North Carolina
North Carolina Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
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How to Obtain a North Carolina Insurance License
The State of North Carolina requires all individuals selling insurance to obtain a valid insurance license. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for obtaining your North Carolina 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 North Carolina Department of Insurance. The required hours vary based on the line of authority:
| Line of Authority | Required Hours |
| Life Insurance | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health or Sickness Insurance | 20 hours |
| Property Insurance | 20 hours |
| Casualty Insurance | 20 hours |
| Personal Lines Insurance | 20 hours |
| Medicare Supplement/Long-Term Care | 10 hours |
Certification Exam & Examination Admission Ticket:
- After completing your coursework, you must pass a Certification Exam with a 70% or higher.
- Upon passing, you will receive an Examination Admission Ticket, which is required to take the state exam.
- The Examination Admission Ticket is valid for 90 days or 5 exam attempts (whichever comes first).
Step 2: Apply for Your Insurance License
After obtaining your Examination Admission Ticket, you must:
- Apply online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Once your application is submitted, you will receive an authorization email from Pearson VUE with your National Producer Number (NPN).
- You will also receive an email from NIPR with fingerprinting instructions.
Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam
Once you complete your prelicensing education, you must pass the North Carolina General Exam and the State Exam.
Exam Details:
- Register through Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com or call (800) 274-0668.
- Exams are multiple-choice and require a 70% or higher to pass.
- A valid government-issued photo ID and your Exam Admission Ticket are required for testing.
- Exams must be taken in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Exam Duration & Question Format:
| Exam Type | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
| Life Agent Exam | 1 hr 15 min | 60 |
| Accident & Health or Sickness Exam | 1 hr 15 min | 60 |
| Property Agent Exam | 1 hr 15 min | 60 |
| Casualty Agent Exam | 1 hr 15 min | 60 |
| Personal Lines Agent Exam | 1 hr 45 min | 96 |
| Medicare Supplement/Long-Term Care Exam | 1 hr 45 min | 60 |
| Company Independent Adjuster Exam | 2 hr 15 min | 120 |
| Self-Employed Adjuster Exam | 2 hr 15 min | 120 |
| Public Adjuster Exam | 2 hr 15 min | 120 |
If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before rescheduling. If you fail 5 times or exceed 90 days, you must retake prelicensing education.
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting
North Carolina requires fingerprint impressions for all new license applicants. Follow these steps:
- Print the Fingerprint Submission Packet-Releases forms from the NIPR email.
- Contact your local law enforcement agency to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
- Confirm they provide Livescan fingerprinting for non-criminal reasons.
- Send completed fingerprint forms to NC Licensing Offices of Pearson VUE via:
- Fax: (888) 959-3010
- Email: NorthCarolinaLicensingOffice@Pearson.com
- Mail: NCDOI/Pearson VUE, PO Box 14209, Raleigh, NC 27620
Step 5: Print Your License
Once your application is approved (within 48–72 hours), you can:
- Access SBS Connect at www.statebasedsystems.com
- Print your license for free
- Save a digital copy for your records
Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)
To keep your North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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, your NPN, and Exam Admission Ticket.
- 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 after 24 hours.
- If you fail 5 times or exceed 90 days, you must retake prelicensing education.
Where can I find more licensing information?
- Visit the North Carolina Department of Insurance at www.ncdoi.com.
Contact Information
North Carolina Department of Insurance:
- Phone: [Enter Contact Number]
- Website: www.ncdoi.com
Pearson VUE Testing Provider:
- Phone: (800) 274-0668
- Website: www.pearsonvue.com
Start Your Insurance Prelicensing Training
Take the first step toward your North Carolina insurance career today. Enroll in an approved prelicensing course to begin your journey!
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Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on current North Carolina regulations but may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying details with the North Carolina Department of Insurance for the latest licensing requirements.