How Do I Schedule My California Insurance Licensing Exam?

Scheduling your California insurance exam is a critical step in becoming a licensed insurance producer in the Golden State. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) partners with PSI Services to administer all insurance licensing examinations, offering both in-person and remote testing options. The typical timeline from completing education to passing your exam ranges from two to six weeks, depending on your study pace and testing availability.

California's exam scheduling process offers more flexibility than many other states, including the option to test remotely from home. This makes California one of the more accessible states for aspiring insurance professionals who need scheduling flexibility.

What Are the Steps to Schedule a California Insurance Exam?

Before scheduling your exam, you must complete state-approved pre-licensing educationPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources for your chosen line of authority. California requires specific course hours including a mandatory 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code course that all candidates must complete regardless of license type.

1. Complete your pre-licensing education through a CDI-approved provider. California's education requirements are changing effective January 2026, so verify current requirements with your education provider.
2. Create a PSI account at PSI's California testing portalCadi Test Test Takers.psiexams.com. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID.
3. Select your exam type from the available California insurance licensing examinations. Options include Life-Only, Accident and Health, Fire, Casualty, Personal Lines, and combination exams.
4. Choose your testing method. You can test at a CDI examination site in Los Angeles, one of over 20 PSI test centers throughout California, or remotely through PSI Bridge online proctoring.
5. Select your date and time. PSI locations offer weekday and Saturday appointments, with some locations offering evening hours.
6. Pay the exam fee at the time of reservation. PSI locations charge a convenience fee in addition to the standard exam fee.

Can I Take My California Insurance Exam Remotely?

Yes, California offers remote online proctored examinations for all insurance licensing exams through PSI's Bridge technology. This option allows you to take your exam from home using your personal computer, webcam, and microphone. Remote testing provides flexibility for candidates who live far from testing centers or have scheduling constraints.

To take a remote exam, your computer must meet PSI Bridge's technical requirements including a compatible webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Before your exam date, you must complete a system compatibility test to ensure your equipment works properly with the proctoring platform.

If you prefer in-person testing or your home environment doesn't meet the requirements, PSI operates test centers in cities throughout California including Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, Irvine, Bakersfield, and many others. The California Department of Insurance0200 Prod Licensing 0100 Applicant Info 0800 Exam Info Times Location 0200 Industry maintains a complete list of testing locations.

How Do I Schedule My California Insurance Exam Online or by Phone?

The fastest scheduling method is online through the PSI Exams websiteCadi Test Takers, where you can view available dates, times, and locations in real time. Online scheduling is available 24 hours a day.

For phone scheduling or assistance, call PSI at (833) 518-7456. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. If you're scheduling a remote proctored exam and need technical assistance, call PSI's technical support line at (844) 267-1017.

For questions specific to California licensing requirements rather than exam scheduling, contact the CDI Examination Unit at (916) 492-3570 or email CDI.Examline@insurance.ca.gov.

How Do I Reschedule or Cancel My California Insurance Exam?

You can reschedule or cancel your California insurance exam without forfeiting your fee if you provide at least 48 hours notice before your scheduled appointment. For example, if your exam is scheduled for Monday at 8:00 a.m., your cancellation must be received by Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

To reschedule, log into your PSI account online or call (833) 518-7456. PSI's automated phone system is available 24 hours a day for cancellations and rescheduling. Note that voicemail messages and emails are not acceptable forms of cancellation.

If you fail your exam, you can use PSI's scheduling service to book your next attempt immediately. A rescheduling fee applies for failed candidates who need to retake the exam.

What Should I Bring to My California Insurance Exam?

For in-person testing, arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for check-in and identity verification. Candidates who arrive late will not be admitted and will forfeit their examination fee. Time waivers are not permitted.

You must present one valid form of government-issued identification that includes your name, photograph, and signature. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, passport card, or military ID. If your ID has an embedded signature that isn't visible, bring a secondary form of identification with a visible signature.

If you cannot provide the required identification, contact PSI at (833) 518-7456 at least 21 days before your scheduled appointment to discuss alternative arrangements.