How Long Does It Really Take to Get Licensed in Illinois?

The Four Stages of Getting Licensed

If you're considering an insurance career in Illinois, one of your first questions is probably: "How long will this actually take?" The honest answer depends on your schedule, study habits, and how quickly you move through each step—but most people are fully licensed within two months.

Getting your Illinois insurance license involves four distinct stages:

1. Pre-licensing education (state-required coursework)
2. State licensing exams (testing your knowledge)
3. License application (background check and paperwork)
4. License approval (final processing)

Each stage has its own timeline, and you control some more than others. Let's break down each one.

Stage 1: Pre-Licensing Education (2-4 Weeks Typical)

According to the Illinois Department of InsuranceProducers Licensescertificationsfaqs Become Resident Producer.html Idoi.illinois.gov, you must complete 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education per line of authority before taking your licensing exam.

Requirements breakdown:

• 20 hours total per line of authority
• 7.5 hours must be completed in a live classroom or webinar setting
• 12.5 hours can be self-paced online study

For Life or Health License: 20 hours each
For Property or Casualty License: 20 hours each
For Multiple Lines: 20 hours per line

But "20 hours" doesn't mean you'll finish in 20 hours. That's just the minimum required course content. Here's what actually happens:

Realistic completion times:

• Intensive pace: 1-2 weeks (studying 2-3 hours daily)
• Standard pace: 3-4 weeks (studying 1 hour daily)
• Relaxed pace: 6-8 weeks (studying a few hours weekly)

Most working adults finish in about three to four weeks. This accounts for:

• Watching videos and reading content
• Taking notes and reviewing material
• Completing section quizzes
• Attending your required 7.5-hour live session
• Reviewing challenging topics
• Taking practice exams
• Passing the final course exam

What affects your timeline:

• Your available study time
• How quickly you grasp concepts
• Whether you need to review sections multiple times
• Your existing knowledge (complete beginners vs. those with sales experience)
• Scheduling your live classroom or webinar session

The beauty of online courses? You completely control the self-paced timeline. Want to finish in two weeks? Study more each day. Need two months? That works too.

Learn more about license typesPre License Types Insurance Producer Can Sell Illinois Resources to decide which path makes sense for you.

Stage 2: State Licensing Exams (Same Day to 2 Weeks)

Once you complete your pre-licensing course and receive your certificate of completion, you're eligible to schedule your state licensing exams through Pearson VUEEn Il Insurance.html Us.

Important: Illinois requires you to pass two separate exams:

• General Knowledge Exam (covers fundamental insurance concepts)
• State Exam (covers Illinois-specific laws and regulations)
• Both must be passed within 90 days of each other

Scheduling your exams:

• Best case: Appointments available within days
• Typical: Schedule 1-2 weeks out
• Busy periods: May need to wait 2-3 weeks

Availability depends on your location and time of year. Chicago-area testing centers typically have more frequent availability than rural locations. Early morning and weekday appointments often have more openings than evenings and weekends.

The exams themselves:

• Each exam takes 1-2 hours depending on license type
• Results available immediately upon completion
• You know if you passed before leaving the testing center

Pro tip: Schedule your exams while still in "study mode." Most experts recommend testing within 2-3 weeks of finishing your course while information is fresh. Waiting months means you'll need to relearn material.

Want to prepare effectively? Check out these exam study strategiesPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources.

Stage 3: License Application (1 Day + 5-Day Wait)

After passing both your state exams, there's a mandatory waiting period before you can apply.

Critical timeline note: You must wait five business days after passing your exams before you can submit your license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry.

This waiting period allows exam results to be processed and verified in the system.

After the 5-day wait, the application process includes:

• Complete online application
• Provide course completion certificate information
• Submit application fee
• Schedule fingerprinting and background check

The application itself takes 30-60 minutes if you have all required information ready:

• Your course certificate details
• Personal information (exactly as appears on your ID)
• Social Security number
• Exam confirmation and pass information

Fingerprinting and background check:

Illinois requires fingerprinting as part of the background check process. You'll receive instructions on where to complete this after submitting your application.

Fingerprinting options:

• Schedule appointment at approved location
• Usually available within a few days
• Takes about 15-20 minutes
• Results submitted electronically

Some people complete fingerprinting the same day as their application. Others schedule it for the next available appointment. Either way, this part of the process typically adds just a few days.

Stage 4: License Approval (2-4 Weeks)

After you've completed your application and background check, the Illinois Department of Insurance reviews everything and issues your license.

Typical processing time:

• Standard: 2-3 weeks
• Peak periods: 3-4 weeks
• Issues with application: Longer (if corrections needed)

What can slow down approval:

• Incomplete application information
• Issues with background check
• Discrepancies in provided information
• High volume of applications (certain times of year)
• Additional documentation requests

What speeds up approval:

• Complete, accurate application first time
• All required documents submitted upfront
• Clean background check
• Prompt response to any requests for additional information

You'll receive notification when your license is approved. Some states send physical licenses by mail, while others provide digital licenses you can download and print.

