10 Most Common Questions About Getting Your Michigan Insurance License

Michigan's insurance market is substantial, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)Difs maintains a structured licensing process that includes mandatory pre-licensing education. If you are considering an insurance career in Michigan, here are the answers to the 10 most frequently asked questions about getting licensed.

1. What Pre-Licensing Education Does Michigan Require?

Michigan requires all resident insurance producer applicants to complete state-approved pre-licensing education (PE) before taking the licensing exam. The required hours depend on your line of authority:

• Life Insurance: 20 hours
• Accident & Health Insurance: 20 hours
• Combined Life, Accident & Health: 40 hours
• Property Insurance: 20 hours
• Casualty Insurance: 20 hours
• Combined Property & Casualty: 40 hours

Each course includes 6 hours of professional ethics and Michigan insurance laws. Courses can be completed in a classroom setting or through approved online self-study programs. The one exception is Variable Life and Annuity, which does not require pre-licensing education. After completing your course, you receive a Certificate of Completion that is valid for 12 months. Learn more about effective study strategiesPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources to make the most of your pre-licensing coursework.

2. Can I Get a Waiver for Pre-Licensing Education?

Yes, in certain circumstances. DIFS may waive the pre-licensing education requirement if you hold one of several professional designations, including CLU, ChFC, CPCU, AAI, CIC, FLMI, REBC, LUTCF, HIA, CEBS, CFP, RHU, or ARM. You can also qualify for a waiver if you hold 21 term credits or 17 semester credit hours of insurance coursework from an accredited college. Waiver requests must be submitted in writing to DIFS and approved before you schedule your exam. Details are available on the DIFS Pre-Licensing Education Exclusions and Waivers pageNews And Outreach Faq Insurance Ins Pre Licensing Ed Exclusions Difs.

3. How Do I Register for the State Exam?

Michigan's insurance licensing exams are administered by PSI ServicesMidifs Test Takers.psiexams.com. As of June 2025, all Michigan insurance exams must be taken in person at a PSI testing center — remote proctored exams are no longer offered. You can schedule your exam online through the PSI website or by calling (855) 579-4639. You must complete your pre-licensing education and receive your Certificate of Completion before registering for the exam. If you take the exam before completing PE, your results will be invalidated.

4. What Score Do I Need to Pass?

Passing scores vary by line of authority in Michigan:

• Life Insurance: 72%
• Accident & Health Insurance: 70%
• Property Insurance: 70%
• Casualty Insurance: 70%
• Property & Casualty (combined): 70%

Most exams consist of 100 questions with a 2-hour time limit. Your results appear on screen immediately after you finish. There are no limitations on the number of times you can retake the exam, but each attempt requires paying the exam fee again.

5. How Much Does It Cost to Get Licensed in Michigan?

Here is a general breakdown of the costs involved:

• Pre-licensing education course: Varies by provider and line of authority
• State exam fee: Paid per attempt to PSI Services
• License application: Submitted through NIPRLicensing Center State Requirements Michigan Resident Licensing Individual Nipr.com with an application fee plus a transaction fee

Michigan does not require fingerprinting or a separate background check fee for standard producer licensing. Fees are subject to change, so check each provider's website for current amounts.

6. How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

The fastest timeline is roughly 3 to 4 weeks. A typical timeline runs 4 to 6 weeks:

• Pre-licensing education: 1 to 3 weeks depending on whether you choose classroom or self-paced online study
• Scheduling and taking the exam: Usually available within a week
• Application review: DIFS reviews applications in the order received, and processing takes up to 14 business days from submission

Your Certificate of Completion is valid for 12 months, so you have flexibility on when to take the exam, but we recommend scheduling it within 2 weeks of completing your course while the material is fresh.

7. How Do I Apply for My License After Passing the Exam?

After passing your exam, submit your license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)Nipr.com. NIPR does not verify your exam results before accepting the application, but DIFS will confirm your exam pass before issuing the license. The application is valid for six months from the date of submission. Once approved, DIFS will mail a hard copy of your license to the address you provided. Michigan does not currently offer online license printing through NIPR.

8. What Are the Lines of Authority Available in Michigan?

Michigan offers the following major lines of authority for insurance producers:

• Life Insurance
• Accident & Health Insurance
• Property Insurance
• Casualty Insurance
• Variable Life & Variable Annuity

You can also pursue combined lines like Property & Casualty or Life, Accident & Health, which require the combined hours of pre-licensing education. Understanding the difference between P&C and life & healthPre License Property And Casualty Vs Life And Health Vs All Lines Resources helps you make a more informed decision about where to start.

9. What Continuing Education Does Michigan Require?

Michigan requires licensed producers to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education every two years, including 3 hours of ethics. CE must be completed before submitting your renewal application. Excess of up to 12 credit hours from the previous renewal period can be carried over. Courses are available in classroom, online, and self-study formats through approved providers listed on the DIFS Insurance Education pageIndustry Licensing Ins Education Difs. License renewals are processed through NIPR.

10. What If I Was Previously Licensed in Another State?

If you were previously licensed in another state and are establishing residency in Michigan, the requirements depend on how recently your previous license was active. If your prior license was surrendered within the last 12 months, you may be able to obtain a Michigan license without completing pre-licensing education — though you will still need to submit an application through NIPR. If your license has been inactive for more than 12 months, you must complete Michigan PE coursework and pass the state exam. Contact DIFS at (877) 999-6442 for guidance specific to your situation.

What Can Slow Down the Licensing Process in Michigan?

• Taking the exam before completing PE: Your results will be invalidated, and you will have to retake the exam after finishing your course.
• Name mismatches: Your name must be identical across your PE certificate, exam registration, license application, and government ID.
• Background disclosures: Answering "yes" to any background question requires supporting documents and extends processing time.
• DIFS processing volume: Application review takes up to 14 business days and may take longer during peak periods.
• Expired PE certificate: If your Certificate of Completion expires (after 12 months), you must retake the pre-licensing course.

Start Your Michigan Insurance Career Today

Michigan's structured licensing process gives you a strong foundation for a successful insurance career. The key is choosing the right pre-licensing course and giving yourself enough time to truly learn the material — not just check the box. Whether you are entering the industry for the first time or switching careersPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources, Aceable Insurance offers the preparationPre License Tips Becoming A Successful Insurance Agent Resources you need to pass your exam and launch your career with confidence. Start your Michigan licensing journey with Aceable today.