What Courses Do I Need to Complete to Get a Louisiana Bail Bond License?
- The prelicensing course required for Louisiana bail bond licensing lasts a minimum of eight hours. The class covers the laws and regulations that govern the sales of bail bonds in the state. The course also includes information about types of bail bonds, your duties as an agent and procedures for making appearances in court if you need to during the course of your career. You must complete the prelicensing course from a state-approved prelicensing training provider, such as the Association of Louisiana Bail Underwriters. Classroom-based, online and workbook-based self study courses are available.
- In addition to the prelicensing course, Louisiana state law requires you to participate in an apprentice program prior to gaining a bail bonds license. During the program, you work for a licensed bail bond agents and receive pay for the services you provide. The apprenticeship must last for six consecutive months, during which time you must work a minimum of 24 hours per week. The apprenticeship program allows you to gain on-the-job training and helps you prepare for the state licensing exam.
- Prior to gaining a bail bond license in Louisiana, you must pass a criminal background check. To start the investigation, the state requires you to visit a state police barracks or other-state approved location to undergo professional fingerprinting. In addition to the background check, you need to pass a state licensing examination. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice, and you have one hour to complete it. The test is given using a computer at Prometric testing centers. As of March 2011, Prometric operated centers in Alexandra, Baton Rouge and Bossier City.
- Once issued, your Louisiana bail bond license expires every two years. To renew the license, you need to complete 12 hours of continuing education coursework during each licensing cycle. The state approves providers who offer bail bond coursework, and you can mix match courses for any number of providers to fulfill the required training. Under state law, you will no longer need to complete continuing education once you turn 65 years of age, provided you have worked as a bail bond agent for at least 15 years.