Exam Preparation
Insurance Licensing Exam Guide
Everything you need to know to pass your state insurance exam on the first attempt.
What to Expect on Exam Day
The insurance licensing exam is a proctored, multiple-choice test administered by an approved exam vendor. Here is how it works.
Exam Format
- —100–150 multiple-choice questions depending on your state and line of authority
- —2 to 3 hours to complete (varies by state and exam type)
- —Passing score is typically 70% (some states require 75%)
- —Results delivered immediately upon completion
Proctoring Options
- —Pearson VUE — in-person test centers or OnVUE online proctoring in most states
- —PSI — in-person centers or PSI Bridge online proctoring in select states
- —Online exams require a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection
- —In-person exams are available in hundreds of test centers nationwide
Exam Topics by Line of Authority
The content of your exam depends on which license you are pursuing. Here is what each exam covers.
Life Insurance Exam
- ✓Types of life insurance (term, whole, universal, variable)
- ✓Policy provisions, riders, and beneficiaries
- ✓Annuities and retirement products
- ✓Tax treatment of life insurance proceeds
- ✓State insurance regulations and ethics
Health Insurance Exam
- ✓Individual and group health plans
- ✓Medicare and Medicaid basics
- ✓HIPAA, COBRA, and ACA provisions
- ✓Disability income and LTC coverage
- ✓State-specific health regulations and ethics
Combined Life & Health Exam
- ✓All Life exam content
- ✓All Health exam content
- ✓Integrated case studies across both lines
- ✓State law applicable to both lines of authority
- ✓Ethics requirements for dual-line agents
How to Study for the Insurance Exam
Five study strategies that separate candidates who pass on the first attempt from those who don't.
Complete the Full Prelicensing Course
Your state-approved prelicensing course is built around the exact topics your exam tests. Students who finish every module — not just skim — score significantly higher. Don't skip sections you think you already know.
Take Practice Exams Under Real Conditions
Simulate test-day conditions: timed, no notes, no phone. Our practice exams mirror the actual question style and topic weighting. Aim for consistent 80%+ scores before you schedule your state exam.
Focus on State-Specific Law
Many candidates lose points on the state regulations section. These questions are often the difference between passing and failing. Review your state's insurance code, unfair trade practices, and producer licensing rules carefully.
Study in Focused Chunks
Thirty to sixty minutes of focused study beats four-hour marathon sessions. Space your study across several days leading up to the exam. Use the days before your exam for review, not new material.
Join Live Study Sessions
JustInsurance hosts live Q&A sessions where instructors walk through high-frequency exam topics and answer student questions. These sessions surface the concepts most likely to appear on your exam.
Test Day Checklist
Know exactly what to bring — and what to leave at home — before you walk into the exam.
Arrive early. Test centers lock out late arrivals. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. If you are taking an online proctored exam, complete the check-in process 10–15 minutes early to allow time for ID verification and system checks.
What If I Don't Pass?
Not passing the first time is more common than you think — and it's not the end of the road.
Retake policies vary by state. Most states allow you to reschedule your exam after a short waiting period — typically 24 hours to 14 days. Some states limit the number of attempts within a 12-month window before requiring additional steps.
Review your score report. Your exam results include a breakdown by topic area. Use this to identify exactly where to focus your review — not just study everything again from scratch.
Use our pass guarantee. JustInsurance students who complete the full course and still do not pass their state exam are eligible for a full refund of their course fee. We stand behind our content.
Most students pass on the second attempt when they take time to address the weak areas identified in their score report. The exam is passable — you just need the right preparation.
Our Pass Rate Speaks for Itself
JustInsurance students pass the insurance licensing exam at a 93% rate — nearly double the national average of ~55%. That gap exists because our courses are purpose-built to align with your state's exact exam content outline.
93%
JustInsurance Pass Rate
~55%
National Average
Insurance Exam FAQ
How many questions are on the insurance licensing exam?
Most state insurance licensing exams contain between 100 and 150 scored questions, depending on your state and line of authority. Some states add unscored pilot questions that do not count toward your score. Check your state's candidate handbook from Pearson VUE or PSI for the exact count.
What is the passing score for the insurance licensing exam?
Most states require a score of 70% to pass. A few states set the bar at 75%. The exact threshold is listed in your state's exam content outline — your JustInsurance course materials will reference the passing score for your state.
Can I take the insurance licensing exam online?
Many states now allow online proctored exams through Pearson VUE OnVUE or PSI Bridge. However, some states still require in-person testing at an approved test center. Check with your state's exam provider to confirm which options are available in your state.
How long is the insurance licensing exam?
Most exams have a time limit of 2 to 2.5 hours. Combined Life and Health exams may run up to 3 hours. The time limit is clearly stated in your scheduling confirmation — you will not be penalized for finishing early.
When do I get my exam results?
Results are typically delivered immediately on-screen after you complete the exam at a test center, or within minutes for online proctored exams. You will receive a pass/fail result and a score report showing how you performed in each topic area.
Ready to Start Studying?
Enroll in a state-approved prelicensing course today and prepare with the same content that has helped 15,000+ students earn their license.
Find Your State