Georgia life insurance agents licensed fewer than 20 years must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years

How many continuing education hours are required for agents who have been licensed for fewer than 20 years?

• A. 12 hours
• B. 18 hours
• C. 24 hours
• D. 30 hours

Answer: (C)

Continuing education is a crucial component for licensed life agents as it helps ensure that they remain knowledgeable about the latest regulations, products, and industry best practices. In Georgia, agents who have been licensed for fewer than 20 years are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their licenses. This requirement is designed to enhance their skills, keep them updated on changes within the industry, and ultimately serve clients more effectively.

Georgia Laws Life Agent: Your quick guide to the 24-hour CE rule for under-20-year licenses

If you’re early in your career as a Georgia life insurance professional, you’ve probably heard a lot about continuing education (CE). It might feel like a chore at first, but CE hours exist for a simple reason: they keep you sharp, up-to-date, and better at serving clients who rely on you for sound guidance. Here’s the core fact you’ll want to lock in: if you’ve been licensed for fewer than 20 years, you need 24 hours of continuing education every two years to stay in good standing.

Let me break down what that means in plain language, plus a few practical notes you can actually use.

What the rule says, in plain terms

• Who needs it: Agents who have been licensed for fewer than 20 years.

• How much: 24 hours of CE every two years.

• Why it exists: The goal is simple—keep licensees current with changes in regulations, products, and industry best practices so you can serve clients effectively.

• Where it comes from: This requirement is set by Georgia’s regulatory framework for life insurance agents.

That’s the backbone you’ll want to memorize. It’s not hidden, it’s not complicated, and it applies consistently to the group described above. If you’re in the early stretch of your career, the takeaway is clear: plan for a two-year window that totals 24 hours, not a last-minute sprint before your license renewal.

Why CE matters beyond the rulebook

Sure, 24 hours sounds like a number on a calendar, but the real value sits a little deeper.

• Regulatory fluency: Rules change. Tax treatment, disclosure requirements, and age-related product features evolve. Regular education helps you avoid missteps that could affect clients and your license.

• Product knowledge: New riders, riders with different riders, or updated policy features pop up. Staying informed helps you tailor solutions to real-life needs.

• Professional credibility: Clients look for professionals who demonstrate ongoing learning. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about showing you’re serious about doing right by people who trust you.

• Ethical and risk-aware practice: Even if the round numbers aren’t broken down for you here, many CE experiences touch on ethics and safe selling practices, which are essential in any advisory role.

A quick reality check about the two-year cycle

• It’s a rolling window. Your two-year clock starts with the date you earned your license or last renewed it, and it resets as you reach each renewal milestone.

• Deadlines matter. If you miss the required hours, you may face license renewal delays or other administrative consequences. In practice, that’s less about punishment and more about ensuring you stay current for the people you serve.

• It’s not all classroom time. CE can be earned through a mix of live seminars, webinars, and self-paced courses, as long as the providers are approved by Georgia’s Department of Insurance.

How to meet the 24 hours without drama

• Pick approved providers: Look for CE courses from organizations and vendors approved by the Georgia Department of Insurance. That approval badge is your assurance that the hours will count toward your obligation.

• Mix formats: Many people like a blend—short online modules for busy weeks, and a couple of longer, focused sessions for deeper dives. Flexibility helps you spread the load across the two-year period.

• Build it into your calendar: Set a recurring reminder every quarter to review available CE offerings. If you treat it like any other essential appointment, the hours accumulate without feeling like a strain.

• Track diligently: Keep a simple log of what you completed, when, and how many hours it represented. Some licensing platforms, school portals, or even a basic spreadsheet can do the job. You’ll thank yourself at renewal time.

• Don’t wait for the last minute: A steady pace beats a cram session. If you approach CE in bite-sized pieces, you’re less likely to miss a deadline or lose momentum.

A little practical context you can relate to

Think of CE like updating a neighborhood map. Regulations shift, new products hit the street, and old paths close or reroute. If you don’t periodically refresh your map, you’ll end up wasting time wading through outdated routes when a client needs you most. The two-year clock is your reminder to refresh that map, not a punishment for not knowing the streets.

Ground rules you’ll probably encounter

• Documentation: In most cases, you’ll receive a certificate of completion or a transcript from the provider. Keep these records in case you need to verify hours during renewal.

• What counts and what doesn’t: Most approved CE hours count toward the requirement, but check with the Georgia Department of Insurance if you’re unsure about a particular course. Some activities may be non-credit or not eligible for CE, so it’s worth confirming before you invest time.

• Ethics and compliance basics: Some CE experiences touch on ethics, privacy, and state compliance considerations. Even if a course isn’t marketed as “ethics,” it may still help you fulfill essential professional obligations.

A quick fact-check moment (the kind that helps you study without stressing)

Question: How many continuing education hours are required for agents who have been licensed for fewer than 20 years?

• A. 12 hours

• B. 18 hours

• C. 24 hours

• D. 30 hours

Answer: 24 hours.

If you’re curious about the reason behind that number, the short version is: 24 hours in a two-year cycle gives you a steady cadence of learning without overwhelming your schedule, while keeping you current with the evolving landscape of Georgia life insurance regulations and product knowledge.

Where to look for a reliable path forward

• Georgia Department of Insurance (DOI) website: The official source for CE requirements, renewal timelines, and provider approvals. It’s the most trustworthy place to confirm what counts and what doesn’t.

• Reputable CE providers: Look for courses designed for life agents in Georgia, with clear hours and completion certificates. Online options can be a flexible fit if you’re juggling a busy week.

• Professional associations: Local chapters or state-level groups often offer seminars or webinars relevant to Georgia life insurance rules and ethical standards. These sessions can be practical and context-rich.

A few tangents that still connect back to the core idea

• Technology and CE: Some CE offerings are interactive or scenario-based, using real-world client situations. These can be surprisingly engaging and memorable because they feel relevant to daily work—without being heavy-handed or dull.

• Law changes and your day-to-day: When new rules roll out, the impact isn’t just a line in a statute. It alters disclosures, client conversations, and how you document recommendations. That’s where CE becomes a practical partner in your practice.

• Balancing life, work, and learning: If you’re juggling client appointments, referrals, and personal commitments, you’ll appreciate courses that are concise, well-structured, and accessible on your schedule.

Putting it all together: a simple path to staying compliant

1. Confirm your two-year window and the 24-hour requirement for licensed-<20-year agents with the Georgia DOI.

2. Start from a trusted CE provider and pick a mix of formats across the cycle.

3. Schedule regular, small learning blocks so hours accumulate steadily.

4. Save your certificates and track your progress with a simple log.

5. If you ever feel uncertain about a course’s eligibility, check back with the DOI or the provider to confirm before you invest time.

Closing thought

Continuing education isn’t just about meeting a regulatory number. It’s about sharpening your ability to help people through life’s big moments—health concerns, financial planning, and the decisions that shape families’ futures. The 24-hour requirement for those with under 20 years of licensing isn’t a gate to slam shut; it’s a roadmap that keeps you capable, credible, and confident in Georgia’s ever-changing landscape.

If you’d like, I can help you map out a simple two-year CE plan tailored to your current schedule and interests. A little planning goes a long way, and when you approach CE as a regular habit, it stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a natural part of delivering excellent service to clients.