The Problem
It’s no secret that getting insurance agents licensed in a timely fashion is difficult. Agents are often overwhelmed and procrastinate their studies until the last minute. The typical agent usually has their back against the wall, studying for three tests and running a new business.
It always ends up in the same vicious cycle:
Procrastinate
Feel Discouraged
Fail
Freak Out
Cram
So why aren't agents passing?
1. Lack of Knowledge
Most agents are career-changers with limited financial knowledge who have never traded a stock, bond, or option.
2. Lack of Structure
Agents typically need to learn how to study. They do not know how to institute structure, allot proper time, run drills, read effectively, or apply concepts.
3. Lack of Consistency
Even when agents begin to study, there are usually significant time gaps between studying.
4. Procrastination
Agents will typically wait until the deadline to begin studying.
5. Cramming
Due to the shortened study window, agents will typically cram and then proceed to fail exams one, two, or even three times.
The Solution
Agents need an organized and systematic learning process that prioritizes learning, application, structure, and accountability delivered via an intensive course that addresses the above items and combines the forces of Nissim Tutoring and agency management.
Ideally, agents should pass all three exams in a 4-month period outlined below.
Weeks 1 - 6
SIE Exam Prep Class
Weeks 9 - 12
Series 6 Exam Prep Class
Weeks 15 - 17
Series 63 Exam Prep Class
The SIE Exam Prep Class is broken into two parts:
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Part One: Learn Phase
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These four weeks are dedicated to two purposes:
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Learn the vocabulary
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Learn the vocabulary’s basic application
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In addition, I walk agents through the reading step-by-step and provide exercises that help agents learn the vocabulary inside out.
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Part Two: Exam Phase
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These last two weeks of the course are designed to prepare agents for the exam.
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This will include three distinct phases: Open Book Phase, Closed Book Phase, and Exam Prep Stage.
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Additionally, I show agents how to dissect questions, problem solve, and translate fundamental concepts into exam answers.
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Following the SIE Exam Prep Class, agents will have 7 days to take the exam and another 7 days break before the Series 6 Exam Prep Class starts.
Course Structure
The class meets three times per week for one hour per session for a total of 39 classes.
1
hour
x
3
classes
x
13
weeks
Agents will have an outlined schedule of what they will cover each day they are enrolled in the course.
They will also be responsible for short and small homework assignments.
A sample week is provided below:
Day | Homework Assignment | In-class Activity |
|---|---|---|
1 | Read Chapter 1 & Chapter 1 Flashcards | Class Activity:
Presentation on Market Structures
& Participants |
2 | Read Chapter 2 & Chapter 2 Flashcards | |
3 | Read Chapter 3 & Chapter 3 Flashcards | Class Activity:
Problem Set on Equity Securities |
4 | Read Chapter 4 & Chapter 4 Flashcards | |
5 | Read Chapter 5 & Chapter 5 Flashcards | Class Activity:
Problem Set on Debt Securities |
6 | Review Chapters 1-5 & Word Association Game & Quiz | |
7 | Review & Catchup (Buffer) |
Why approach it this way?
Agents spend too much time in low-retention activities and not enough time in high-retention activities. The below chart, "The Learning Pyramid" shows different learning activities and the retention most people experience from this activity.
Adapted from the NTL Institute of Applied Behavioral Science Learning Pyramid
Watching a lecture only provides a 5% retention rate. That means if you listen to a 90 minute lecture, you will retain less than 5 minutes of the material. That is a lot of time for very little return... On the other hand, the bottom block of the pyramid, teaching others has a 90% retention rate. This is nearly 20x the amount of retention!
Rather than spending countless hours on low retention activities, such as lecturing agents or asking them to “re-read the book” over and over again, our classroom focuses on high retention activities, such as group discussion, demonstration, and teaching others.
We don’t want bored agents with eyes glazing over in our class, but instead, agents who are actively engaged in their own learning. Actively engaged agents are those who learn the material faster, more easily, and excel on exams!
Our Prep Courses
Our Licensing Training Track program offers online classes, all instructor-led, and only in small group settings.
Study Pod Course
Our instructor-led Study Pod is designed for four agents and perfect for:
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intensive review of the fundamentals
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direct guidance
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intimate setting
Fees start at $150/class/person.
Small Group Course
Our instructor-led Small Group Course has a max of ten agents, perfect for:
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high-intensity application
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small group discussion and learning
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intimate setting
Fees start at $75/class/person.
Minimum enrollment of 6 agents.
Programs available as early as January 2025!
Why Choose Us?
Scientific Based Method
We take you through a
specific method of learning backed by years of scientific studies used by schools and universities around the world.
Learning First,
Testing Second
Learning is prioritized versus just doing hundreds of practice questions with the hope of material "sticking."
Emphasis on Active Learning
Learning happens when you interact with material. This doesn't happen through lectures, but interactive activities.
