This article discusses the Florida 4-40 to 2-20 Conversion Course. This course is specific to Florida licensing and is the way a FL 4-40 CSR can become a FL 2-20 agent without taking a 200 hour course.
Florida makes a distinction between a 2-20 General Lines Agent and a 4-40 Customer Service Representative. A 2-20 Agent is one who may sell insurance and operate an insurance agency. A 4-40 Customer Service Representative works under the direction and control of a 2-20 Agent, assisting the agent in the sales and operation of the business.
There are two ways to become a 2-20 General Lines Agent. The first is to take and pass the 200 hour pre-licensing course required by the state, and then successfully complete the state licensing exam.
The second is to obtain the 4-40 license and work as a full time customer service representative for at least one year. This license is achieved by taking the Florida Insurance University/University of Central Florida Registered Customer Service Representative Designation, which excuses the student from the state licensing test for the 4-40 license.
Once that has been done, the student may take and pass the 4-40 to 2-20 Conversion Course which is offered by Florida Insurance University. This course is a 40 hour distance learning course that qualifies the applicant to take the state licensing exam.
In the current economy, the insurance profession is one of the few where jobs and incomes are not only stable, but growing. Job opportunities are good for those who have sales experience and good interpersonal skills. The U.S. Government reports that employment for insurance sales agents is expected to grow through 2016. The median annual earnings of insurance sales agents were $43,870 in May 2006. The range of earnings reflected that the highest 10% earned more than $115,090. Company paid benefits usually include continuing education, group insurance plans, office space, auto and transportation expenses, health insurance and retirement benefits.