South Carolina

South Carolina Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
Provider Number: [Enter Provider Number]

How to Obtain a South Carolina Insurance License

Becoming a licensed insurance agent in South Carolina requires completing several essential steps, including prelicensing education, passing the state exam, applying for your license, and fulfilling continuing education requirements. This guide outlines each step in detail to help you navigate the licensing process efficiently.

Step 1: Fulfill Prelicensing Education Requirements

Before taking the South Carolina insurance licensing exam, you must complete a state-approved prelicensing education course. The required study hours vary based on the line of authority you choose:

Line of AuthorityRequired Hours
Life Insurance20 hours
Health Insurance20 hours
Life, Accident & Health40 hours
Property & Casualty40 hours
Personal Lines20 hours

Key Notes:

  • After completing your course, you must pass a Certification Exam to receive a Certificate of Completion.
  • The Certificate of Completion is valid for one year, and you must pass the state exam within this time frame.

Step 2: Pass the Licensing Exam

Once you complete the prelicensing education, you must pass the South Carolina insurance licensing exam.

Exam Details:

  • Administered by Pearson VUE.
  • Register online at Pearson VUE or call (877) 759-5226.
  • Exams are computer-based and multiple-choice.
  • A 70% or higher score is required to pass.
  • Test results are provided immediately after completion.

Exam Length & Question Breakdown:

Exam TypeTime LimitNumber of Questions
Life Exam2 hours100
Health Exam2 hours100
Life & Health Exam2.5 hours150
Property Exam2 hours100
Casualty Exam2 hours100
Property & Casualty Exam2.5 hours150
Personal Lines Exam2 hours100
Public Adjuster Exam1 hour60

Exam Policies:

  • Arrive 30 minutes early at the testing center.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • No personal items (phones, watches, calculators, etc.) are allowed in the testing room.
  • Remote exams are available using Pearson VUE’s OnVUE platform. Candidates may take only one remote attempt—subsequent attempts must be taken in person.

Step 3: Apply for Your Insurance License

After passing the state exam, you must apply for your South Carolina insurance license through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com.

Application Process:

  • Submit your application via NIPR or Sircon and pay the required fee.
  • Applications must be submitted within one year of completing prelicensing education and passing the exam.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens with proper work authorization.

Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting

South Carolina requires all unlicensed applicants to complete fingerprinting as part of a background check.

Fingerprinting Process:

  • After applying for your license, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
  • Fingerprinting is conducted by IdentoGO.
  • Visit IdentoGO to schedule your appointment.

Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)

To keep your South Carolina insurance license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) every two years.

CE Requirements:

  • 24 hours of CE required for most license types, including 3 hours of ethics training.
  • Nonresident agents must comply with their home state’s CE requirements.
  • Additional CE requirements apply for those selling long-term care insurance or annuities.

For the latest CE updates, visit the South Carolina Department of Insurance website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I take the South Carolina licensing exam?

Exams can be taken in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers or remotely via OnVUE.

How do I schedule my licensing exam?

You can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE by visiting their website or calling (877) 759-5226. Exam fees must be paid at the time of reservation.

What happens if I fail my exam?

You can reschedule immediately. Review your diagnostic report and use additional study materials to improve your score before retaking the exam.

What entity oversees licensing in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) manages agent licensing, renewals, and continuing education. For inquiries, call (803) 737-6160.

Contact Information

South Carolina Department of Insurance:

Pearson VUE:

Start Your Insurance Prelicensing Training

Take the first step toward your South Carolina insurance career by enrolling in a state-approved prelicensing course today.

[Start Your Course Now]

Disclaimer

The information provided here is based on current South Carolina state regulations and may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying requirements with the South Carolina Department of Insurance for the latest licensing details.