Mississippi P&C Producer Licensing Requirements

Mississippi has specific licensing requirements for Property & Casualty insurance producers, including mandatory pre-license education, examination, and continuing education.

Pre-License Education Requirements

Mandatory Education

Mississippi requires pre-license education before taking the P&C exam:

Education Topics Covered

The 20-hour course typically includes:

1. Property Insurance (8-10 hours)

   • Homeowners insurance policies
   • Commercial property coverage
   • Inland marine insurance
   • Fire and allied lines
   • Policy forms and endorsements

2. Casualty Insurance (8-10 hours)

   • Auto insurance coverages
   • General liability insurance
   • Workers' compensation
   • Professional liability
   • Umbrella and excess liability

3. Mississippi Insurance Law (2-4 hours)

   • State regulations and requirements
   • Consumer protection laws
   • Licensing and ethical standards
   • Claims handling requirements

Study Tip: While 20 hours of pre-license education is required, most successful candidates spend an additional 40-60 hours on self-study and practice exams to achieve the 70% passing score.

Examination Requirements

The Mississippi Property & Casualty examination is administered by Pearson VUE:

Exam Structure

Seven Exam Content Sections

1. Types of P&C Policies

   • Homeowners, auto, commercial property
   • Liability coverages
   • Specialty lines

2. P&C Terms and Concepts

   • Insurance terminology
   • Risk management principles
   • Underwriting basics

3. P&C Policy Provisions

   • Coverage limits and deductibles
   • Exclusions and conditions
   • Endorsements and riders

4. Mississippi Insurance Laws

   • State-specific regulations
   • Filing requirements
   • Consumer protections

5. Ethics and Professional Conduct

   • Fiduciary duties
   • Prohibited practices
   • Professional standards

6. Claims Handling

   • Claims process
   • Settlement procedures
   • Dispute resolution

7. Underwriting and Rating

   • Risk assessment
   • Premium calculation
   • Rating factors

Scheduling Your Exam

Pearson VUE Contact Information:

• Website: www.pearsonvue.com/ms/insurance
• Phone: (888) 204-6230
• Schedule online 24/7 or by phone
• Testing centers throughout Mississippi
• Online proctored exams available (if system compatible)

Exam Day Requirements

What to Bring:

• Two forms of identification (one with photo and signature)
• Exam authorization from Mississippi Insurance Department
• Pearson VUE confirmation number

Not Allowed:

• Study materials or notes
• Calculators (basic calculator provided at testing center)
• Cell phones or electronic devices
• Food or beverages

Retake Policy

• Wait Time: No mandatory waiting period after failed attempt
• Retake Fee: Full exam fee ($52) for each attempt
• Attempt Limit: No limit on number of attempts
• Validity: Exam results valid for 12 months for license application

Exam Tip: Mississippi requires 70% on the exam. This means you must answer at least 63 out of 90 questions correctly. Focus your study on the high-emphasis areas: policy types, terms, and provisions.

License Application Process

After passing the exam:

Step 1: Complete Background Check

Mississippi requires a background check for all license applicants:

Disqualifying Factors

The Mississippi Insurance Department may deny licenses for:

• Felony Convictions: Any felony within past 10 years
• Fraud Convictions: Crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust
• Insurance-Related Crimes: Violations of insurance laws
• Misdemeanors: Recent insurance-related misdemeanors
• False Statements: Providing false information on application
• Prior License Revocation: License revoked in Mississippi or another state

Important: If you have any criminal history, disclose it on your application. Failure to disclose is grounds for automatic denial.

Step 2: Submit License Application

Step 3: Obtain Company Appointments

Mississippi requires producer appointments to sell insurance:

Appointment Process:

• Insurance company appoints you to represent them
• Company submits appointment to MID on your behalf
• Appointment fee: $10 per company
• Must be appointed to sell each company's products
• Can have multiple appointments (independent agents)

Types of Producer Relationships:

• Captive Agent: Appointed with one insurance company exclusively
• Independent Agent: Appointed with multiple companies
• Broker: Represents consumers, places business with multiple insurers

License Types and Authority

Producer License Lines of Authority

Reciprocity for Non-Residents

Mississippi grants reciprocal licenses to non-residents:

Requirements:

• Hold active P&C license in home state
• Home state must grant reciprocity to Mississippi residents
• Submit non-resident license application
• Pay non-resident license fee
• Maintain home state license in good standing

No Additional Exam Required if you hold equivalent license in reciprocal state.

Continuing Education Requirements

To renew your Mississippi P&C license:

CE Requirements Every 3 Years

CE Topic Areas

Continuing education courses must cover:

1. Insurance Products and Coverages

   • New product developments
   • Coverage trends and innovations
   • Policy form updates

2. Mississippi Insurance Law

   • Changes in state regulations
   • New legislation affecting P&C insurance
   • Court decisions and interpretations

3. Ethics and Professional Responsibility (required 3 hours)

   • Fiduciary duties
   • Prohibited practices
   • Professional conduct standards
   • Consumer protection

4. Industry Developments

   • Technology and innovation
   • Market trends
   • Underwriting changes

5. Sales Practices and Compliance

   • Needs analysis
   • Suitability
   • Documentation requirements

CE Exemptions

Some licenses are exempt from CE in certain circumstances:

• First Renewal: First three-year licensing period (between initial license and first renewal)
• License Held Less Than 6 Months: If renewal due within 6 months of initial licensing
• Military Service: Active duty military service may extend CE deadline
• Hardship: Commissioner may grant hardship exemptions in special circumstances

CE Non-Compliance Penalties

Failure to complete CE results in:

1. License Suspension: License automatically suspended on renewal date
2. Reinstatement: Must complete all CE requirements plus late fee
3. Loss of Authority: Cannot transact insurance while suspended
4. Commissions: Cannot receive commissions on suspended license
5. Penalties: Additional fines may apply

Exam Tip: Mississippi requires 24 hours of CE every 3 years, including 3 hours of ethics. This is less frequent than many states (which renew every 2 years), but be sure to track your renewal date carefully.