How to Get Your Insurance License: A Complete Guide

A health and life insurance license is required to sell health and life insurance products in every state. The process involves completing a state-approved pre-licensing course, passing a state exam, and submitting an application to your state's Department of Insurance. Total cost: $250-$500 depending on your state. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

Most states require 40-60 hours of approved coursework covering:

• Life insurance fundamentals (types, provisions, underwriting)
• Health insurance fundamentals (individual, group, ACA marketplace, Medicaid)
• Annuities basics
• State insurance law and regulations
• Ethics and agent responsibilities

Approved providers include Kaplan, ExamFX, A.D. Banker, and WebCE. Online courses cost $150-$300 and can be completed in 1-2 weeks of focused study.

Step 2: Pass the State Exam

Schedule through your state's approved testing provider (Pearson VUE, PSI, etc.) at a testing center near you. The exam typically includes:

• 100-150 multiple-choice questions
• Passing score: 70% in most states
• Time limit: 2-3 hours
• Fee: $40-$75
• Results provided immediately after completing the exam

Study Tips

• Take practice exams until you consistently score 80%+
• Focus on state-specific regulations—these are heavily tested
• Understand policy provisions and exclusions, not just definitions
• Study 2-3 hours daily for 1-2 weeks after completing the course

Step 3: Apply for Your License

Submit your application through your state's Department of Insurance website. Requirements typically include: passed exam, fingerprint and background check, and an application fee. Processing takes 1-2 weeks.

Resilience Health Advisors provides licensing study support and covers or subsidizes licensing costs for new team members. Start your licensing journey with us.