Before an application for a resident producer license is approved, what must the commissioner verify?

The correct choice, which focuses on the requirement that the applicant has passed an examination within 12 months, is vital in ensuring that the applicant possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to operate effectively as a resident producer in the insurance industry. Passing the examination is a regulated requirement that assesses the applicant's understanding of insurance products, laws, ethics, and practices relevant to the field. This verification process helps protect consumers by ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to sell insurance.

Additionally, the requirement of having passed the examination within a specified timeframe emphasizes the need for current knowledge given the dynamic nature of laws and regulations in the insurance sector. This ensures that the applicants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the insurance landscape effectively.

The other options, while they may hold some relevance in assessing an applicant's suitability, do not carry the same immediate regulatory weight as the examination requirement. For instance, while an insurance company affiliation or years of experience can provide context about an applicant’s background, they are not as directly tied to the licensure process as passing the examination is. Similarly, a credit history may be considered in some contexts, but it does not assess the foundational knowledge required for a producer’s role.