Can I apply before I have an insurance license?
Yes. You may apply while you are still exploring the industry. To sell insurance, you must complete your state's licensing requirements and receive an active license before conducting sales activity.
CAREER FAQ
Answers for every stageof your career.
Whether you are exploring insurance for the first time, recently licensed, or already experienced, start with the questions that matter to you.
IF YOU ARE NOT YET LICENSED
Getting started
How do I get started with licensing?
Your first step is to choose the license needed for the products you want to sell, complete any state-required prelicensing education, schedule and pass the state exam, complete any required background steps, and submit your license application. Summit Shores can help you identify training resources and understand the sequence.
What expenses should I expect?
Candidates are responsible for state education and exam fees, licensing fees, AHIP, carrier certifications, E&O, optional CRM/softphone fees, and any leads they choose to buy beyond the six months of outbound data-lead lists included at launch. Exact costs vary by state, vendor, and product path.
What is AHIP and when do I complete it?
AHIP is an annual Medicare training and certification commonly required before selling Medicare Advantage and Part D products. After your license is active, you purchase the course, complete the training, and pass the required exam before moving into carrier certifications.
What happens after I pass my state exam?
After the state approves your license, you complete AHIP when applicable, submit carrier contracting, finish each carrier's certifications, and reach Ready to Sell status before marketing or enrolling clients for that carrier.
IF YOU ARE NEWLY LICENSED
Building your foundation
What does Ready to Sell status mean?
Ready to Sell, often called RTS, means the carrier has approved your contract and you have completed the required certifications and compliance steps for the applicable product and plan year.
Will I receive training after I am licensed?
Yes. The Residency Program includes structured onboarding, product education, sales practice, workflow coaching, case review, followed by ongoing training and coaching.
Do you provide leads?
Yes. New agents receive six months of outbound data-lead lists at no cost. Those are data lists for outbound work, not inbound calls or pre-set appointments. Agents can still purchase inbound, pre-scheduled appointment, or other lead types from our vendors or any vendor they choose.
How quickly can I start selling?
You can begin selling a carrier's products after your license is active and you have completed all applicable AHIP, contracting, certification, appointment, and Ready to Sell requirements. Timing varies by state and carrier.
How do I choose between Residency and direct to carrier?
Residency is designed for agents who value a structured launch, hands-on support, and weekly advances on eligible Medicare Advantage enrollments. Direct to carrier is designed for agents who prefer carrier-paid compensation and greater independence, with the understanding that processing may take approximately 30 to 90 days.
IF YOU ARE AN EXPERIENCED AGENT
Expanding your business
Can experienced agents choose either path?
Yes. Experienced agents may explore the Residency Program or the direct-to-carrier path, subject to carrier hierarchy, release, contracting, and program eligibility requirements.
Do I own my book of business?
Both paths are designed for agents to retain ownership of their book, subject to the terms of the applicable carrier and agent agreements, vesting provisions, compliance requirements, and any outstanding obligations.
What products can I add to my portfolio?
Available categories include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, ACA, ancillary products, life insurance, and annuities. Availability varies by state, carrier approval, appointment, and contract.
What support is available if I already know how to sell?
Support can focus on contracting, product expansion, market strategy, lead options, case consultation, and business development rather than repeating entry-level training.
Can I work in more than one state?
Yes, if you hold the required active nonresident licenses and complete each carrier's appointment and certification requirements in those states. Summit Shores recruits nationwide.
Is this employment or an independent opportunity?
This is a commission-based 1099 independent contractor opportunity, not salaried employment. Agents are responsible for their own licensing, certifications, business expenses, lead costs, and applicable taxes.