This article is about the Florida 4-40 to 2-20 conversion course. This course is specific to Florida licenses 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 can 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 state required 200 hour pre-licensing course and then successfully complete the state licensing exam.

The second is to obtain the 4-40 license and work as a customer service representative full time for at least one year. This license is obtained by taking the Florida Insurance University/University of Central Florida Customer Service Representative Designation, which exempts the student from the state license test for the 4-40 license.

Once this is done, the student can take and pass the 4-40 to 2-20 Conversion Course 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 today’s economy, the insurance profession is one of the few where jobs and income are not only stable, but growing. Job opportunities are good for those who have sales experience and good interpersonal skills. The US government reports that employment of insurance sales agents is expected to grow through 2016. Median annual earnings for insurance sales agents was $43,870 as of May 2006. The range of earnings reflected that the top 10% earned more than $115,090. Company-paid benefits typically include continuing education, group insurance plans, office space, car and transportation expenses, health insurance, and retirement benefits.