The insurance industry is booming. In California alone, the insurance market generates over $90 billion in revenues. Start a career in the lucrative insurance industry by getting your license. Although each state has its own requirements, plan on studying for and passing a comprehensive exam. Your commitment will pay off when you find work as an insurance agent, adjuster, broker or advisor. If you are ready to claim a portion of this huge market for yourself then you can follow these steps to start your career in insurance.

Things You'll Need:

Credit or check card to pay for application/registration online or by phone

Study guides or books

Step 1:

Check your state's insurance licensing requirements online. Enter your state's name and the words ?insurance? and ?license.? Go to the official state site first.

Step 2:

Determine what type of insurance career you want to have. Select the type of license you want: agent, broker, adjuster or commercial. Some states have specific licensing policies for each type of insurance: life, health, accident, vehicle, home and business, among others.

Step 3:

Read and follow the guidelines and suggestions.

Step 4:

Apply for the license and/or register for the test. Many states allow application for an insurance license and/or registration for an exam online. Allow several weeks to prepare for your test.

Step 5:

Access or purchase the recommended study guides or books.

Step 6:

Attend a class if you're having trouble understanding the study materials. Plan on paying tuition of more than $100 and spending at least one full day in class.

Step 7:

Study carefully for the test. Your state's Department of Insurance will have a study guide that you can use to focus your studying Insurance exams are detailed, and there's a lot of information to comprehend and remember. Study for the test with a partner or study group if possible.

Step 8:

Prepare for the day of the test by getting plenty of sleep the night before, eating a good breakfast and arriving early at the test site. Teach yourself some relaxation techniques such as inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth, or closing your eyes and visualizing something pleasant or inspiring.

Step 9:

Follow exam instructions carefully. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. Take your time and double check your answers. Finishing first won't get you extra points.

Step 10:

After you receive your passing results, file the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees to get your insurance license. Check your state's estimate of the time this will take and whether you can work in the insurance industry while waiting for your license to arrive after you have applied.

Tips & Warnings:

1. Check with your employer or future employer to see if the company will pay for the expenses for getting your insurance license.

2. Persevere--many people fail insurance license tests at first.

3. Pay attention to deadlines and requirements; insurance is a detail-oriented business, so compliance is expected.

4. Take the exam seriously; insurance tests aren't easy to pass.

5. Follow renewal, continuing education and other requirements so you don't lose your license.