FAQ

Licensing Questions

• What is the difference between the course final and the licensing exam?
  In order to earn an insurance license, each state requires applicants to pass a licensing examination. This exam is developed and administered by the state insurance department. No person may participate in insurance transactions without fulfilling all state licensing requirements, including earning a passing score on this exam.
  In some states, completion of a certain number of pre-licensing education credit hours is also required to earn an insurance license. If you reside in one of these states, you must complete the designated course(s) which involves passing a final exam. This exam is the final step to fulfilling your course requirements but not your licensing requirements.
  
• How do I schedule my state licensing exam?
  In order to earn an insurance license, each state requires applicants to pass a licensing examination. This exam is developed and administered by the state insurance department. No person may participate in insurance transactions without fulfilling all state licensing requirements, including earning a passing score on this exam.
  In some states, completion of a certain number of pre-licensing education credit hours is also required to earn an insurance license. If you reside in one of these states, you must complete the designated course(s) which involves passing a final exam. This exam is the final step to fulfilling your course requirements but not your licensing requirements.
  
• What happens if I forget to bring my completion certificate on my exam day?
  If your state’s testing provider agrees to accept a faxed copy, Express Schools will fax your certificate for a fee of $15.
  
• I need to take my licensing exam right away, and my state requires an original certificate. Can you ship my certificate overnight?

  The following expedited shipping options are available:

  Shipping Speed	Through	Their Rate	Handling and Processing	Your Cost
  Priority Overnight (by 10:30 am)	FedEx	$42.22	$25.00	$67.22
  Standard 2-day Overnight (by 5:00 in two days)	USPS Express	$16.25	$25.00	$41.25
  Priority – 3 to 4 day	USPS Priority	$4.65	$25.00	$29.60

  Expedited delivery fees are non-refundable. We guarantee that all expedited delivery requests received by 3:30 PM CST will be processed and shipped the same day. However, we can make no guarantees once packages are in the possession of delivery carriers.

• What happens after I get my certificate of completion?
  Once you have your certificate of completion, your state will require you to register with the proctor company that administers the licensing exam. The proctor company will assist you in scheduling your exam. Most proctor companies charge a fee to sit for your exam, which is payable to them when you register. Detailed information about proctor companies and your state’s licensing exam requirements will be available in your course materials.
  
• Why do I have to take a pre-license course to obtain an insurance license?
  In order to practice in any field of insurance sales, agency, brokerage, or activity, in any state in the USA, you must be trained, and licensed in insurance. Many times referred to as “Pre-License Training”, the requirements may vary in intensity and time from state to state, but you must satisfy the training requirements to both sit for your insurance licensing exam, and practice as a professional.
  
• I passed my course final, but there is no completion certificate in my course materials. What do I do?
  If you passed your course final, and your certificate link is not yet viewable, your proctor may not have completed all verification procedures. Proctors must respond to a verification email to complete this process.
  If your proctor has responded to the verification email, and your certificate is still unavailable, please contact us at academicadvisor@insurancelicenseexpress.com for assistance.
  
• What is the difference between the course final and the licensing exam?
  In order to earn an insurance license, each state requires applicants to pass a licensing examination. This exam is developed and administered by the state insurance department. No person may participate in insurance transactions without fulfilling all state licensing requirements, including earning a passing score on this exam.
  In some states, completion of a certain number of pre-licensing education credit hours is also required to earn an insurance license. If you reside in one of these states, you must complete the designated course(s) which involves passing a final exam. This exam is the final step to fulfilling your course requirements but not your licensing requirements.
  
• What happens after I pass my course final?
  Once you pass your final exam, you will be finished with the course.
  If you are in a state with mandated pre-licensing education, you will receive a certificate of completion. You may need to furnish this certificate as proof that you have completed your pre-licensing credit hours prior to sitting for your state licensing examination.
  If you are in a state that does not require pre-licensing education, you will receive a certificate for your own records, but you will not need it to register for your licensing examination.
  
