Becoming a Massachusetts Insurance Producer: 7-Step Licensing Path

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) regulates producer licensing. Follow these steps for a resident license.

Step 1: Choose Your Line(s) of Authority

• Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, Surplus Lines, etc. Each requires separate exam.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

• State-approved course (20–40 hrs depending on line). Providers: Kaplan, ExamFX, WebCE, local schools.
• Certificate of completion valid 1 year.

Step 3: Pass the State Exam

• Administered by Prometric (testing centers or remote proctoring).
• Score ≥ 70 %. Fee ~$50 per attempt.
• Exam outlines on mass.gov.

Step 4: Submit Application via NIPR

• National Insurance Producer Registry (nipr.com).
• Background questions, resident/non-resident designation.
• Application fee: $75 per line (varies).

Step 5: Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

• Required before license issuance.
• Minimum limits: $1 M per claim / $1 M aggregate (typical).
• Carrier must be admitted in MA.

Step 6: Fingerprinting & Background Check

• IdentoGO (MorphoTrust) — $35–$50.
• FBI + MA CORI check.

Step 7: License Issuance & Maintenance

• License issued electronically; print from NIPR.
• Biennial renewal (birth month): 24 hrs CE (3 hrs ethics), $75/line fee.
• Non-residents: reciprocity if home state substantially similar.

Pro Tips

• Study with practice exams — pass rates ~65 % first try.
• Schedule exam within 2 weeks of finishing pre-licensing.
• Keep CE records; random audits occur.

Mass DOI contact: (617) 521-7794, insurance.licensing@mass.gov.