continuing Education Archives

Why you Should Use Success CE to Renew Your Life and Health and Property Casualty Licenses.

Posted on December 5, 2025December 17, 2025

If you are holding an active insurance license in both Life & Health or Property Casualty, you know that meeting CE requirements, on time and correctly, is a non-negotiable part of staying licensed and compliant. That is where Success CE stands out. Here is why many agents use Success CE to renew their Life and Health and Property Casualty licenses:

Nationwide Approval & Wide-Ranging Course Catalog

Success CE’s courses are approved in all 50 states, covering both Life & Health and Property Casualty CE requirements. (Success CE)
Our catalog is not limited to basic CE: we offer courses in ethics, annuities, long-term care, and more allowing you to fulfill specialized requirements specific to your license type or state. (Success CE).
For agents holding licenses in multiple lines (e.g., Life & Health and P&C), this breadth simplifies compliance: you do not need to piece together CE hours from different providers or juggle multiple platforms.

Efficiency – Fast, Easy, and Convenient

We at Success CE emphasizes user convenience: our CE courses are “easy-to-complete,” and they offer same-day real-time reporting of completed credits. (Success CE)
For busy agents who do not want to spend extra time traveling to in-person classes or coordinating schedules especially those balancing Life & Health and P&C CE hours this convenience can save significant time and stress. (Success CE)
Our system allows for both online/self-study CE and live classroom/webinar CE (through a sister service) depending on what your state license renewal requires or which format you prefer. (insurancecontinuingeducation.com)

Cost-Effective – Competitive Pricing and Value

Success CE has a “Guaranteed Lowest Price” for their CE courses. (Success CE)
Given the ability to cover multiple license lines, specialized topics, and potentially bundle CE with other designations or certifications (CFP, CLU/ChFC, etc.), using Success CE may offer good value compared with juggling separate providers for each license line. (Success CE)

Good Reputation & Customer Experience

Customer testimonials highlighted on our site praise the ease of navigation, helpful customer service, and a simple CE process. (Success CE)
Additionally, agents report being able to complete CE quickly and renew licenses without the delays or hassles sometimes associated with other CE providers. (Success CE)
If you have ever had CE renewal frustration (especially juggling multiple license types), working with a provider that emphasizes reliability and service can make a meaningful difference.

Useful for Multi-Line License Holders – One Stop for Everything

Agents licensed in both Life & Health and P&C benefit from a single CE source that supports both license types, simplifying their compliance process.
Because Success CE offers a broad set of CE courses (ethics, annuities, long-term care, etc.), you can meet specialized continuing education requirements (e.g., annuity suitability, ethics) along with general CE hours all in one place. (Success CE)
Therefore, our unified approach reduces administrative overhead and helps ensure you do not miss any required credits for either license type.

Who Benefits Most from Success CE

Agents with multiple licenses (Life & Health and Property & Casualty ) who want to streamline their CE compliance.
Busy professionals who prefer online/self-study CE or flexible scheduling instead of in-person classes.
Agents looking for good value. We offer courses beyond “just the basics,” such as ethics, annuities, or long-term care.
Agencies or firms managing multiple producers Success CE offers services for individual licensees and corporate/agency-level CE administration. (Success CE)

Final Thoughts

For licensed agents juggling multiple license lines; Life & Health Property & Casualty, compliance shouldn’t feel like a chore. Success CE offers one of the most comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective solutions available today. Their nationwide approvals, broad course catalog, easy-to-use online system, and strong reputation for customer service make them an appealing choice if you want to simplify CE compliance and focus more on serving clients.

Why Use Success CE

The Success Family of Continuing Education Companies provides the highest quality Life/Health and Property/Casualty Insurance Continuing Education. CFP Continuing Education, CIMA Continuing Education, CPA Continuing Education, CLU/ChFC (PACE) Continuing Education, and MCLE (Legal). Continuing Education available in all 50 states in Live Insurance, Online Insurance, and Textbook Insurance formats. Learn More

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Key Insurance Regulatory Updates in 2025

Posted on September 12, 2025October 1, 2025

The insurance industry is no stranger to regulatory change, and 2025 has already brought a wave of updates at both the federal and state level. From healthcare reforms to property and casualty adjustments, regulators are tightening oversight and responding to evolving risks. Below is a summary of the most significant updates—and what they mean for insurance professionals.

Federal Health Insurance and ACA Reforms

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule in 2025, introducing several key changes to strengthen oversight of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.

Highlights include:

Stricter Verification: Enhanced income verification and pre-enrollment checks for special enrollment periods (SEPs) to reduce misuse.
Eligibility Adjustments: DACA recipients will no longer qualify as “lawfully present” for marketplace and Basic Health Program eligibility.
Enrollment Windows: Open enrollment will now run from November 1 through December 15 for the 2027 plan year on federal exchanges.
Premium Payment Requirement: Individuals automatically re-enrolled in zero-premium plans will now need to pay a minimum $5 monthly premium.
Tax Credit Reconciliation: Rules around advance premium tax credits (APTCs) have tightened, with consequences for those failing to reconcile past credits.

The Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025 introduced consumer-friendly adjustments, aiming to improve plan choice, expand access, and strengthen marketplace standards.

Impact: For insurers and brokers, these changes mean more administrative oversight, stricter compliance, and potential adjustments to plan design and marketing strategies.

State-Level Insurance Developments

California

California has taken the lead with several regulatory shifts:

Auto Insurance: Minimum liability coverage limits doubled in 2025, rising to $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. These limits will rise again in 2035.
Wildfire and Climate Risk: New rules require insurers to incorporate catastrophe modeling into rate filings and expand coverage options in wildfire-prone areas. Reinsurance cost pass-throughs will also face stricter oversight.

North Carolina

Regulators approved a 5% auto insurance rate increase effective October 1, 2025—far below the much larger hikes initially sought by carriers.

Alabama

A new law allows Alfa Insurance to offer alternative health plans exempt from certain ACA protections. The new law also includes preexisting condition coverage requirements. While promoted as affordable options, critics warn consumers may lose critical safeguards.

Illinois

Illinois is preparing to launch its own state-based health insurance marketplace, moving away from Healthcare.gov beginning in 2026.

Impact: These shifts highlight the growing divergence among states—some expanding protections, others pulling back federal safeguards. Insurers operating across state lines must remain vigilant about varying compliance obligations.

NAIC and Industry-Wide Priorities

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has laid out its 2025 priorities, reaffirming its commitment to state-based regulation and improved risk oversight. Key initiatives include:

A new Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Model Governance Task Force to review capital standards and better account for catastrophe risk, reinsurance, and market consolidation.
Development of a U.S. version of the Global Insurance Capital Standard, with a draft expected by 2026.
Updated asset adequacy and reinsurance guidelines to improve transparency and strengthen solvency protections.

Impact: These measures signal increasing scrutiny on carriers’ capital adequacy and risk management frameworks. The measures apply to both large insurers and smaller regional players.

What This Means for Insurance Professionals

Taken together, these regulatory updates underscore several key trends:

Compliance is Tightening: Expect more detailed verification, stricter reporting, and less tolerance for administrative errors.
Pricing Pressures Are Rising: Higher liability minimums, climate modeling, and capital requirements will directly impact rate filings and underwriting strategies.
Consumer Access Is Evolving: Some reforms aim to expand choice and affordability, while others could create gaps in coverage—leaving room for brokers and agents to guide clients carefully.
Regulators Are Proactive: Both federal and state regulators are signaling a more hands-on approach to ensuring solvency, sustainability, and fairness.

Final Thoughts

For insurance professionals, the lesson is clear: staying ahead of regulatory change is no longer optional. These new rules will affect everything from product design to client conversations, and the ability to adapt quickly will set successful agents, brokers, and carriers apart.

Why Use Success CE

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New CE Requirement: Variable Life Insurance Policies

Posted on July 1, 2025October 1, 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, California life agents who sell variable life insurance policies must complete a new two-hour continuing education (CE) course before each license renewal. This requirement, established by Senate Bill 263 (SB 263), adds Section 1749.81(b) to the California Insurance Code and applies to both resident and non-resident agents.

What is a Variable Life Insurance Policy?

A Variable Life Insurance Policy is a type of permanent life insurance that provides both a guaranteed death benefit and an investment component. A Variable Life Insurance Policy allows policyholders to allocate a portion of their premiums to a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual fund-like sub-accounts. The cash value of the policy fluctuates based on the performance of these investments. Therefore, the policyholder assumes more risk but also has the potential for greater growth. While the death benefit is generally guaranteed at a minimum level, the benefit increases if the investments perform well. This type of policy is best suits individuals who want lifelong coverage and are comfortable managing investment risk. Because of the investment component, variable life insurance is regulated as a securities product. Agents selling variable life insurance must be variable life insurance licensed and licensed with FINRA.

What Is the New Requirement?

Under the new law, life agents authorized to sell variable life insurance policies must complete a two-hour training course specific to these products before each license renewal. This requirement effects licenses issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. The training focuses on individual variable life insurance policies and is based on the California Department of Insurance’s (CDI) Bulletin 87-3. Bulletin 87-3 outlines the requirements for issuing variable life insurance in the state.

Who Needs to Comply?

The two-hour variable life insurance training is mandatory for all life agents—both resident and non-resident—who sell variable life insurance policies in California. Including agents licensed before January 1, 2025.

How Does This Fit Into Existing CE Requirements?

For California resident agents, the two-hour variable life insurance course counts toward the 24-hour CE requirement for each two-year license term. However, the two-hour course is a distinct requirement and you must complete in addition to other mandatory courses.

How to Find Approved Courses

To find the appropriate two-hour variable life insurance course:

Visit our Course Catalog Page.
Select California
Select the license category – Life Only/ Life & Health/ Annuity (Reg BI) / Ethics / LTC / AML
Add course Variable Life Insurance Policies to cart

Why This Matters

The introduction of this specific training requirement underscores the importance that life agents are adequately prepared to sell complex financial products like variable life insurance. By mandating focused education, the CDI aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure that agents have a thorough understanding of the products they offer.