• Who do I contact if I have questions about licensure in my state?
  While Express Schools Academic Advisors are qualified to assist you in fulfilling your education requirements and helping you embark on your new career, they are not authorized to counsel students regarding legal matters. Your state insurance department can answer all your questions regarding your individual license status.
  
• My state says I need a certificate of completion before I can take my licensing exam. How do I get one of those?
  To obtain a certificate of completion, you must fulfill all state pre-licensing education requirements. Once you pass your course final and fulfill any proctor verification requirements, Express Schools will issue your certificate of completion. You will receive an email with instructions for printing your certificate. Information regarding certificates is also available in your course materials.
  Follow your state’s instructions for using this certificate as proof of pre-licensing education completion prior to sitting for your state licensing exam.
  
• What happens if I forget to bring my completion certificate on my exam day?
  If your state’s testing provider agrees to accept a faxed copy, Express Schools will fax your certificate for a fee of $15.
  
• I'm licensed in one state and want to get licensed in another. How do I do that?
  Express Schools is authorized to offer pre-licensing education only; we are not empowered to offer students advice regarding legal matters. Your state insurance department can answer all of your questions regarding your individual license status.
  
• How do I get my license after I finish my Express Schools course?
  Once you have completed your course, you will follow the procedures established by your state to earn your insurance license, including taking your state licensing examination. Whether your state requires pre-licensing education or you’re simply preparing for your exam, you will have access to your state’s insurance licensing candidate handbook within your supplementary materials. This handbook contains complete instructions for registering for your licensing examination and fulfilling the remainder of your state’s requirements.
  
• Can I get a license if I have a conviction or criminal activity on my record?

  In the past 10 years, have you ever:

  a.  Been convicted of or pled nolo contendere (“no contest”) in a domestic, foreign, or military court to any felony or misdemeanor charge?

  b.  Had a professional license suspended or revoked?

  c.  Been the subject or respondent in a civil litigation?

  d.  Made a compromise with creditors or filed bankruptcy?

  e.  Had a bonding company deny or revoke a bond?

  f.  Been in arrears of state or federal taxes?

  g.  Been in arrears of child support?

  If you anser “yes” to any questions, you will have to include all relevant details, status (pending or judgement issued), and any fines or amounts related to the circumstances when you file application.  You may also have difficulty getting your licensing application approved.
  

• How do I know my Express Schools course is teaching me the information I need to pass my licensing exam?
  In order for Express Schools to offer pre-licensing education in your state, we must fulfill strict compliance procedures and be approved as an authorized education provider by the state insurance department. We have an in-house compliance team that consistently reviews and updates course content to ensure that you receive all the information you need to pass your exam and start your new career.
  
• Will I have an insurance license after I take the course?
  No. Express Schools does not issue professional licenses. Regardless of the pre-licensing education requirements in your state, you cannot earn your insurance license until you have passed your state’s licensing examination.
  If your state requires you to complete pre-licensing education, our courses meet the state requirements to qualify you to sit for your licensing exam. After you pass your course final, you will receive a certificate of completion that conforms to your specific state’s requirements. At that point, you will have graduated from your Express Schools course of study, and your next steps will be dictated by your state’s insurance department.
  In states that do not require license candidates to complete pre-licensing education, our non-credit courses are offered as an exam preparation option. Although completion of the course is not mandated by law, our curriculum will furnish you with all the information you need to pass your licensing exam.
  

Course Questions

• Can I complete the course units in any order I want?
  No. Express Schools courses are progressive. Units must be completed in order, and students must pass each unit quiz with a score of at least 80% before moving on to the next unit.
  
• What kind of content will my course cover?
  Express Schools insurance pre-licensing courses provide students with all the information they need to pass their state licensing examinations and participate competently and ethically in the fields of insurance and securities sales. Topics include insurance fundamentals; risk and risk management; the concept of insurability; insurance lines; agency and contracts; distribution systems and insurer operations; industry regulation; and licensing requirements. In addition, students seeking licensing in specific lines of authority receive detailed lessons on individual insurance policies and the state regulations that apply to them.
  
