How to Get a Life Insurance License
Every state licenses life insurance producers separately, so the steps are the same everywhere but the exam, the education rule and the fee are not. Find your state in the table for its life exam facts, then follow the five steps.
The five steps
- 1
Check whether your state requires pre-licensing education
Some states require approved pre-licensing hours before the life exam and others do not. The table below shows what NIPR lists for each state.
- 2
Study for and pass the state life exam
Each state sets its own life producer exam with its own testing vendor, question count and time limit. The table lists each one from the state's candidate handbook.
- 3
Complete fingerprints or a background check if required
Many states run a fingerprint-based background check on new resident producers. Each state guide lists the rule for that state.
- 4
Apply for the license
Applications usually go through NIPR or the state's own portal, with the application fee shown in the table.
- 5
Get appointed by an insurance company
A producer license alone does not let you sell a carrier's products. You also need an appointment from each insurer you represent, which agencies usually handle when you join.
Life insurance exam and requirements by state
Exam facts from each state's candidate handbook; pre-licensing and fees from NIPR (read date shown). Free practice exams and courses link where we have them.
| State | Life exam | Pre-licensing | Application fee | Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Producer - Life: 125 questions, 150 min, University of Alabama (Continuing Education) for the Alabama Department of Insurance, $50. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $80 (amendment $80, reinstatement $80)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Alaska | Life Producer (01): 90 questions, 135 min, Pearson VUE, $89. Alaska does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $75 (reinstatement $175; $275 if 61 or more days past expiration)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Arizona | Life Insurance (13-31): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $50. The published passing score is 70%. | Not required | Insurance Producer: $120 (amendment $120)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Arkansas | Life: 100 questions, 150 min, PSI, $50. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer (per line of authority): $0 to $70 licence fee plus a $15 to $25 application fee, varying by line of authorityNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| California | Life: 75 questions, 105 min, California Department of Insurance (examinations delivered by PSI at CDI exam sites). The published passing score is 60%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer (general): $188NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Colorado | Life (01): 80 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $41. Colorado does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | See the state guideNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Course |
| Connecticut | Life Producer (12-CT-01): 75 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $65. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $140 (amendment $130; reinstatement $130)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Delaware | DE Life Producer (InsDE_Life01): 90 questions, 135 min, Pearson VUE, $90. Delaware does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $125NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Florida | FLA Life and Annuity (including Variable Contracts) (0214) (InsFL-Life01): 85 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $44. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Service Representative: $50 plus $5 per line of authorityNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Georgia | Life Agent (12-GA-01): 80 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $67. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Agent - Resident (any single line of authority): $100NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Hawaii | Life Producer (InsHI_Life01): 85 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $75. Hawaii does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $150NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Idaho | ID Life Producer (InsID-Life0001): 75 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $65. Idaho does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $80NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Illinois | IL Life Producer General (GEN-Life01): 50 questions, 75 min, Pearson VUE, $92. Illinois does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | Varies by line | Insurance Producer: $215 (reinstatement $430)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Indiana | Life: 80 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $69. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Resident Producer - Individual: $40NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Iowa | Life (12-IA-01): 77 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $44. Iowa does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $50NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Kansas | KS Life Producer (12-KS-01): 84 questions, 90 min, Pearson VUE, $57. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $10 (reinstatement $104; reapplication $170)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Kentucky | Life: 50 questions, Kentucky Department of Insurance (state-administered, delivered at KCTCS testing sites), $50. The published passing score is 70%. | Required | Agent: $40 plus $40 per line of authority plus a $50 exam fee per line of authorityNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Louisiana | Life (Series 101): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $36. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | See the state guideNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Maine | Life Producer (12-ME-41): 75 questions, 105 min, Pearson VUE, $55. Maine does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | See the state guideNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Course |
