Obtaining a license to sell life and health Insurance is a regulated process that involves state-mandated education, examinations, and ongoing compliance. This page explains how to get a life and health insurance license by outlining prerequisites, application steps, and key maintenance requirements for those seeking to begin or advance a career in insurance sales and compliance in the U.S.
Direct Answer
- Complete your state’s required pre-licensing education: usually 20–40 hours per line (life, health, or combined), in-person or online, from state-approved providers (varies by state; see state DOI).
- Pass the state-specific life and health insurance licensing exam, typically administered at a designated test center (fees apply; format and passing scores vary by state).
- Submit your license application through the state’s insurance department or authorized electronic platform, such as the NIPR licensing center (official); provide documentation, fingerprints, and background check if required.
- Pay all application and exam fees (sample/illustrative: $30–$150+ total, varies widely).
- Upon passing and approval, receive your insurance license and National Producer Number (NPN); verify your authority before soliciting policies.
- Complete continuing education (CE) every renewal cycle (often every two years) to maintain your license—check specific CE requirements with your state insurance department.
- Licensing rules and deadlines change; always verify the latest information with your state insurance department (official homepage).
Who This Policy Is For & Eligibility
- Individuals seeking authorization to sell, solicit, or negotiate life and/or health insurance in the U.S.
- Applicant must generally be at least 18 years old and have legal U.S. residency status; some states require background checks.
- Applicants must complete mandatory pre-licensing education hours (typically 20–40 hours per line; see your state for exact requirements).
- Eligibility for combined life/health licenses, single lines, or group lines is determined at the state level.
- Fingerprinting, criminal background screening, and proof of citizenship/legal work status are required in many states.
- No prior insurance experience is needed, but integrity and accurate disclosure are crucial during application and background check.
- Rules for non-resident licensing (reciprocity) and business entity licensure require further documentation; check with your state DOI or NIPR for multi-state licensing information.
Key Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Licensing Education | Mandatory; 20–40 hours per line is common (state-specific; verify). |
| Exam Requirement | State life & health exam; format and cut scores vary. |
| Application Fees | Sample/illustrative: $30–$150+ (varies). |
| Background Screening | Fingerprinting; criminal/financial review in many states. |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every two years) is typical; check state rules. |
| Continuing Education | Mandatory CE hours per renewal; course hours and subjects set by state. |
| License Authority | Life, health, or combined lines; may include variable contracts with extra requirements. |
| Application System | Often via NIPR (official system), or state portal. |
| Official Oversight | State insurance department (see NAIC directory). |
Pros
- Legal authority to sell life, health, disability, and related insurance products for commission.
- Access to multiple insurers and product lines once appointed; can build a client portfolio.
- Professional pathway with earnings potential and advancement to advanced designations (e.g., CFP, CLU).
- Portability: can apply for non-resident licenses in other states, subject to rules.
- Regulated process provides credibility and consumer protection framework.
Cons
- Exam failure, application errors, or negative background findings can prevent licensure.
- Pre-licensing education and exam fees are non-refundable if requirements are not met.
- Ongoing CE and renewal expenses are required to avoid lapse or termination.
- Complex, state-by-state variability in regulations, forms, fees, and timelines.
- Strict prohibitions on early solicitation—selling before license approval is illegal and leads to sanctions.
Costs & How Pricing Works
- Pre-licensing education: Course costs vary by provider and state (sample/illustrative: $100–$300 for a complete package covering life and health).
- Exam fee: Range of $40–$100 per attempt (varies by state and vendor), paid for each scheduled examination.
- Application/processing fee: Often $30–$150+ (state-based; non-refundable if denied).
- Fingerprint/background check: Additional fee ($30–$60 sample) if required.
- Continuing education: Renewal-period courses required; expect to budget $50–$150 per cycle (prices and hours differ by state).
- Additional costs: Non-resident licensing, business entity application, and corporate appointments add separate fees for those expanding or operating independently.
- “Premium,” “underwriting,” “claim,” and “coverage” terms are mostly relevant after appointment and licensing, when communicating with clients; exam questions often cover these basics.
How To Get a Life and Health Insurance License: Step-by-Step Process
- 1. Determine state requirements: Visit your state insurance department or NIPR licensing center (official) for current official rules, approved education providers, and key deadlines.
- 2. Complete pre-licensing education: 20–40 hours per line (life, health) is typical; online and in-person options; take note of completion certificate requirements.
- 3. Schedule and pass the exam: Register with your state-designated test vendor; pay exam fee; present government-issued ID and course completion documentation at test site.