• How are Express Schools courses structured?
  Express Schools insurance courses are divided into units, which are like chapters in a book. At each unit’s beginning is a short description of the unit objectives and an outline of topics covered. Units are further divided into subsections; each subsection contains a review, along with Check Your Understanding exercises that allow students to reinforce and apply what they’ve learned. Each unit concludes with a Key Point Summary and a 10-question quiz to test retention and comprehension of the material. Finally, at the end of the course, students take a 100-question practice exam and two 100-question final exams, which are similar in content and format to what students will experience when they take their state licensing exams.
  
• After starting a section of the course can I leave and log back in and return to the place where I left off in the course?
  If you need to leave your course in the middle of a course unit screen, there is a bookmark and exit button on the navigation bar at the bottom of each screen. If you click on that bookmark button, a link will be placed on your homepage under your bookmark section. The next time you login to your course, go to the bookmark list and click on the bookmark to return back to the unit and screen where you left during your last session.
  
• Who can I contact if I have a problem while I am taking the course?
  Our academic advisors and technical support personnel are available Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (CST) and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST). You may contact us at (314) 205-1685 or toll-free at (866) 739-7277.
  You may also reach academic advisors via email at academicadvisor@insurancelicenseexpress.com. If emailing outside of business hours, make sure you include your name and phone number and a detailed description of the issue you’re having.
  
• How long will it take to find out if I passed the course final?
  You will receive your score immediately upon submitting your completed final exam.
  
• Is there a time-limit for completing my course?
  Express Schools allows six months access from the registration date to complete each course. Few students actually need the entire six months. We recommend that students set aside a certain amount of time to study each day for optimal content retention.

  Extensions and renewals may be available, depending upon state law.
  

• Can I finish the whole course in a day and get my license right away?
  That depends upon the state in which you’re earning your license. Just as universities require students to complete a specified number of credit hours to earn a degree, some states require applicants to complete a designated number of pre-licensing credit hours to earn a professional license. You will be ineligible to take your final or sit for your state licensing exam until you have fulfilled your state’s requirements.
  
• I want to print my textbook. Where do I get a copyright release?
  Our insurance courses are delivered entirely through the online course platform. No textbook is required.
  
• Once I start will I be required to stay online for a certain amount of time?
  That depends upon the state in which you’re earning your license. Just as universities require students to complete a specified number of credit hours to earn a degree, some states require applicants to complete a designated number of pre-licensing credit hours to earn a professional license.

  You will be ineligible to take your final or sit for your state licensing exam until you have fulfilled your state’s requirements. You will have control over the way in which you fulfill these requirements, however. You may log in and study at any time that is convenient for you. As long as you fulfill the state-mandated hours, you may do so at any pace and in any increments you wish. The only exception to this is your course final, which must be completed in a single session.

  If your state does not require a specific number of in-class credit hours, you may complete the course and sit for your licensing exam as quickly as you wish. Courses cover a lot of content, however, so you may find that you need to commit more time to your studies than you anticipated.
  

• I don't like reading books online. Can I get a hard-copy of my textbook?
  Our insurance courses are delivered entirely through the online course platform. No textbook is required.
  Students may print individual screens or access the course on a smart-phone or tablet if they wish to study on the go.
  
• What happens if I lose my certificate of completion?
  Express Schools student accounts do not expire. You will have access to your account, along with all your supplemental materials and your certificate(s) of completion, even after you finish your course. If you lose your certificate, you may print additional copies. If your state requires an original certificate you may purchase additional copies for $15 each.
  
• What happens after I finish all the units in my course?
  Once all units have been completed, and all quizzes have been passed, students take a 100 question practice exam. This exam covers all the content learned throughout the course. An 80% score is required on the practice exam before moving on to the course final.

  After passing the practice exam, students have the opportunity to take two final exams. In order to pass the course, you must earn a minimum passing score of 80% on one course final. If you pass the first final, you do not have to take the second one.

