This first section gives you immediate clarity about what to do next. Follow these steps in order to start your new career with confidence and momentum.

First Hour Checklist

• Bookmark AgentTraining.info.
• Join your agency’s communication channel (your mentor will provide the link).
• Add weekly team training calls and the Daily Workroom Zoom link to your calendar.
• Send your mentor your current licensing status (licensed / in progress / not started).
• Open the Getting Licensed page and review your state-specific steps.

This page is your home base. Everything you need to launch your business successfully is here. Follow the sections from top to bottom. Each part includes explanations, links to training on AgentTraining.info, and a checklist to keep you on track.

Your First Week Checklist

• Complete or make strong progress in your pre-licensing course from the Getting Licensed page.
• Schedule your licensing exam as soon as eligible through the link provided on the licensing page or by your state.
• Attend at least one Daily Workroom session using your team’s Zoom link.
• Attend at least one Smith Agency team Zoom call this week.
• Open the Basic Training: 10 Steps to Excellence page and read through the overview.
• Schedule a roleplay session with your mentor using the scripts and tools provided on AgentTraining.info.
• Place your first lead order with your mentor’s guidance (see the lead information under the Basic Training / 10 Steps resources).
• Set up your workspace and calendar based on the structure recommended in the 10 Steps.

Phase 1: Pre-Licensing

• Enroll in your pre-licensing course using the instructions on the Getting Licensed page.
• Complete the required chapters and practice tests within your target timeframe.

Phase 2: Exam, Fingerprints, NIPR

• Schedule your state licensing exam following the guidance on the licensing page or your state’s department of insurance site.
• Complete fingerprinting if required by your state.
• Apply for your license through NIPR using the link and instructions on the licensing page.

Phase 3: AML, E&O, Onboarding

• Complete your Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training through an approved provider.
• Purchase Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage as required and keep your certificate accessible.
• Submit any required onboarding documents following the guidance provided by your agency and HQ.

Understanding your tools removes confusion and builds confidence. Below are the platforms you will use most often. Many of these are introduced and reinforced through AgentTraining.info and your onboarding calls.

• Log into HQ using the instructions you received by email and confirm your profile information.
• Access SureLC from HQ and begin your carrier appointment setup following the Contracting & Appointing guidance.
• Log into OPT CRM (your business and lead tracking system) and bookmark the login page in your browser.
• Explore AgentTraining.info and note the main areas: Basic Training, Getting Licensed, Contracting & Appointing, and Building a Team.
• Confirm your access to your agency’s Daily Workroom Zoom link and weekly team Zoom calls.
• Set up a basic online calendar tool (such as Calendly) if your mentor recommends it, for scheduling client appointments.

This step aligns directly with Step 1 on the Basic Training: 10 Steps to Excellence page.

• Create your dedicated business email (for example, firstname.lastname.insurance@…).
• Add a professional email signature using the example provided in your onboarding or on your team resources.
• Confirm your ability to log into HQ, SureLC, OPT, and AgentTraining.info without issues.
• Share your contact information (email and mobile number) with your mentor and confirm your primary communication method.

Use Step 2 on the 10 Steps page to build your plan.

• Define your monthly income goal and review it with your mentor.
• Translate your income goal into weekly activity (appointments, applications, and dials).
• Time-block your weekly calendar to protect dialing hours, training calls, and family time.
• Set a date with your mentor to review your plan after your first two weeks of activity.

Leads are the foundation of your appointment activity. Use the lead information provided in your training and under the 10 Steps resources.

• Review the lead overview section referenced under the 10 Steps resources or your AO’s lead-training page (if provided).
• Schedule a brief Zoom call with your mentor to place your first lead order together.
• Confirm how often you will order leads and the weekly budget you will commit to.

Calling leads is a skill that grows with repetition. You will get better quickly when you stay plugged into the Workroom and follow the call process.

• Attend the Daily Workroom and listen to a few calls before making your own.
• Use the call script resources referenced in the 10 Steps and any script library provided on AgentTraining.info.
• Track your daily dials, contacts, and appointments using your CRM or tracking tool recommended by your mentor.

• Learn which core products your team recommends for the most common client situations (refer to training provided on AgentTraining.info or your carrier training materials).
• Review quick reference guides or product comparison tools shared by your agency.
• Discuss at least one case and product choice with your mentor each week in your first month.

• Use your quoting tools to prepare two or three clear options for each appointment (for example, good, better, best).
• Write a brief explanation of each option in plain language so you can present confidently.
• Review more complex cases with your mentor before meeting with the client.

• Review any client presentation training linked from AgentTraining.info or shared by your team.
• Practice your opening and closing with another agent or your mentor before your first few appointments.
• Ensure your Zoom or meeting setup is professional and distraction-free for every appointment.

• Complete a practice application (often on yourself) to learn the e-application process without pressure.
• Follow the e-application instructions for each carrier and double-check all client details for accuracy.
• Ask your mentor to review your first submitted applications to catch any patterns early.

• Enter every application into your CRM or submission system as your team instructs (including notes and follow-up dates).
• Track policy status (pending, approved, issued) using your agency’s tracking process.
• Respond quickly to carrier or client requests for any additional information.

• Confirm your direct deposit information is correctly set up with the appropriate carriers or central pay system.
• Review how to read your commission statements using examples provided in training or by your mentor.
• Track your issued paid business weekly and compare it against your goals from Step 2.

This handbook, your mentor, and AgentTraining.info are designed to give you a clear, repeatable path. Your responsibility is to stay connected, communicate often, and keep moving through the steps. When you are consistently writing business and comfortable with the 10 Steps, you will be ready to explore the resources on the Building a Team page and begin growing your own agency.

• Revisit this handbook weekly during your first 90 days and update your progress.
• Use AgentTraining.info as your primary training hub for refreshers and new skills.