Pennsylvania Insurance Exam Format: Questions and Time Limit

Understanding the format of the Pennsylvania insurance exam — exactly how many questions, how much time, how questions are structured, and what testing options exist — helps you prepare strategically rather than guessing. Pennsylvania exam format follows specific standards published by PSI in the Pennsylvania Candidate Information Bulletin, and knowing these details lets you study effectively and choose the right exam path.

Here's a detailed look at Pennsylvania insurance exam format.

Where to Find Official Format Information

PSI publishes the Pennsylvania Candidate Information Bulletin containing official exam format and content information. This is the authoritative source for what's tested.

The bulletin includes:

Exam format specifications

Detailed content outlines

Information about the testing process

Eligibility and licensing application process information

ID requirements and testing rules

Access through PSI's website at psiexams.com. Read the bulletin before scheduling your exam — knowing exactly what's covered, weighted, and formatted helps you prepare effectively.

Exam Format Basics

All Pennsylvania insurance license exams share common format characteristics:

Computer-based. Exams are taken on computers at PSI testing centers or through online proctored testing.

Multiple choice. All questions are multiple choice with four answer options.

Combined sections. General Knowledge and State Law sections combined into a single test.

Single combined score. You receive one overall score reflecting performance across both sections.

70% passing requirement. Standard across all exam types.

Immediate or rapid results. Most candidates learn pass or fail within 24 hours, often within minutes.

One question at a time. PSI displays one question on screen at a time.

Question Counts and Time by Exam Type

Pennsylvania exam specifications fall into two main categories:

Single-Line Exams (100 questions, 2 hours):

Producer's Life Insurance (16-01)

Producer's Accident and Health Insurance (16-02)

Combined Life and Health Insurance

Producer's Property Insurance

Producer's Casualty Insurance

Personal Lines Insurance

Combined Property and Casualty Exam (150 questions, 2 hours 50 minutes):

Producer's Property and Casualty Insurance

The single-line vs. combined-P&C distinction is important — combined P&C is the only Pennsylvania exam with 150 questions and the extended time limit.

Time per Question

Understanding pacing helps:

100-question exams over 120 minutes: Approximately 72 seconds per question on average

150-question P&C combined over 170 minutes: Approximately 68 seconds per question on average

Most prepared candidates complete with time to spare. Time becomes an issue mainly for unprepared candidates who get stuck on multiple questions.

Question Types

Pennsylvania exam questions follow standard multiple choice patterns:

Recall questions. Test factual knowledge.

"What is the standard provision regarding the grace period in a life insurance policy?"

Application questions. Test ability to apply knowledge to scenarios.

"An applicant for life insurance has a history of high blood pressure. The agent should..."

Analysis questions. Test deeper understanding.

"Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Notice Regarding Replacement?"

Calculation questions. Test mathematical computation.

"If a policy has a face amount of $250,000 and a 90-day grace period premium of $200, what is the policy's pro-rated grace period charge?"

Comparison questions. Test ability to distinguish between concepts.

"Which of the following statements is true about HMO plans but not PPO plans?"

Most questions are application or analysis style — pure recall is less common.

Question Modifier Words to Watch

Pay close attention to specific modifier words:

EXCEPT. Asks for the answer that is NOT true.

"All of the following are required to be disclosed in a Notice Regarding Replacement EXCEPT..."

NOT. Asks for the false statement.

"Which of the following is NOT a standard policy provision?"

LEAST LIKELY. Asks for the lowest probability.

"Which client is LEAST LIKELY to need long-term care insurance?"

BEST. Asks for the optimal among reasonable options.

"What is the BEST way to handle this client's request for replacement?"

MUST. Asks for required behavior.

"An agent MUST do which of the following before recommending an annuity?"

MAY. Asks for permitted (not required) behavior.

"An insurer MAY require which of the following at policy issuance?"

Misreading modifiers is one of the most common sources of preventable wrong answers.

Single-Line vs. Combined Exam Decision

A key choice for many Pennsylvania candidates: take individual single-line exams or the combined exam?

For Life and Health:

Combined Life and Health Exam (100 questions, 2 hours):

Single exam covering both content areas

Most efficient path for combined Life and Health licensure

Separate Life and Health Exams:

Two separate single-line exams (16-01 and 16-02)

Each 100 questions, 2 hours

Allows focused preparation per area but doubles exam fees

For Property and Casualty:

Combined Property and Casualty Exam (150 questions, 2 hours 50 minutes):

Single exam covering both content areas

More content but single test event

Separate Property and Casualty Exams:

Two separate single-line exams

Each 100 questions, 2 hours

Smaller question count per exam but two test events

Recommendation for most candidates: Take the combined exam if you're pursuing both lines. The cost and time savings are typically substantial.