  Depending upon the state, students may be required to take the course final in the presence of a proctor.
  

• What do I do if I don't understand the material
  A qualified instructor is available to provide individual assistance. Course instructors may be contacted through the following means:
  Email – as a student, you will have access to your instructor’s private e-mail address for individual correspondence. Instructors are required to respond to student emails within one business day.
  Telephone – you can also leave a voice message for your instructor at any time via this toll-free number: 866-739-7277. Follow the prompts to access your instructor’s personal voice mailbox. When asked, select option “2” to reach insurance instructors.
  
• How long does it take to complete a course?
  Each student is different. Completion time depends upon many factors, including reading speed, commitment to a regular study-schedule, and the number of distractions present while learning. Students who establish a regular study schedule and work through the course at a reasonable pace have no trouble finishing all their units within the six month period.
  
• What if I don't complete the course in six months?

  Students who establish a regular study schedule and work through the course at a reasonable pace have no trouble finishing all their units within the six month period.

  If you are unable to complete your course within the allotted six month period, an extension or renewal may be available, depending upon state law.

  If your state allows extensions, the following options are available:

  • Seven Day Extension – $15
  • Thirty Day Extension – $30
  • Sixty Day Extension – $50

  To purchase an extension, please contact us via email at academicadvisor@insurancelicenseexpress.com for assistance. Once your extension has been processed, your expiration date will be updated. Your progress is saved, so you will not have to repeat any coursework.
  

Quizzes, Exams & Proctoring

• If I don’t get a passing score on the quizzes at the end of each section will I be able to go back and review the material before I take the quiz over again?
  Yes, you will be able to go back to the material and review it as many times as you wish. You have to score the 80% to move forward in the course, but in 15 years of online training, and hundreds and thousands of students, no one has ever been unable to achieve this 80% score, because you can always go back and retake the quizzes after review.
  
• What if I don’t get a passing score on the final examination?

  You will be required to take a second final examination covering the material that you failed. Depending on your state, a second and sometimes a third exam is available.

  You will have many opportunities to rehearse the exam taking process and to test your knowledge through the practice exams for both the State and National portions of the course in addition to asking your instructor for help either via the Forum or directly by email. At the end of the course you will then move into the Final Exam mode, which by law and/or regulation in your state you must pass with a minimum score in order to receive your certificate of completion. But don’t worry, if you’ve gone through the course as indicated and taken the quizzes and practice exams that followed, you should have no trouble passing the Final Exam with a minimum score. If your state allows you to retake the exam, there is a $50.00 fee for manually resetting your final exam in this manner should you need it, but it can be done when you request this service from our CustomerCare@InsuranceLicenseExpress.com department, and is a way for you to pass the course and get your certificate without violating any state laws or regulations, and without having to take the entire course over again.

• When I finish all the sections are there final examinations?

  Yes, there are practice final examinations to help prepare you for the course final exams. Depending on your state requirements, you will take a State and National Final Exam, or one Course Final Exam. You must reach a minimum passing score on the final examinations to receive a certificate of completion. This score varies from state to state.

• If I need a proctor for my course final, how does that work?

  If your state requires that your course final be proctored, we provide you with information in your course and course materials. Most states qualify a proctor as a disinterested third party. Some monitors charge a fee for proctoring. Additional fees are not included in the cost of your course and would be an expense to you. We provide the information you need to find an appropriate proctor for your course final. This proctored course final is part of the course and should not be confused with the state licensing exam, taken at the state’s chosen examination company.

• Will I be tested during the course and at the end of the course?

  During the course you will be reading the information that is necessary for you to learn to pass your insurance licensing examination given by the State upon completion of the course of study. During the course, you will read some material, and then be tested with a short quiz to help you determine whether you comprehend the material you just read. The course is broken down into sections. At the end of the course you will be given a one hundred (100) question final exam.. You must obtain a score of 80% (unless your state requires a different percentage grade) before you can move on to the next section.

General Questions

• What are my payment options?

  You can pay for any InsuranceLicenseExpress.com course using your Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover Card. Or you can pay online by check. In any case the process is simple and secured through Verisign.

