Illinois
Illinois Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
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How to Obtain an Illinois Insurance License
The State of Illinois requires all individuals selling insurance to obtain a valid insurance license. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for obtaining your Illinois insurance producer license.
Step 1: Fulfill Prelicensing Education Requirements
Before taking the state licensing exam, you must complete a prelicensing education course approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance. The required hours vary based on the line of authority:
| Line of Authority | Required Hours Classroom | Web Class Hours Required |
| Life Insurance | 2 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Health & Accident Insurance | 20 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Property Insurance | 20 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Casualty Insurance | 20 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Personal Lines | 20 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Motor Vehicle | 12.5 hours | 5 hours |
Certification Exam & Completion Certificate:
- After completing your required coursework, you must pass a Certification Exam with a 70% or higher.
- Upon passing, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, which must be presented at the state exam.
- Prelicensing education is valid for one year from the date of completion.
Step 2: Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam
Once you complete your prelicensing education, you must pass both the Illinois General Exam and the State Exam.
Exam Details:
- Register through Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com or call (888) 274-2020.
- Exams are multiple-choice and require a 70% or higher to pass.
- A valid government-issued photo ID is required for testing.
- Exams must be taken in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers. Remote exams will no longer be available after January 17, 2025.
- If you fail, you must retake the exam and pay an additional fee.
Exam Duration & Question Format:
| Exam Type | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
| Life Producer State Exam | 85 min | 60 |
| Life Producer State Exam | 50 min | 39 |
| Accident & Health Producer General Exam | 85 min | 60 |
| Accident & Health Producer State Exam | 55 min | 41 |
| Property Producer General Exam | 85 min | 60 |
| Casualty Producer State Exam | 55 min | 44 |
| Personal Lines Producer General Exam | 1.5 hours | 86 |
| Personal Lines Producer State Exam | 45 min | 37 |
| Motor Vehicle Exam | 1.25 hours | 50 |
Step 3: Apply for Your Insurance License
After passing the exam, you must wait five (5) days before applying for your license.
Application Process:
- Apply online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Once approved, you can print your license from the Illinois Department of Insurance website.
Step 4: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)
To keep your Illinois insurance license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) every two years.
CE Requirements:
- 24 hours of CE, including 3 hours of ethics training.
- Nonresident producers must meet their home state’s CE requirements.
- If CE requirements are not met, your license will lapse.
- Visit the Illinois Department of Insurance website for the most up-to-date CE guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where will I take the state exam?
- Exams are in-person only at Pearson VUE testing centers.
How should I prepare for my in-person exam?
- Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
Bring a valid government-issued ID.
- Personal items (phones, calculators, bags) are not allowed in the testing center.
You must stay for the duration of the exam without breaks.
What score do I need to pass?
You must score 70% or higher to pass.
- What happens if I fail my exam?
You may reschedule immediately.
- Review your diagnostic report on Pearson VUE to identify weak areas.
Where can I find more licensing information?
- Visit the Illinois Department of Insurance at www.insurance.illinois.gov.
Contact Information
Illinois Department of Insurance:
Phone: (217) 782-6366
Website: www.insurance.illinois.gov
Pearson VUE Testing Provider:
Phone: (888) 274-2020
Website: www.pearsonvue.com
Start Your Insurance Prelicensing Training
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Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on current Illinois regulations but may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying details with the Illinois Department of Insurance for the latest licensing requirements.