What you need to do to become a licensed life and health insurance agent

To sell life and health insurance, you need a state license issued by your state's insurance department or commissioner. The path is the same in every state: pass a written exam, submit an application with fingerprints and background information, and pay a fee. Most people complete the exam within a few weeks. The entire process from study to license in hand typically takes one to three months, depending on how quickly your state processes applications.

You do not need a college degree or prior insurance experience. You do need to study the material covered on your state's exam, which focuses on insurance law, policy types, and ethical rules. Some states require you to complete pre-exam coursework; others let you study on your own and sit for the test cold. After you pass, you apply through your state's insurance department website or by mail, and the state conducts a background check before issuing your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires a written exam; your state's insurance department website lists the exam provider and passing score.
  • Some states require pre-exam study hours (often 20 to 40 hours) before you can sit for the test; others do not.
  • You must pass the exam, then submit an application with fingerprints, background information, and the exam fee to your state insurance department.
  • Background checks typically take two to four weeks; your license arrives by mail once approved.
  • You must work under a licensed insurance agency or brokerage; you cannot sell insurance as an independent contractor without a sponsoring company.

Finding your state's exam requirements and provider

Your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance website lists the exam you must take and the company that administers it. Search "[your state] insurance commissioner" or "[your state] department of insurance" to find the official site. On that site, look for a section labeled "licensing," "agent licensing," or "producer licensing" — the term varies by state.

The exam is usually provided by one of three companies: PSI, Pearson Vue, or Prometric. The state website tells you which one, the passing score, the number of questions, and how long you have to complete it (usually two to three hours). The same page lists whether your state requires pre-exam study hours and, if so, how many. Write down the passing score and the exam code — you will need both when you register.

Pre-exam study requirements and how to meet them

About half of U.S. states require you to complete a set number of pre-exam study hours before you can register for the test. These hours typically range from 20 to 40, depending on the state. Some states require separate coursework for life insurance and health insurance; others combine them into one course. Your state's insurance department website lists the requirement and names approved course providers.

You can take these courses online, in person, or by correspondence. Most online courses take one to two weeks to complete if you study full-time, or several weeks if you study part-time. The course provider issues a completion certificate, which you submit when you register for the exam. If your state does not require pre-exam study, you can skip this step and register for the exam directly.

Some people hire a test prep company to help them study for the exam itself, separate from any state-required coursework. These are optional and cost between $50 and $300. They provide practice tests, study guides, and sometimes live instruction. If you are comfortable learning on your own, you do not need them — the exam covers material that is publicly available in study guides and textbooks.

Registering for and taking the exam

Once you have completed any required pre-exam coursework (or confirmed your state does not require it), register with the exam provider. Go to the provider's website — PSI, Pearson Vue, or Prometric — create an account, and select your state, exam code, and test date. You will pay the exam fee at registration, which ranges from $100 to $200 depending on your state. Most providers let you schedule a test date within one to four weeks.

You can take the exam at a testing center or, in most states, at home on your own computer. Testing centers are located in most cities; at-home testing requires a quiet room, a webcam, and a stable internet connection. The proctor will verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID and watch you via webcam throughout the exam. You receive your pass or fail result immediately after you finish.

Submitting your license application after you pass

After you pass the exam, you have a limited window — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on your state — to submit your license application to your state's insurance department. Do not wait; some states require you to apply within a specific timeframe or you will have to retake the exam.

The application asks for your personal information, Social Security number, address history for the past five to ten years, and details about any criminal history, civil judgments, or regulatory actions. You will also need to submit fingerprints, usually through a service like LiveScan at a local police station or authorized vendor. The cost is typically $20 to $50. Some states accept digital fingerprints; others require ink cards mailed to the state.

You must also name a sponsoring agency — the insurance company or brokerage where you will work. The agency signs a form confirming they have hired you and will supervise your sales. You cannot obtain a license without a sponsoring agency, and you cannot work without one. If you do not yet have a job lined up, some agencies will sponsor you before you are hired, but this is less common.

Background check and approval timeline

Once your state receives your application, fingerprints, and sponsoring agency form, they conduct a background check. This typically takes two to four weeks, though some states are faster and others slower. The state checks for criminal convictions, civil judgments, regulatory actions with other insurance departments, and financial issues like unpaid taxes or bankruptcy.

If the background check reveals nothing disqualifying, your license is issued and mailed to you. You can usually check the status of your application on your state's insurance department website by entering your name or application number. If there is a problem — a discrepancy in your application, a flag in the background check, or a missing document — the state will contact you by phone or email and ask you to clarify or resubmit.

Finding a sponsoring agency and starting work

You must work for a licensed insurance agency or brokerage; you cannot sell insurance on your own. Most people find a sponsoring agency before or while they are studying for the exam. Insurance agencies hire agents regularly and often help new hires study and pass the exam. You can search for local agencies online, check job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, or contact insurance companies directly to ask about agent positions.

When you interview with an agency, ask whether they will sponsor your license application and whether they provide study materials or pay for exam prep. Some agencies require you to pass the exam before they hire you; others hire you first and support you through the exam. Clarify this before you commit, because it affects your timeline and costs.

Once you are licensed and working for an agency, you must renew your license every one to three years, depending on your state. Renewal requires paying a fee and, in some states, completing continuing education hours. Your sponsoring agency will remind you when renewal is due.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to get a life and health insurance license?

No. Most states require only that you pass the exam and pass a background check. Some states have a minimum age requirement (usually 18 or 21) and require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but education level is not a barrier.

How much does it cost to get licensed?

Costs vary by state but typically total $200 to $500. This includes the exam fee ($100 to $200), fingerprinting ($20 to $50), the license application fee ($50 to $200), and optional pre-exam coursework if your state requires it (usually $50 to $150). Some sponsoring agencies pay these costs for their new hires.

Can I take the exam if I fail it the first time?

Yes. You can retake the exam, usually after waiting a set period (often 24 to 48 hours). You pay the exam fee again each time you retake it. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the material thoroughly.

What happens if I move to a different state after I get licensed?

You will need to obtain a license in the new state. Some states offer reciprocity, meaning you can transfer your license with minimal additional steps; others require you to take their exam. Check your new state's insurance department website to learn the process.

Can I sell life insurance without a health insurance license, or vice versa?

It depends on your state. Some states issue separate licenses for life and health insurance; others combine them into one license. Your state's insurance department website specifies which license you need to sell each type of product. If you want to sell both, ask your state whether you need one exam or two.