How to Become a Personal Insurance Account Manager in Massachusetts

Thinking about a career as a personal insurance account manager in Massachusetts? You're in the right place! Whether you're just starting out or making a professional pivot, this path offers a meaningful way to help people and build a rewarding future.

We’ve worked with a lot of account managers over the years, and we know that while the job can be incredibly rewarding, the path to getting there isn’t always clear. That’s why we’ve put together this resource – to give you a simple, step-by-step guide to starting your journey in personal insurance.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Get your Massachusetts Personal Lines license

Before you can jump into a personal insurance role, the state of Massachusetts requires you to hold a valid insurance license. For most people entering this field, that means earning your personal lines license.

Here’s how that process works:

Take a pre-licensing course

To get started, you’ll need to complete a state-approved personal lines pre-licensing course. These are designed to teach you the insurance basics – things like auto, home, renters, and other types of personal coverage. You can choose to take the course in-person or online depending on what works best for your schedule.

Some of the most popular options include:

• MassAgent – Offers in-person and live virtual training
• All-Lines Training – A self-paced online course for flexible learning

Schedule and pass the state licensing exam

Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll register for the Massachusetts licensing exam through Prometric, the official testing provider. The exam includes multiple-choice questions on topics like policy types, insurance laws, and ethics.

The idea of taking a test might sound intimidating, but don’t worry—your course will give you all the materials you need to study and prepare.

Apply for your license

After passing the exam, you’ll need to apply for your official license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). This is the final step in the licensing process, and once your application is approved, you’ll be legally allowed to sell and service personal insurance policies in the state.

Step 2: Get experience at an agency

Now that you’re licensed, it’s time to get out there and start building experience!

Most people begin their careers in entry-level roles, such as a customer service representative or account technician. These positions are a great way to get your foot in the door at an insurance agency, learn the systems and tools you'll be using, and start working with real clients (with plenty of support along the way).

In these early roles, you’ll:

• Learn how to quote and bind policies
• Assist clients with questions and changes to their coverage
• Support more experienced account managers as you build confidence

And just so you know – you don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Agencies like ours understand that training is a big part of helping you succeed.

Step 3: Continue learning and earn certifications

Once you’re comfortable in your role and have a bit of experience under your belt, you might consider expanding your expertise even further with additional certifications.

Many personal insurance professionals choose to pursue industry designations such as:

• CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative)
• CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor)

These certifications aren’t required to work in the field, but they’re highly respected and can help you stand out, take on more responsibility, and even earn a higher salary over time.

Each program involves specialized coursework and exams focused on personal insurance, customer service, and advanced policy knowledge. Many agencies will even help pay for these programs or give you time during the workweek to study – because they know how valuable these skills are.

 In addition to these optional designations, you will also be required to take continuing education (CE) courses to maintain your insurance license and keep up to date with industry changes. You will need to earn 60 credits during your first three years as an agent and then 45 credits every three years after. These credits can be earned through online or in-person courses usually valued between two and 12 credits.

Thinking about a career in personal insurance?

Becoming a personal insurance account manager in Massachusetts might seem like a big leap, but with the right steps (and the right mindset), it’s absolutely achievable. Hopefully this guide made you a little more confident in your decision.

Still considering if becoming a Personal Insurance Account Manager is right for you? Dive into what the role could look like in this article: A Day In the Life of a Personal Insurance Account Manager.

And if you’re ever interested in exploring opportunities here at Berry Insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out or check out our Careers page. We’re always happy to connect with passionate, service-minded individuals who are excited about helping others protect what matters most.