• Why isn't the money-back guarantee available in Florida?

  Why isn’t the money-back guarantee available in Florida?

• Where do I enter my promo code?

  Look for the orange “Have a Promo Code?” link on the left side of the payment page below Billing Information. Select that link, enter your code, and select “Apply.” When the screen refreshes, your discounted rate will show up.

  Make sure that the price discount is applied before entering your credit card information as we are unable to refund once the transaction has been completed.

• Can I complete my entire course on my home computer or laptop?

  Yes. Our courses are designed to allow students to complete all requirements over the internet. You may access and complete your course on any device with internet access and a browser.

• What does “entirely online” mean?

  Express Schools courses are delivered via the internet; you’ll have no heavy textbooks to carry around or papers to turn in. You may access your course anywhere you have internet access any time it’s convenient for you.

• Can I take my course on my smart-phone or tablet?

  Yes. Our courses are designed to allow students to complete all requirements on any device with internet access and a browser, including smart-phones and tablets.

  Currently, the quick tour cannot be accessed with Safari, but this feature is not required to complete the course. If you wish to view the quick tour, you may do so on any device with an alternate browser.

• Is your site secure?

  Yes. InsuranceLicenseExpress.com uses thawte® for secure credit card processing.

• What are the system requirements to take courses from Express Schools?

  These are the minimum system requirements for optimum use:
  Operating System: Windows (2000, Me, XP or higher) and Macintosh.
  Microprocessor: 486/25 or higher
  Memory: 64 MB minimum (greater memory will improve performance and recommended)
  Internet Browser: Our course is best viewed in Internet Explorer but also works in Firefox/Mozilla.
  We support all versions of Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. If you need to upgrade your version on Internet Explorer, please go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/download-ie.aspx. You may also use Safari in versions 3.0 or higher. If you need to upgrade your version on Safari, please go to http://www.apple.com/safari/.

• Do I need special computer skills to take courses from Express Schools?

  No. No special computer knowledge is necessary to take Express Schools courses.

• Where do I get Adobe Reader?

  Adobe Reader may be downloaded free here

• Can I take my course on my eReader?

  That depends on your eReader model.
  Students may complete all course requirements on any device with internet access and a browser. Early eReader devices, such as Kindle and Nook, do not support browser capabilities, although you may upload any PDF eBooks included in your course package. In order to complete your coursework, you will need a device with a browser, such as a computer, laptop, smart-phone, tablet, or multipurpose eReader, such as the Kindle Fire.

• Will any other materials be provided for me when I sign up for the course?

  InsuranceLicenseExpress.com provides you with a variety of support materials and study aids to help you learn what you need to know to pass your state examination. You will be able to download and print the resources from your Personal Homepage of your course of study. These will help you with your goal of learning this material in the shortest amount of time, as well as giving you the tools you need to communicate with the state, coordinate with the licensing bodies, and launch your practice exigently.

• Is Express Schools authorized to offer pre-licensing education in my state?

  In most states, pre-license education providers must be approved by the state insurance department before they can offer courses to students. If Express Schools offers pre-licensing education in these states, we have fulfilled strict compliance procedures and been granted authorization to deliver the courses we offer.

  Not every state requires pre-license education providers to submit courses for approval. In states that do not require authorization, we offer non-credit courses that will prepare you to pass your licensing exam.

  Visit our website or contact an academic advisor to find out if we offer pre-licensing courses in your state.

• Do I need a special app to take my course on my smart-phone or tablet?

  No. No special app is required to complete our courses on a smart-phone or tablet. You will use the built-in browser on your device to access and complete the course.

• What are my payment options?

  Express Schools accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept payment via online check. The payment process is simple and secured through VeriSign.

• What if I decide I want to withdraw from the course after I've enrolled?

  Express Schools students may withdraw from a course and receive a tuition refund (less a $25 administration fee) for up to eight days after registration. To be eligible for a refund, students must submit a cancelation request no later than midnight on the eighth calendar day after registration. Students who have already logged into the course are ineligible for a refund

• Is financial aid available to take courses from Express Schools?

