How Hard Is the Life and Health Insurance Exam in Illinois?

And how do you actually pass it? It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely doable.

So you’ve got an opportunity to sell life or health insurance. Maybe a recruiter sent you. Maybe you’re switching careers. Either way, there’s one thing standing between you and a brand-new career move: the licensing exam.

You’ve probably heard it’s tough. You’ve probably Googled “How hard is the life and health insurance exam?” while staring down a four-hour test window. But before you spiral, let’s reset.

The exam isn’t here to crush your dreams. It’s just a checkpoint. And with the right prep, you can absolutely pass it.

Let’s break it down and map out your game plan, specifically for Illinois.

First, what makes the exam “hard”?

It’s not the test itself. It’s the unknowns.

Here’s what you’re really dealing with in Illinois:

• Two separate exams: one for Life, one for Health

• 70 percent to pass
  

• A wide range of topics, from policy types to state regulations

Pro tip: You must complete a state-approved pre-licensing course before registering for the exam.

Your 5-Step Strategy to Pass the Illinois Life & Health Exam

This isn’t just a study guide. It’s your actual plan.

1. Complete a state-approved pre-licensing course

Illinois requires 20 hours per line — so that’s 40 hours total for both Life and Health. No course, no exam.
Choose a provider that’s approved, streamlined, and built for how you actually learn.

Aceable is fully approved in Illinois and designed for busy, motivated people who want clarity, speed, and results.

2. Download your exam outline, and use it like a map

Illinois publishes a detailed exam content outline that breaks down exactly what’s on the Life and Health insurance exams. You’ll see the topics, subtopics, and how many questions to expect from each section.

This is gold. Use it to build your study plan and focus your time where it counts.

View the Illinois Insurance Licensing Exam Content Outline (PDF)

No surprises. No guessing. Just a clear map of what you need to know — straight from the source.

3. Lock in your study routine 

Give yourself 2–4 weeks to prepare, depending on your schedule. Use active study methods like:

• Flashcards and quizzes
  

• Short video lessons
  

• Teaching the material out loud
  

• Reviewing incorrect answers intentionally

4. Schedule your exams

Once you complete your pre-licensing hours, you’ll get a certificate. Use it to register online.
You can test in person or remotely. Just make sure you:

• Register for both Life and Health exams
  

• Bring two forms of ID and your certificate
  

• Know that both exams are 2.5 hours and require a 70% score to pass
  

5. Take at least one full-length practice test

This is non-negotiable. The best way to reduce test anxiety? Make your first real attempt feel like your second.

Here’s how:

• Set a timer for 2.5 hours
  

• Create a quiet, no-distraction space
  

• Don’t check your notes
  

Use quizzes from your course or build a mock exam based on the official Illinois exam outline