The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced on September 11 that individuals who want to take the insurance producer examination may do so remotely, even after the public health crisis ends.
“The new remote testing option will allow job seekers who want to work in insurance the flexibility to take the licensing examination remotely rather than in-person at a time when it is most needed. This system enhancement is particularly important given the COVID-19 emergency. It is also an improvement that will modernize the department’s licensing process and benefit those seeking employment as insurance producers and public adjusters now and over the long term,” said Commissioner Marlene Caride.
NAIFA-NJ engaged with PSI Services LLC, the examination vendor under contract with the department, and department officials on the new testing structure.
“This will certainly make life a little bit easier for NAIFA in recruiting new advisors and getting them licensed quicker without any delays,” said Corrado Gugliotta, NAIFA-NJ president. “We really appreciate the DOBI’s efforts on this issue.”
More than a dozen states so far have announced allowing remote testing to remain an acceptable method of the examination after the threat of COVID19 subsides. On September 3, NAIFA, along with ACLI, sent a letter to the chairs of the NAIC Producer Licensing Task Force that asked them to update the NAIC Handbook and Best Practices to make it clear to states that online remote testing is both permissible under NAIC standards and encouraged as a means of test administration.
“We believe online testing will remain an urgent need as long as social distancing is critical to public health,” read the letter. “That said, once the COVID-19 crisis lifts, online exams will continue to pay dividends by reducing licensing burden (travel), making exams more accessible outside 9-5 hours and ensuring licensing can continue to operate should exam centers ever be forced to close again.”