| Maryland | Life Producer (2027): 80 questions, 105 min, Prometric, $62. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $54 (amendment $0, reinstatement $54)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Massachusetts | Producer - Life Insurance Exam: 80 questions, Pearson VUE, $37. Massachusetts does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $225NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Michigan | Life Producer (16-65): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $41. The published passing score is 72%. | See the state guide | Resident Producer: $10NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Minnesota | Life Producer: 75 questions, 120 min, PSI, $45. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Resident Insurance Producer: $50NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Mississippi | Life Producer (InsMS-Life01): 60 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $50. The published passing score is 65%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $100NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Missouri | Life Insurance Producer (50): 90 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $32. Missouri does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $100 (amendment $100)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Montana | Life: 86 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $65. Montana does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $0NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Nebraska | Life (13-01): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $43. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $50NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Nevada | Life (01): 80 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $37. Nevada does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Resident Producer / Producer Firm: $185NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| New Hampshire | Life (12-61): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $59. New Hampshire does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $210 (amendment $50; reinstatement $300)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| New Jersey | Life (Producer Major Line): 83 questions, 210 min, PSI, $38. The published passing score is 70%. | Required | Insurance Producer (standard line of authority): $170NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| New Mexico | Life Insurance Producer (18-25): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $75. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $30NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| New York | Life Insurance Agent/Broker (17-51): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $40. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Life/Accident & Health Broker or Agent: $40 for a term of one year or less, $80 for a longer termNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| North Carolina | Life Agent (01): 55 questions, 75 min, Pearson VUE, $45. North Carolina does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | Varies by line | Insurance Producer: $82 (reinstatement $84)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| North Dakota | Life and Annuity (Product and Laws): 110 questions, 150 min, PSI, $64. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $100NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Ohio | Ohio Life Insurance Agent (Series 11-44): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $49. The published passing score is 70%. | Required | Major Lines: $10 (amendment $10)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Oklahoma | Producer - Life: 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $38. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer (all lines except Variable): $60 (reinstatement $120)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Oregon | Life (Includes Law) - producer (12-01): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $45. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $100NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Pennsylvania | Life Insurance (Series 16-01): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $45. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $55NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Rhode Island | Life Producer (01): 80 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $80. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $120 (reinstatement $170)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Life Insurance Producer (InsSC-Life01): 75 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $59. South Carolina does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $25 (amendment $25, reinstatement $25)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| South Dakota | SD Life Producer (InsSD_Life41): 75 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $85. South Dakota does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $25 application, $25 reinstatementNIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Tennessee | Life Agent: 68 questions, 105 min, Pearson VUE, $55. Tennessee does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $50 (amendment $50)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Texas | Life Agent (InsTX-Life01): 80 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $39. Texas does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | See the state guide | Free practice examCourse |
| Utah | Utah Producer's Life Exam (17-01): 100 questions, 120 min, Prometric, $32. Utah does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Resident Producer Individual: $75 (reinstatement $75)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Vermont | Vermont Producer's Examination for Life Insurance (14-25): 100 questions, 120 min, Prometric, $73. Vermont does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $60 (amendment $30)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| Virginia | VA Life & Annuities Exam (11-05): 90 questions, 120 min, Prometric, $35. Virginia does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | See the state guide | See the state guide | Free practice examCourse |
| Washington | Life Producer: 100 questions, 150 min, PSI, $38. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Insurance Producer: $55 (reinstatement $82.50 within 30 days, $110 within 60 days, $165 within a year)NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
| West Virginia | WV Life (InsWV-Life01): 78 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $84. West Virginia does not publish a passing score for this examination, so treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than any figure quoted elsewhere. | Varies by line | Insurance Producer: $50NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Wisconsin | WI Life - General and State (Series 22-01): 100 questions, 120 min, PSI, $75. The published passing score is 70%. | Varies by line | Intermediary (Producer) Individual, exam-required lines: $10NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | |
| Wyoming | Life Producer (01): 85 questions, 120 min, Pearson VUE, $96. The published passing score is 70%. | See the state guide | Resident Producer (all line-of-authority combinations): $100NIPR, read 2026-09-16 | Free practice examCourse |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a life insurance license?
It depends mostly on your state's pre-licensing requirement and how fast you study. In a state with no pre-licensing hours, the exam, background check and application are the only steps; in a state that requires hours, add the course first.
How many questions are on the life insurance exam?
It varies by state. The table on this page lists each state's life exam, its scored question count and time limit from the state's candidate handbook.
What score do I need to pass the life insurance exam?
Only some states publish a pass mark. Where a state publishes one, the table shows it; where it does not, treat the candidate handbook as the authority rather than a number quoted elsewhere.
Is a life license the same as a life and health license?
No. Life covers life insurance and annuities; accident and health is a separate line of authority in most states, with its own exam or a combined exam. Our life and health course page explains the combined option.