- 4. Submit background check: Most states require fingerprinting and criminal history disclosure; some require financial disclosure if involved in securities.
- 5. File application: Apply online via NIPR or your state’s insurance department; attach all required forms, proof of education, and background documents; pay processing fees.
- 6. Await approval: Processing may take days to weeks; application status updates available online.
- 7. Receive your license and NPN: Once approved, you are issued a digital or printed license and a National Producer Number (NPN); confirm all lines of authority are listed before conducting business.
- 8. Appointments with insurers: To sell policies, you must be appointed by each insurer you represent; insurers may run additional background or compliance checks.
- 9. Maintain continuing education: Complete CE hours and renew your license each cycle (normally every two years); verify with your state DOI or NIPR for topics and providers.
- 10. Observe compliance: Maintain legal/ethical standards, avoid lapses, and immediately report any disciplinary actions.”
Quotes & Cost Drivers
- Education course types and delivery (online vs in-person) affect tuition/fee cost.
- Number of lines (life, health, both) determines how many exams and education hours you need.
- State of licensure: each state sets its own fee schedule, education rules, and renewal requirements.
- Background/fingerprint processing fees can differ by jurisdiction and are separate from exam/application fees.
- Non-resident or reciprocal licensing costs additional; check the latest rates with NIPR or your state.
Coverage Optimizer Checklist
- Pick the correct exam/line(s) to match your future business (life, health, or combined); consult the state DOI for any allowed endorsements or riders.
- Review which types of insurance products require additional licensing (e.g., variable life/annuity requires FINRA Series 6/63 or 7, plus state variable authority).
- Confirm all compliance steps before soliciting clients; appointment paperwork may be separate.
- Track renewal and CE due dates to prevent unintentional lapse and reinstatement fees or penalties.
- Understand policy limits and exclusions for products you intend to sell; covered on license exam and agent training.
State Rules & Regulatory Nuances
- Each state’s insurance department sets licensing requirements, which can change annually or more frequently. Always check your state’s official site before starting.
- Special requirements may exist for variable contracts, annuities, and certain group product lines.
- Some states partner with NIPR or other online platforms for digital applications, renewals, and license lookup.
- Nonresident licensing (to sell in more than one state) is allowed under NAIC model laws, but each state may impose extra steps and fees.
- CE waivers, proctoring rules, and timing for inactive/reactivated licenses vary by state.
- Failure to complete CE or to update personal information (name, address, sponsors) can result in disciplinary action.
Important
- This content is for educational purposes only. It is not insurance, legal, or tax advice.
- Rules, eligibility, and fees vary by state, license line, and year; always consult your state insurance department or NIPR’s official licensing center for current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a life and health insurance license?
- Most applicants can complete the process within 2–8 weeks, depending on course scheduling, exam slot availability, background check processing, and application review time.
- Some states offer expedited processing for additional fees.
- Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or additional screening is required.
Do I have to take the licensing exam in person?
- Many states require in-person exams at a proctored testing center, but some offer remote/online supervised exams—check your state’s current policies.
- Valid, unexpired photo identification is almost always required at the test site.
What happens if I fail my state exam?
- You must retake the exam, usually after paying an additional fee; some states have waiting periods for retakes.
- Most states do not limit the number of attempts, but repeated failures may require additional education or remedial action.
What is continuing education (CE), and do I need it?
- CE consists of approved courses required every renewal cycle (such as every two years) to keep your license active.
- Subject areas and minimum hours set by each state—commonly 24 hours per cycle, with ethics and product-specific mandates.
- Failure to complete CE leads to license lapse or administrative action.
Can I sell insurance in another state with my existing license?
- Most states allow non-resident licensing via NAIC reciprocity, but you must apply, register, and pay each state’s fees.
- You must comply with appointment, continuing education, and disciplinary rules in every licensed state.
Do I need sponsorship from an insurance agency or carrier?
- Some states require agency/corporate sponsorship for certain lines or for “appointments.”
- Check with your intended partners and your state insurance department for specific sponsorship or appointment requirements.
Conclusion & Next Steps
- Getting a life and health insurance license requires careful adherence to your state’s education, examination, and compliance requirements.
- Early preparation—including researching your state insurance department’s latest rules and current application deadlines—helps avoid delays.
- Apply only through official portals such as your state insurance department (official homepage) or NIPR licensing center (official).
- Plan for ongoing education and fee payment to maintain active licensure and to stay compliant with national and state insurance laws.
- For further guidance, use the NIPR official platform or consult your state department of insurance before starting your application process.