Can you sell a fridge to an Eskimo? If the answer is yes, then you are one step closer to becoming a Master General Agent. A Master General Agent is a licensed entity who manages business for an insurer and acts as a producer or manager of producers.

To reach the level of Master General Agent, you need excel in selling insurance. Master General Agent contracts are typically reserved for agencies that write higher amounts of annual premiums.

Select a line of insurance in which to work. Areas include life, accident/health, property, liability and travel/baggage. Read about these areas and decide which most interests you.

Once you decide on an area of specialization, attend an insurance school. An example is Hilda Tucker Insurance School in Florida, which offers courses and pre-licensing exam training (see Resources). Attend and complete 40 hours of required courses so you can get a course completion certificate.

Sit for the state insurance licensing exam. The exam is scheduled at the state Department of Insurance. Depending on the field of insurance, the exam takes between 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours. Examination fees also depend on the type of license for which you are applying; they range from $55 to $70. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for a license at the Department of Insurance.

Gain work experience. Look for a job in local insurance companies. You start as a general agent and then move up to a brokerage general agent. At this level you can appoint general agents. The amount of time it takes to reach the level of Master General Agent depends on how successful you are. It can take as little as one year.