Pre-Licensing Education FAQs
What is Pre-licensing Education (PE)?
Individuals seeking an insurance producers license must complete a study process to prepare for the Pennsylvania insurance licensing exam. Students may prepare in either of two formats - traditional web-based classroom study with a live residential instructor or through independent self-study.
Should I complete my pre-licensing education though independent self-study, or should I attend a traditional class?
The determination of choosing independent self-study versus attending a traditional class requires one to reflect on what would be best based upon their individual needs. Our research has found that individuals who attend our classes find the licensing process to be more efficient and the exam content easier to understand in comparison to independent self-study. The primary reason is that in a class format, the instructor provides directions on what is important to know along with providing study strategies for exam success. In addition, individuals have the ability to ask questions on topics and receive immediate answers, all of which promotes learning. Alternatively, some individuals may prefer the independent self-study format, especially if they have prior experience in the insurance field. In either event, individuals must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both format options.
Note that we offer attractive features on both independent self-study and traditional classroom options. For individuals who initially choose self-study and later decide to attend a class, we will credit you the cost of the self-study material toward the registration cost of a future class. Additionally, individuals who attend a traditional class, are provided a free guarantee repeat privilege for up to one year from the initial date of class registration.
Why should I use The Magellan Group for my pre-licensing education?
The Magellan Group is Pennsylvania based and has been providing pre-licensing education to new licensees for over 30 years. To date, over 40,000 Pennsylvania agents have secured their insurance licenses through our study programs. Our study material is Pennsylvania specific and authored by George E. Krauss, D.Ed., CPCU, CLU, ChFC, ARM. Dr. Krauss has authored numerous insurance and risk management manuals including ones published by the Rough Notes Company and the National Underwriter Company. He has instructed insurance and risk management classes at Point Park University, Robert Morris University, and has made presentations to various insurance companies and insurance education associations. Dr. Krauss teaches The Magellan Group pre-licensing courses.
Should I begin with the Property and Casualty or the Life, Accident and Health Pre-licensing Education (PE) Course?
This decision is up to the individual student. Generally, an individual is being recruited by a prospective employer (an insurance agency or insurance company) that is providing some guidance as to which course of study to take first. If you are not currently involved with a prospective employer, it is best to begin with the course material that you are most familiar with.
What materials are needed to prepare for the Pre-licensing Education?
In addition to our study manual and access to your Exam Master Online Course, you should have a current Pennsylvania Licensing and Examination Information Booklet. This booklet, which is included in your study package, provides complete details of all relevant data pertaining to the licensing process including the exam outline, examples of test questions and instructions to register for and schedule the examination. Please note that our study manuals and Exam Master Online Course correspond to the state outlines and are revised annually. It is recommended you purchase the most current edition of our study manuals and companion Exam Master Online Course.
How do you access Exam Master Online?
After you have purchased one of our Pre-licensing Education study packages, you can request access to Exam Master Online by completing the Exam Master Online activation request form which is included with your study materials. Registration to Exam Master Online is valid for 90 days with a 60-day extension period ($25 fee applies to the extension period). The extension period applies for up to one year from the date of Exam Master Online activation. Exam Master Online is accessible from any computer, tablet or smart phone.
What is the best way to use this Pre-licensing Education study program?
The key to exam success is to understand what you have to know for exam purposes. You can start this process by briefly scanning each of the chapters in your manual. After you have completed this general overview, you can begin the systematic process of reviewing your study material and your Exam Master Online Course. First, read chapter one highlighting important concepts and topics. Make sure you pay attention to bolded or italicized words or phrases. Second, review the chapter flashcards. These are key terms and concepts that you must master and understand. Third, complete the practice exams that are at the end of each chapter.
In addition to your printed manual and flash cards, your Exam Master Online Course includes over 450 animated PowerPoint slides with over 10 hours of audio chapter summaries; electronic flash cards; and over 900 practice exam questions with rationales. We recommend that students score that least 85% or higher on each chapter exam before moving forward to succeeding chapters.
How does the actual state/PSI computer examination work?
Individuals can take their state licensing exam at a PSI testing center or remotely from their home or office. Individuals taking their exam remotely must have a computer and webcam. Students will have the opportunity to take a short introductory lesson to become familiarized with the computer and testing functions. The exam questions appear on the screen giving the student the option of recording the answer or to "mark" the answer for later review. At the end of the exam a pass/fail grade will appear on the screen. Students will need to score 70% or higher to pass their Pennsylvania insurance licensing exam. Complete details on the exam process, testing options, and related details are included in the Pennsylvania Licensing and Examination Information Booklet.
Are there insurance positions available for individuals who secure their insurance license?
The insurance field is looking for individuals who are licensed for immediate employment. With several weeks of study, you can be on your way to passing your Pennsylvania Insurance Licensing exam and a brand-new career. Currently, the insurance industry employs more than 3 million individuals, and the industry will create more than 400,000 jobs by 2030 (Griffith Insurance Education Foundation). Employment opportunities are available with insurance agencies and insurance companies for positions as customer service representatives, account managers, and sales agents, along with other positions in underwriting and claims.
What types of positions are available to individuals with an insurance license?
Individuals possessing an insurance license would be eligible for employment at insurance agencies and insurance companies.
Insurance agencies are the local offices that sell insurance directly to the public. Examples would include State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers along with local independent insurance agencies which market their services under their own company name. Insurance agencies have needs for both inside-the-office support personnel, such as customer service representatives and account managers as well as outside-the-office personnel, such as insurance producers. Customer service representatives and account managers interact with insurance agency customers ensuring their coverages are in force and current, whereas insurance producers function in a sales and marketing capacity developing new business as well as maintaining existing business.
Insurance companies are the risk bearing entities that accept applicants for insurance from insurance agencies. Examples of insurance companies located in Pennsylvania would include Erie, Liberty Mutual, Penn National, Donegal Mutual, Highmark and UPMC. Although insurance companies are not directly in the marketing of insurance to the public (like insurance agencies), insurance companies commonly have large call centers staffed by licensed insurance agents and related support personnel for underwriting and claims functions.