAPA: visit the site, navigate to the E&O section, fill out the application, and submit your documents and payment.

Purchase E&O insurance with NAPA →