  Federal financial aid is not available for Express Schools courses, but you may be eligible for a scholarship.

• How long do I have to complete the course?

  to complete the requirements, and learn the material. State regulations vary on course completion. You will be able to get a 60 day extension at the cost of $50, or you will be allowed to re-register for the course at a discounted price.
  After your course expires, call the office and we will be happy to assist you in extending your course or re-enrolling for your course depending on what your state requires. Re-registration and extension options are determined by individual state law. Our toll-free number is 866-739-7277 and our office hours are M-TH 8-5 Central Time and F 8-4:30 Central Time.

• How does the money-back guarantee work?

  Express Schools does not currently offer a money-back guarantee for insurance courses.

• How long do I have to complete the course?

  to complete the requirements, and learn the material. State regulations vary on course completion. You will be able to get a 60 day extension at the cost of $50, or you will be allowed to re-register for the course at a discounted price.
  After your course expires, call the office and we will be happy to assist you in extending your course or re-enrolling for your course depending on what your state requires. Re-registration and extension options are determined by individual state law. Our toll-free number is 866-739-7277 and our office hours are M-TH 8-5 Central Time and F 8-4:30 Central Time.

• I keep getting an error message when I attempt to login. How can I access my courses?

  There may be a couple of different issues:
  If you are attempting to login and you get a message that the system cannot verify your information then you are not using the correct information that was entered when you enrolled in courses. You will need to contact our support team to verify what your correct login information is. They will also do a system check and make sure that your login is working properly.
  If you are attempting to login and you get a message that you are already logged in then you either did not logout properly during your last session or you are logged in at another location – other computer or digital device. You will either have to logout at the other location before you will be able to login again or contact our support team to manually log you out.
  Our system is set to automatically reset your account within 30 minutes if you lose connection or do not logout properly. If you are still not able to login after the 30 minute interval, then you may need to have a setting adjusted in your system as your computer is preventing the login. Contact our support team for instructions on how to adjust your computer settings.

• What browsers support Express Schools courses?

  Express Schools courses can be completed using any of the following browsers:

  Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher – to upgrade your version, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/download-ie.aspx.

  Safari 3.0 or higher – to upgrade your version, visit http://www.apple.com/safari/.

  Mozilla Firefox – to install Firefox, visit http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

• What kind of assistance is available if I have trouble understanding the course content?

  A qualified instructor is assigned to every Express Schools course. Your course materials will include contact information that will allow you to call or email your instructor and receive individual assistance.
  

• Who do I contact if I have a problem?

  to complete the requirements, and learn the material. State regulations vary on course completion. You will be able to get a 60 day extension at the cost of $50, or you will be allowed to re-register for the course at a discounted price.
  After your course expires, call the office and we will be happy to assist you in extending your course or re-enrolling for your course depending on what your state requires. Re-registration and extension options are determined by individual state law. Our toll-free number is 866-739-7277 and our office hours are M-TH 8-5 Central Time and F 8-4:30 Central Time.

• How long do I have to complete the course?

  Our academic advisors and technical support personnel are available Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (CST) and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST). You may contact us at (314) 205-1685 or toll-free at (866) 739-7277.

  You may also reach academic advisors via email at academicadvisor@insurancelicenseexpress.com. If emailing outside of business hours, make sure you include your name and phone number and a detailed description of the issue you’re having.

• Once I have completed the course will I receive anything from you verifying that I have successfully completed the insurance license course?

  Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion dated on the date you complete the course.

• Will I receive a textbook or any other materials when I enroll in a course?

  No textbook is required to take our insurance courses, although additional supplemental reading materials are provided as PDF documents. You will not have to wait for a textbook or any other materials to arrive in the mail; you may begin taking your course as soon as you are registered.

• Do I need MS Office to take a course from Express Schools?

  No. You only need an internet browser for the course itself and Adobe Reader for supplemental materials.