New York
New York Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
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How to Obtain a New York Insurance License
The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires individuals selling insurance in the state to obtain an insurance license. You must select the line of authority you wish to be licensed in, such as health, life, property and casualty, or personal lines insurance. This guide outlines the four essential steps to becoming a licensed insurance professional in New York.
Step 1: Fulfill Prelicensing Education Requirements
To qualify for the New York insurance licensing exam, applicants must complete a prelicensing education course. The required hours vary by line of authority:
| Line of Authority | Required Hours |
| Life Insurance | 20 hours |
| Accident and Health Insurance | 20 hours |
| Life, Accident & Health Insurance | 40 hours |
| Personal Lines Insurance | 40 hours |
| Property & Casualty Insurance | 90 hours |
| Public Adjuster | 40 hours |
Key Notes:
- After completing the course, you must pass a Certification Exam with a score of 70% or higher to receive a Certificate of Completion.
- The Certificate of Completion does not expire and must be submitted with your license application.
Step 2: Pass the Licensing Exam
Once you have met the prelicensing education requirements, you must pass the New York state licensing exam.
Exam Details:
- Administered by: PSI
- Registration: Schedule your exam through PSI
- Passing Score: 70%
- Results: Provided immediately upon exam completion
- Exam Fee: Payable at the time of scheduling
Exam Time & Question Breakdown:
| Exam Type | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
| Life Insurance Agent/Broker (17-51) | 2 hours | 100 |
| Accident & Health Insurance (17-52) | 2 hours | 100 |
| Life, Accident & Health (17-55) | 2.5 hours | 150 |
| Property & Casualty Insurance (17-56) | 2.5 hours | 150 |
| Personal Lines Insurance (17-54) | 2 hours | 100 |
| Public Adjuster (17-62) | 1 hour | 60 |
| Independent General Adjuster (17-70) | 2 hours | 100 |
Exam Policies:
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the testing center with a valid government-issued photo ID.
- No personal items are allowed in the testing room.
- Remote exams are available through PSI’s Bridge platform. Candidates must have a compatible computer and testing environment.
Step 3: Apply for Your Insurance License
After passing the state exam, applicants must apply for their license within 2 years of passing the exam through the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS).
Application Process:
- Submit the application through DFS or NIPR.
- Include your Certificate of Completion.
- Pay the required nonrefundable application fee.
Step 4: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)
To keep your New York insurance license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) every two years.
CE Requirements:
- Single-line agents and adjusters: 15 hours of CE every 2 years (including 3 hours of ethics).
- Dual-line agents (e.g., Life & Health or Property & Casualty): 30 total hours every 2 years.
- Additional CE hours are required to sell annuities or long-term care insurance.
For the latest CE requirements, visit the New York DFS website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I exempt from prelicensing education or the exam?
You may qualify for an exemption in the following scenarios:
- Holding certain professional designations (CLU, CPCU, ChFC, etc.).
- Having a Statement of Employer proving industry experience.
- Licensed attorneys applying for a title insurance license.
- Public adjusters with at least one year of sales, underwriting, or related experience.
Where can I take the licensing exam?
- Remote exams are available through PSI Bridge.
- In-person exams are offered at PSI testing centers.
- Schedule your exam at PSI’s website or call (855) 579-4637.
What happens if I fail my exam?
- You must wait until the next business day to reschedule.
- Review your diagnostic report and retake the test after additional study.
Contact Information
New York Department of Financial Services (DFS):
- Phone: (518) 474-6630
- Website: www.dfs.ny.gov
Testing Provider (PSI):
- Phone: (855) 579-4637
- Website: www.psiexams.com
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Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on current New York state regulations and may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying requirements with the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) for the latest licensing details.