Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts licenses must be renewed every 3 years (triennial cycle)
- First renewal: 60 hours of CE required, including 3 hours of ethics
- Subsequent renewals: 45 hours of CE required, including 3 hours of ethics
- Renewal date is based on licensee birthdate, every 3 years
- Address and name changes must be reported to the Commissioner within 30 days
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Massachusetts insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Triennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 3 years (triennial) |
| Renewal Fee | $225 per application |
| Renewal Date | Licensee's birthdate, every 3 years |
| Grace Period | Must renew before expiration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Massachusetts has a triennial CE system with different requirements for initial vs. subsequent renewals:
First Renewal (Initial License Term)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 60 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| General/Electives | 57 |
Subsequent Renewals
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 45 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| General/Electives | 42 |
CE Credit Carryover
- A maximum of 45 hours of excess CE may carry forward to the next license term
- Carried-forward hours count as General Credit only
- Excess Ethics hours do not carry forward as Ethics credit
- Same course cannot be taken more than once in a 3-year period
Exam Tip: Remember that Massachusetts uses a TRIENNIAL (3-year) cycle, not a biennial (2-year) cycle like many other states. First renewal requires 60 hours, subsequent renewals require 45 hours.
Special Training Requirements
Annuity Best Interest Training
Required for selling annuities:
- One-time 4-hour Annuity Best Interest Certification Training course
- Must complete BEFORE selling, soliciting, or negotiating annuity products
- Applies to both resident and non-resident producers
Long-Term Care Training
Required for selling LTC products:
- Initial 8-hour state-approved LTC course
- Must complete BEFORE selling any LTC products in Massachusetts
- Additional ongoing training may be required
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at DOI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within the 3-year reporting period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- CE credits reported electronically by providers
Renewal Process
Steps to Renew
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal application through NIPR
- Verify CE completion is recorded
- Pay renewal fee ($225)
- Receive renewed license
Reporting Requirements
Massachusetts producers must notify the Commissioner of changes within 30 days:
Required Notifications
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of business entity
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through NIPR online portal
- Or submit in writing to DOI
- Failure to report is a violation
Exemptions from CE
You may be exempt from CE if:
- You hold only a viatical broker/representative license
- You hold only a reinsurance intermediary license
- You hold only a surplus lines broker license
- You are a nonresident licensee in a state with reciprocity
- You are on active military duty
- You have been continuously licensed since April 4, 1983 (and no new lines added)
Disciplinary Actions
The DOI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Grounds for Discipline
- Violating insurance laws or regulations
- Fraudulent or dishonest practices
- Misappropriation of funds
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively selling (voluntary) |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Cancelled | Voluntarily surrendered |
Public Insurance Adjusters
Different CE requirements apply:
- 15 CE hours required every 3-year compliance period
- Ethics course NOT required for Public Insurance Adjusters
How many hours of continuing education does Massachusetts require for the first license renewal?
How often must Massachusetts insurance licenses be renewed?
How many hours of ethics CE are required for each Massachusetts renewal period?
Within how many days must a Massachusetts insurance producer report an address change to the DOI?
How many excess CE hours can be carried forward to the next license term in Massachusetts?