How soon can I get a policy issued?

[rmhaire]

So should I pursue it initially? Or pursue other designations first?

Neither. Since you're new, learn to sell first. Then get one. Some guys put the cart before the horse. They get the designations and then find out that they can't sell insurance.

Back when I started, a CLU was the equivalent of a college degree in life insurance. It carried a lot of weight. But that was 50 years ago. More than once I've been asked if I had one. And always by the client's attorney or CPA.

It also depends on the market you're working. Selling Final Expense or Medicare, it would be worthless. Selling Split Dollar or Key Man insurance, it could come in handy.

Define you're market. Until then CLU stands for "Can't Look Up."