California

California Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
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How to Get an Insurance License in California

To sell insurance in California, you must obtain an insurance license. This guide outlines the steps required to meet the prelicensing education requirements and successfully apply for your license.

Step 1: Complete Prelicensing Education

Before taking the licensing exam, you must complete a prelicensing course that meets California Department of Insurance (CDI) requirements. The course hours required per line of authority (LOA) are:

Line of AuthorityRequired Hours
Life Insurance20 hours
Health & Accident Insurance20 hours
Life, Health & Accident40 hours
Property Insurance20 hours
Casualty Insurance20 hours
Property & Casualty40 hours
Personal Lines20 hours

Additionally, you must complete 12 hours of Ethics & California Insurance Code training, which includes 1 hour of anti-fraud training.

Important: Prelicense education providers must track the actual time spent in the course. Certificates of completion will only be issued after completing the required hours.

Step 2: Schedule & Pass the Licensing Exam

After completing the required coursework, you must pass the California licensing exam:

  • Register for the exam through PSI at www.psiexams.com or call (800) 211-2754.
  • Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID).
  • The exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
  • You must score 60% or higher to pass.

Step 3: Submit Fingerprints

  • California requires fingerprinting before applying for a license.
  • Use an approved Live Scan fingerprinting provider.
  • Visit the California Department of Justice (DOJ) website to find a vendor and schedule an appointment.

Step 4: Apply for Your License

  • Apply online through Sircon (www.sircon.com) or NIPR (www.nipr.com).
  • Pay the required application fee.
  • Once approved, print or download your license from the California Department of Insurance website.

Step 5: Plan for Continuing Education (CE)

  • To maintain your license, you must complete 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training.
  • Visit the California Department of Insurance website for current CE requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I take the state exam?

  • Exams are available in-person at designated PSI testing centers or online via remote proctoring. Check PSI’s website for locations.

What happens if I fail my exam?

  • You can reschedule the exam immediately. Review your diagnostic report and study with Exam Tutor and Flash Tutor before retaking it.

Can I transfer my insurance license to California?

  • If you hold an active non-resident license in another state, you may be exempt from prelicensing education and exams. Apply for reciprocity through NIPR.
  • Agents moving to California must still complete the 12-hour Ethics & California Insurance Code course before obtaining a resident license.

How do non-residents apply for a California insurance license?

  • Non-residents must apply through NIPR and meet fingerprinting requirements if applicable.
  • Fingerprinting information for non-residents can be found at www.insurance.ca.gov.

Contact Information

California Department of Insurance:

PSI Services, LLC:

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Disclaimer

This information is based on state laws and regulations and is subject to change. Prelicense Success makes every effort to ensure this information is current and accurate; however, we are not engaged in rendering legal or professional advice and shall not be held responsible for inaccuracies contained herein. We urge you to check with the California Department of Insurance for complete and current information about licensing rules and requirements.