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Join us · Insurance agent career

Thinking of becoming an insurance agent? Start with the job itself

If you're considering a move into insurance — or simply want to understand what the job is really like — let's meet and talk it through. It's a conversation, not a commitment, and no insurance background is needed.

Book a meeting on WhatsAppUsually replies within 24 hours

The work

What an insurance agent actually does

  • Understand the client

    From medical and critical illness to savings — understand the client's situation and budget first, then recommend suitable cover.

  • Make the terms clear

    Compare benefits, premiums and claims arrangements across plans, and explain them in a way the client can follow.

  • Stay with the client

    A policy starting is only the beginning. Claims, renewals and life changes all need someone to follow up.

  • Manage your own time

    Hours are more flexible, but income depends on your own performance — it takes self-discipline and patience.

Who it suits

This work suits you if you…

  • enjoy talking with people, and listen before you advise
  • value long-term relationships over one-off sales
  • are willing to keep learning — licensees complete continuing professional development every year
  • don't mind starting from scratch — no insurance or finance background is needed

Meeting me

What you'll get from the meeting

  • A candid picture

    I'll be straight about the rewards and the challenges so you can judge for yourself — no pressure to decide.

  • The route in

    From the academic requirement and the qualifying exam to applying for a licence — what you need to prepare, step by step.

  • Working with data

    The comparison and analysis tools on this site are the ones I use with clients every day, and I can show you them in person.

Getting licensed

How to become a licensed insurance agent in Hong Kong

  1. Meet and talk

    Book a time on WhatsApp to learn what the work involves — and so I can understand your goals.

  2. Meet the academic requirement

    Level 2 or above in five HKDSE subjects (including Chinese or English, and Mathematics), or an equivalent or higher qualification.

  3. Pass the qualifying exam

    Pass the relevant papers of the Insurance Intermediaries Qualifying Examination (IIQE), conducted by the Vocational Training Council. The papers required depend on the line of business, and passing is not yet a licence to carry on regulated activities.

  4. Get appointed and licensed

    Be appointed by an insurer or a licensed insurance agency, and apply to the Insurance Authority for an insurance intermediary licence.

  5. Keep learning

    Once licensed, complete at least 15 CPD hours in each assessment period (1 August to 31 July), including at least 3 hours on “Ethics or Regulations”.

Source: Insurance Authority — Licence application · Qualifying Examination (IIQE) · CPD requirements · Insurance agents vs brokers

Getting into insurance: common questions

Can I join without an insurance or finance background?
Yes. Once you meet the academic requirement and pass the qualifying exam, you can apply for a licence. The exam material can be learned from scratch, and I'll explain how to prepare when we meet.
What qualifications do I need to become an insurance agent?
Level 2 or above in five HKDSE subjects (including Chinese or English, and Mathematics), or Grade E or above in five HKCEE subjects (including Chinese or English, and Mathematics), or an equivalent or higher qualification.
What does the IIQE cover, and who runs it?
The Insurance Intermediaries Qualifying Examination is conducted by the Vocational Training Council. Its papers cover the Principles and Practice of Insurance, General Insurance, Long Term Insurance and Investment-linked Long Term Insurance, plus a Travel Insurance Agents paper. Which papers you need depends on the line of business you will carry on.
Once I pass the exam, can I sell insurance?
Not yet. You must also be appointed by an insurer or a licensed insurance agency and be granted an insurance intermediary licence by the Insurance Authority before carrying on regulated activities.
What is the difference between an insurance agent and an insurance broker?
An insurance agent is appointed by, and acts for, an insurer, promoting and arranging that insurer's policies. An insurance broker acts for policyholders, looking for policies that meet the client's needs.
Do I need to keep studying after I'm licensed?
Yes. In each assessment period (1 August to 31 July), individual licensees must complete at least 15 CPD hours, including at least 3 hours on “Ethics or Regulations”.
What should I prepare for the meeting?
Nothing in particular. Bring your questions — how the work is organised, the licensing process, or what you're weighing up about a career change.
Is there a fee for the meeting?
No. It's simply a conversation — you decide whether to go further once you have the full picture.

Want to know more? Let's set a time to meet.

Message me on WhatsApp with a little about your background and when you're free, and I'll reply as soon as I can.

Book a meeting on WhatsApp

Leo Chan is a licensed insurance intermediary with FWD (IA registration no. JF4352). This page is for information only and is not a guarantee of any position, income or licence application outcome; licensing requirements are as published by the Insurance Authority from time to time.