How Do I Enroll in a California Insurance Pre-Licensing Course?
Thinking about what’s next in insurance? Get clear guidance and practical resources built for California.
Quick Answer
- California requires a 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code course approved by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) before you can sit for the state exam.
- Courses are available online or in a classroom, and must include 1 hour of anti-fraud training — with a maximum of 8 study hours tracked per day.
- After completing the course, your provider reports your completion to the CDI, and you'll receive a certificate needed to schedule your PSI exam.
Enrolling in a California insurance pre-licensing course is the first official step toward getting your license. Since January 1, 2026, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) requires all first-time applicants to complete a state-approved 12-hour course covering Ethics and the California Insurance Code, per Assembly Bill 943. The previous 20-hour per-line-of-authority requirement has been eliminated, though comprehensive exam preparation is still strongly recommended.
How to Choose a California Insurance Pre-Licensing Provider
Not all providers offer the same learning experience. Before enrolling, confirm the course is CDI-approved, and look for features that fit your study stylePre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources. Understanding career opportunitiesPre License What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Insurance Resources ahead of time can also help motivate your coursework. Key factors to evaluate include mobile accessibility, built-in practice exams, instructor support, and whether the course tracks your required study time automatically. California mandates time-tracking for online courses — a maximum of 8 hours per day is allowed — so the platform must enforce this.
Step-by-Step: Enrolling in Your Pre-Licensing Course
- Choose your license type. Decide whether you want a Life-Only, Accident and Health, Life and Health combined, Property and Casualty, or All-Lines licensePre License Property And Casualty Vs Life And Health Vs All Lines Resources. Your course covers the same 12 hours of Ethics and Code regardless of line.
- Select a CDI-approved provider. Verify approval status on the CDI's pre-licensing page0030 Seek Pre Lic 0200 Industry.
- Register with your legal name. Use the exact name that appears on your government-issued photo ID. Name mismatches between your course enrollment, exam registration, and license application will delay the process.
- Complete the 12-hour course. Work through all lessons, pass required quizzes, and meet the tracked time requirement.
- Download your certificate of completion. Your provider will also report your completion electronically to the CDI.
- Schedule your state exam with PSI Services. You can register at PSI's scheduling portalTest Takers.psiexams.com or call (833) 518-7456.
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If you’re eager to learn how to not only get licensed but also thrive in your insurance career, check out our Tips for Becoming a Successful Insurance Agent.
What the 12-Hour Course Covers
| Topic Area | Details |
|---|---|
| California Insurance Code | Licensing laws, producer responsibilities, and regulatory authority of the CDI |
| Ethics | Ethical selling practices, fiduciary duties, and consumer protection |
| Anti-Fraud Training | 1 hour covering fraud detection, prevention, and reporting obligations |
While the 12-hour course satisfies the state's pre-licensing education mandate, it does not cover the full scope of product knowledge tested on the exam. The CDI strongly encourages candidates to study the License Examination Educational Objectives0010 Producer Online Services 0200 Exam Info 0200 Industry for their chosen line of authority, especially since exam pass rates reward deeper preparation.
What Can Slow Down the Enrollment Process?
- Choosing a non-approved provider — always verify CDI approval before purchasing
- Name discrepancies — your enrollment, exam registration, and application must match your ID exactly
- Trying to rush the time requirement — the 8-hour daily cap cannot be bypassed
- Skipping exam prep — the 12-hour course alone may not prepare you for the full state exam
Enrolling in your pre-licensing course is a decision that sets the tone for your entire licensing journey. Choose a provider that goes beyond the minimum, and you'll walk into exam day with real confidence. Curious about what comes after enrollment? Learn how to become an agentPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources from start to finish.
Start your California insurance career the smart way. Aceable Insurance offers a CDI-approved, mobile-friendly course with built-in exam prep, time tracking, and expert support — everything you need to get licensed and stay ahead. Enroll in your California pre-licensing course now.Pre License How To Get Your Insurance License In California Resources
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