Allstate Insurance agents sell a variety of products, including insurance policies, mutual funds and annuities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job forecast for insurance agents is expected to experience steady growth through 2016. But to start an Allstate Insurance Agency, you must apply to their education program, and pass a rigorous training and background check. Here’s a guide to starting an Allstate Insurance Agency.

Start a new agency. This will require attending the Allstate Education program, lasting about six weeks. In this program, you will get classroom, agency and sales education.

Become an exclusive Allstate Agent Independent Contractor. Successful competition of the education component will qualify you to become an Allstate agency owner. You’ll be running your own business, with the support of Allstate.

Have the required capital for start-up. You may be required to have between $25,000-$50,000 in the bank before Allstate will allow you to open an agency. This is because they want to ensure you have living costs while building your business.

Sign the necessary paperwork for extensive background checks, including information about criminal history and financial issues. If you don’t pass these checks, Allstate won’t grant you a contract to start a business.

Ask about compensation while training. Those enrolled in Allstate’s training program may receive a modest compensation, until graduating. Once graduated, they work on commission only.