New to Texas Insurance? Are You Already Behind on CE?
Just got your Texas insurance license? Welcome to the industry. Before you get too comfortable, there's one thing you need to know: your continuing education (CE) clock is already ticking.
Here's what new agents need to know about CE in Texas.
The Basics
Most Texas insurance agents must complete 24 hours of CE every two years. Your first renewal is due on the last day of your birth month, two years after your license was issued.
The 24 hours break down like this:
- 3 hours of Ethics and Consumer Protection
- At least 12 hours classroom or classroom-equivalent
- Remaining hours from general CE courses
You cannot take all 24 hours as self-study. At least half must be classroom-equivalent (live webinars or interactive online courses with knowledge checks).
When to Start
Don't wait until the last month. TDI recommends completing your CE at least 30 days before your expiration date. This gives your provider time to report your hours and lets you fix any errors.
Starting early also means you can spread the courses out. One course per month is much easier than cramming everything into a single weekend.
How to Choose Courses
Stay with TDI-approved providers. If the provider isn't approved, your hours don't count.
Check the course format. Make sure you're getting at least 12 hours of classroom-equivalent credit.
Pick electives that help your business. If you sell life insurance, take a life insurance elective. If you're in P&C, choose a P&C topic. Don't just pick the cheapest option.
Don't repeat courses. You cannot take the same course twice in the same renewal period.
New for 2026: Electronic Tracking
Starting September 1, 2026, Texas requires electronic verification of CE compliance before renewal. Your provider must report your completion electronically. Paper certificates alone are no longer sufficient.
What to do: After each course, log into Sircon and verify that your hours are posted. If they're not there within 10 days, contact your provider.
Common Mistakes New Agents Make
- Waiting until the last week
- Taking too many self-study hours
- Forgetting the ethics requirement
- Not checking the Sircon transcript
- Assuming CE hours carry over (they don't)
The Bottom Line
CE is a requirement, but it doesn't have to be a headache. Start early, choose TDI-approved courses, verify your transcript, and you'll renew without stress.
Time2Renew offers TDI-approved CE courses for new and experienced agents — 24-hour bundles with ethics, classroom-equivalent courses, and specialty options. Online and self-paced.