Final Thoughts

Compliance with this new CE requirement is essential for agents to continue selling variable life insurance policies in California. Agents should plan to complete the two-hour course before their license renewal date to avoid any disruptions in their ability to conduct business. Staying informed and proactive about these changes will help ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance with state regulations.

For more information or assistance, agents can contact the CDI’s Curriculum Review Section at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or call (916) 492-3064.

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New CA Four-Hour Life Insurance CE Course

Posted on June 10, 2025October 1, 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, California has introduced a new continuing education (CE) requirement for life insurance agents. The Four-Hour Life Insurance CE Requirement, from Senate Bill 263 (SB 263), mandates that life agents licensed on or after January 1, 2024, complete a four-hour training course before soliciting individual consumers to sell certain life insurance policies. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has approved the curriculum for this course, which focuses on individual life insurance policies other than term life with no cash value.

Who Is Affected?

This requirement applies to both resident and non-resident life agents who:

Were licensed on or after January 1, 2024.
Intend to sell individual life insurance policies other than term life with no cash value on or after January 1, 2025.

Agents must complete the four-hour training course before engaging in the sale of these specified life insurance policies.

Course Curriculum Overview

The four-hour training course encompasses the following key areas:

Types of Individual Life Insurance Policies and Benefits: Understanding various policy structures and their respective advantages.
Applicable California Laws and Requirements: Familiarization with state-specific regulations governing life insurance sales.
Prohibited Sales Practices: Identifying and avoiding unethical or illegal sales tactics.
Unfair Trade Practices: Recognizing actions that constitute unfair competition or deceptive practices.

The curriculum is based on the Prelicensing Education for Life Agents and is designed to ensure that agents are well-versed in the ethical and legal standards required in California.

Integration with Existing CE Requirements

For California resident licensees, the four-hour course integrates the existing continuing education requirements and is not an additional obligation. This means that completing this course will count towards the total CE hours required for license renewal.

How to Find Approved Course

To find the appropriate two-hour variable life insurance course:

Visit our Course Catalog Page.
Select California
Select the license category – Life Only/ Life & Health/ Annuity (Reg BI) / Ethics / LTC / AML
Add course Life Insurance Policies to cart

Final Thoughts

The implementation of this new training requirement underscores California’s commitment to ensure that life insurance agents prepared to serve consumers ethically and competently. Agents should proactively complete this training to remain compliant and continue providing valuable services to their clients.

For further information or assistance, agents can contact the CDI’s Curriculum Review Section at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or call (916) 492-3064.

Why Use Success CE

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California’s New 8-Hour Annuity Training Requirement

Posted on January 2, 2025June 18, 2025

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has introduced a new 8-hour annuity training requirement aimed at enhancing consumer protection and ensuring insurance professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of annuity products. California’s new 8-Hour Annuity Training updates the state’s commitment to equipping insurance agents with the knowledge necessary to offer suitable recommendations and maintain transparency.

Here’s what insurance professionals need to know about this important update.

Complete the new CA 8-Hour Annuity Training course today

Background: Why the Change?

Annuities are complex financial products that serve as an essential tool for retirement planning. However, their intricacies often make it challenging for consumers to fully understand their benefits, costs, and risks. CDI’s updated training standard aligns with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Model Regulation #275, which seeks to ensure that consumers receive clear and informed guidance.

This change is designed to:

Protect consumers by improving the quality of recommendations.
Ensure compliance with California’s best interest standards.
Provide agents with comprehensive knowledge of annuity types, benefits, and risks.

The Key Requirements

Initial Training for New Agents
All newly licensed agents who intend to sell annuity products in California must complete 8 hours of training before offering or soliciting annuities. This foundational course covers critical topics, including:
- Types and classifications of annuities.
- Suitability and best interest standards.
- Tax implications and benefits of annuities.
- How to address potential consumer concerns.
Ongoing Training for Existing Agents
Agents who have already completed their initial annuity training must complete a 4-hour refresher course every two years to stay current on regulatory updates and emerging trends.
Focus on Best Interest Standards
A significant portion of the training focuses on the best interest obligations outlined in recent regulations. Agents are required to prioritize consumer needs over their own compensation and ensure recommendations align with the client’s financial goals.

How This Impacts Insurance Professionals

The new requirements might feel like an additional step, but they offer long-term benefits:

Enhanced Credibility: Comprehensive training builds trust with clients, as it ensures agents can clearly explain the nuances of annuity products.
Compliance Assurance: Staying updated with regulatory standards minimizes the risk of legal and financial penalties.
Competitive Advantage: Agents who demonstrate a deeper understanding of annuity products are more likely to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Conclusion

The new 8-hour annuity training requirement reflects California’s dedication to protecting consumers while ensuring agents are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of annuity sales. While it may require additional time and effort, this update is an opportunity for insurance professionals to enhance their skills, build trust with clients, and ensure compliance in a competitive industry.

By embracing these changes proactively, agents can not only meet regulatory obligations but also position themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy advisors in the evolving insurance landscape.

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