In June of 2008, the South Carolina Department of Insurance repealed the insurance producer's pre-licensing education requirement. Therefore, individuals seeking any of the several producer licenses do not have to take pre-licensing education classes. The education repeal applies to producers only; it does not apply to those seeking Bail Bondsman licenses.
State Insurance Licensing Exam
The state exams are administered by a company called Prometric. To register for the exam, you must register with the Prometric website and schedule the exam. There are testing locations in Columbia, N. Agusta, Rock Hill and Florence, South Carolina. There's also a testing center in Charlotte, NC.
While on the Prometric site, download the South Carolina Licensing Information Bulletin. The 24-page document answers many questions relating to the insurance licensing process. In addition to the Licensing Information Bulletin, make sure to download the appropriate Content Outline document.
The content outline is a great study tool and will prove invaluable when it comes to passing the licensing exam. Since there are over 25 different types of South Carolina insurance licensing exams (i.e. Life, Property, Accident & Health, etc.), make sure to download the appropriate booklet for the exam you wish to take. Both the Licensing Information Bulletin and Content Outline documents are free of charge.
South Carolina Insurance Licensing Application
In addition to taking the state exam, applicants must complete the Uniformed Insurance Application (also called Form 3506). The fee for filing the form is $25 (nonrefundable). Please be advised, however, that this form is used only for producers moving to South Carolina from another state or for resident producers who are making changes to their license. First time applicants must use the online application found on the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. After reading the licensing terms and instructions, click the "I Agree" button at the bottom of the page. You will be directed to the appropriate page to begin completing the application.
Criminal Background Check
South Carolina requires its producers to submit an SLED Report. SLED is a criminal background report from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division report. The SLED report cannot be more than three months old and costs $25. You can order the SLED report online by visiting the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division website (SLED.SC.gov).
Once you have successfully passed the state exam and have submitted the necessary paperwork, the Department of Insurance will review the documents. If all is in order, they will issue your insurance license.
South Carolina insurance licenses are issued for a period of two years. Within that time, you must satisfy the 24 credit hours of the continuing education requirement. Failure to take the necessary courses will prevent you from renewing your insurance license.
Felicia A. Williams - Felicia A. Williams is a full time freelance writer with over 20 years of business writing experience.