Recommendation for cautious candidates: Take single-line exams if you have stronger preparation for one area than the other, or if you want to space out your testing.

Content Distribution

The combined Life and Health exam typically allocates questions across content areas:

Life Insurance Topics: ~40-45% Health Insurance Topics: ~40-45% General Insurance Concepts: ~10-15% Pennsylvania State-Specific: ~15-25% (distributed across topics)

The combined Property and Casualty exam:

Property Insurance Topics: ~30-35% Casualty Insurance Topics: ~30-35% General Insurance Concepts: ~10-15% Pennsylvania State-Specific: ~15-25% (distributed across topics)

These distributions guide where to focus study time.

Calculator Availability

Pennsylvania exams provide:

On-screen calculator for basic mathematical computation.

Limited calculator functionality. Basic add, subtract, multiply, divide.

Calculator helps with:

Premium calculations

Cash value calculations

Loss ratio calculations

Tax-related calculations

Calculator doesn't replace knowledge. Knowing what calculation to perform matters more than the calculator itself.

Scratch Paper

Scratch paper is typically provided for:

Note-taking during exam

Working through calculations

Diagramming complex relationships

Other helpful annotations

You cannot bring your own paper or notes.

Navigation Features

PSI testing software provides:

Forward/backward navigation. Move freely through questions.

Question flagging. Flag uncertain questions for later review.

Review function. Review flagged questions before submitting.

Time display. Constant view of remaining time on screen.

Submit confirmation. Confirmation prompt before final submission.

These features support strategic test-taking.

Exam Day Checklist

Before exam day, prepare:

✅ Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) ✅ PSI registration confirmation ✅ Knowledge of testing center location (or online proctoring setup) ✅ Plan to arrive 30+ minutes early ✅ Credit card if you plan to apply for license at testing center kiosk

Day of exam:

✅ Light breakfast ✅ Comfortable, layered clothing ✅ ID and registration confirmation in hand ✅ Phone off (or left in car) ✅ Use bathroom before starting

Online Proctored Testing

Pennsylvania permits online proctored testing through PSI for many insurance exams. If you choose this path:

Equipment requirements: Compatible computer or laptop, webcam, reliable internet, microphone, compatible operating system.

Environment requirements: Quiet, private testing space with no other people, clear desk/workspace, adequate lighting.

Identification requirements: Same valid ID requirements as physical testing centers.

Testing experience: Live proctor monitors throughout, cannot leave camera view, same time limits and scoring.

If you don't have a compatible computer for online testing, schedule an in-person exam at a PSI testing center.

Format Comparison: Pennsylvania vs. Other States

Pennsylvania's exam format is similar to many states using PSI:

Question counts. Comparable to other PSI states for single-line and combined exams.

Time limits. Standard across most state insurance exams.

Passing score. 70% standard across most state insurance exams.

Format. Computer-based multiple choice consistent with most state exams.

State-specific weighting. ~15-25% Pennsylvania content typical.

No retake limit. Pennsylvania allows unlimited retakes (though each costs another fee).

5 Frequently Asked Questions

• How many questions are on Pennsylvania single-line exams? 100 questions on single-line exams (Life only, Health only, Property only, Casualty only, etc.). Combined Property and Casualty exam has 150 questions; combined Life and Health has 100 questions.
• How long is the combined Property and Casualty exam? 2 hours 50 minutes (170 minutes) for 150 questions.
• Can I use a calculator on the Pennsylvania exam? Yes. An on-screen calculator with basic functionality is provided.
• What's the passing score on Pennsylvania insurance exams? 70% across all Pennsylvania insurance license exams.
• Is online testing available for Pennsylvania insurance exams? Yes. PSI offers online proctored testing for many Pennsylvania insurance exams. Verify current options through PSI for your specific exam.

Master Pennsylvania's Exam Format

Format knowledge supports strategic preparation. At JustInsurance, our Pennsylvania prelicense course is structured around the actual Pennsylvania exam format — practice exams that mirror real conditions help you walk into test day confident.

Enroll today and prepare for Pennsylvania's exam format the right way.