Every state licenses life and health insurance producers through its own exam, but the exams share a common shape. Knowing that shape before you study saves time and removes surprises on test day.
One license, one exam
Most states offer a Life exam, an Accident and Health (or Health) exam, and in many states a combined Life and Health exam. You sit the exam that matches the license you are applying for. The combined exam covers both lines in one sitting, so it is longer.
A general section and a state section
Nearly every exam has two parts. The general part tests insurance concepts that apply everywhere: policy types, provisions, riders, underwriting, annuities, Medicare and health plans. The state part tests that state's own law: licensing, continuing education, producer conduct and the rules for specific policies. Some states score the whole exam together; others, such as Illinois, give the general and state parts as two separate exams.
Who delivers the exam
States contract the exam out to a testing vendor. Most use Pearson VUE, PSI or Prometric. The vendor publishes the candidate handbook (fees, ID rules, scheduling, retakes) and the content outline, which lists every topic and how many questions it carries. Those two documents are the most reliable guide to your exam.
How it is scored
Some states report a percentage of questions answered correctly. Others report a scaled score, commonly with 70 as the pass mark, which is not the same as 70% correct. Most exams also include a few unscored pretest questions mixed in with the scored ones, so answer every question as if it counts.
How to prepare
- Read your state's content outline first and study in proportion to its weights.
- Give the state law section real time. It is where candidates who know the general material still lose points.
- Learn concepts by name. Questions often describe a situation and ask which provision, policy or rule applies.
- Take full timed mock exams so the length and pace hold no surprises.
Our state articles list each exam's real question count, time and passing score from the vendor's handbook. Find your state on the Insurance guides page.