The Complete Timeline: Start to Finish

Here's what the entire process looks like for most people:

Week 1-4: Pre-Licensing Course

• Enroll in approved course
• Study consistently (1 hour daily is typical)
• Attend required 7.5-hour live session
• Complete all sections and quizzes
• Pass final course exam
• Receive certificate of completion

Week 4-5: Schedule and Take State Exams

• Schedule both General and State exams through Pearson VUE
• Review course material for a few days
• Take both licensing exams
• Pass and receive confirmation

Week 5-6: Mandatory Wait + Apply for License

• Wait required 5 business days after passing exams
• Complete NIPR application
• Submit required documents
• Schedule and complete fingerprinting
• Background check processing begins

Week 7-9: License Approval

• Illinois DOI reviews application
• Background check clears
• License issued and sent

Total typical timeline: 7-9 weeks from enrollment to licensed

The Fastest Possible Timeline (3-4 Weeks)

Can you get licensed faster? Absolutely—if you're willing to study intensively and move quickly through each step.

Week 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Course

• Study 2-3 hours daily for self-paced portion
• Attend live session early in the week
• Focus intensively on material
• Take minimal breaks between sections
• Pass course final exam by end of week

Week 2: Take State Exams

• Schedule both exams for early in the week
• Review for 2-3 days
• Take and pass both General and State exams
• Begin 5-day mandatory waiting period

Week 3: Apply for License

• Wait for 5-day period to complete
• Submit license application immediately after waiting period
• Complete fingerprinting same day or next day
• Background check processes

Week 4: License Approval

• Application reviewed
• License issued (if no delays)

Fastest timeline: 3-4 weeks total

This accelerated path requires:

• Significant daily time commitment
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly
• Immediate exam availability
• Quick fingerprinting appointment
• No delays in processing

Most people pursuing this aggressive timeline are transitioning from another sales career, have flexible schedules, or are highly motivated to start earning quickly.

Factors That Speed Up Your Timeline

Want to get licensed as quickly as possible? These strategies help:

Start with clear availability:

• Block dedicated study time daily
• Treat coursework as a priority
• Minimize distractions during study sessions

Study efficiently:

• Focus on understanding, not just completing sections
• Take good notes for easier review
• Use proven study techniques
• Don't skip practice questions

Schedule strategically:

• Book your live session early
• Schedule state exams before finishing your course (you can always reschedule)
• Look for earlier appointment times (mornings often have availability)
• Consider testing centers farther from home for faster availability

Prepare application materials in advance:

• Have your course certificate easily accessible
• Know your exam confirmation details
• Gather personal information before starting application
• Research fingerprinting locations near you

Complete everything promptly:

• Don't wait days between steps
• Apply for license as soon as the 5-day waiting period ends
• Schedule fingerprinting immediately
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information

Factors That Slow Down Your Timeline

Understanding what causes delays helps you avoid them:

Inconsistent studying:

• Skipping days between study sessions
• Long breaks in coursework
• Not following a schedule

When you take weeks off between study sessions, you spend time relearning instead of progressing.

Waiting to schedule your exams:

• Delaying exam scheduling after finishing course
• Waiting until you "feel ready"
• Procrastinating due to nerves

Information fades over time. The longer you wait after finishing your course, the more you'll need to review.

Incomplete applications:

• Missing required information
• Errors in provided details
• Forgetting to submit documents

Incomplete applications get sent back for corrections, adding weeks to your timeline.

Background check issues:

• Discrepancies in information
• Previous criminal history requiring additional review
• Name changes not properly documented

Most background checks clear quickly, but issues require additional processing time.

Busy testing centers:

• Peak licensing seasons (often fall and spring)
• Limited availability in your area
• Waiting for preferred times instead of taking earlier appointments

Dual Licensing Timeline

Planning to get multiple licenses? Here's how that affects your timeline:

Option 1: Sequential (Complete one, then the other)

• Finish first license completely (7-9 weeks)
• Then complete second license (7-9 weeks)
• Total: 14-18 weeks

Option 2: Combined coursework, separate exams

• Complete both courses simultaneously (4-6 weeks)
• Take first set of exams
• Take second set of exams shortly after
• Apply for both licenses
• Total: 9-11 weeks

Option 3: Most efficient approach

• Complete both courses (study all required hours)
• Schedule all exams close together
• Take all exams within same week if possible
• Apply for both licenses simultaneously
• Total: 7-9 weeks

Many agents pursuing dual licensing find it easier to focus intensely and complete everything together rather than spreading it out over several months.

Want to understand your career options? Learn about career opportunitiesPre License Career Opportunities Insurance Producers Illinois Resources for Illinois insurance producers.

What to Do While Waiting

The waiting periods—between finishing your course and exam day, or during license processing—don't have to be idle time.

While waiting for your exams:

• Review your course notes daily
• Take additional practice exams
• Create flashcards for challenging concepts
• Study state-specific regulations more deeply

While waiting for license approval:

• Research insurance agencies in your area
• Connect with licensed agents on LinkedIn
• Start learning about different insurance companies you might represent
• Consider whether you'll work captive (one company) or independent (multiple companies)
• Research continuing education requirements for when you need to renew

After receiving your license:

• Decide on your business model (joining an agency vs. going independent)
• Research errors and omissions insurance
• Set up your business infrastructure
• Begin prospecting for clients

Understanding the insurance industry landscape helps you hit the ground running once licensed.

Managing Expectations

Setting realistic expectations helps reduce frustration during the licensing process:

Things you control:

• How quickly you complete coursework
• When you schedule your exams
• How promptly you submit your application (after the 5-day wait)
• Quality and completeness of your application

Things you don't control:

• The mandatory 5-day waiting period
• Testing center availability
• Background check processing time
• State licensing board processing time
• Peak season application volumes

Focus your energy on what you can control. Move efficiently through the steps within your power, then practice patience during processing periods.

Is the Timeline Worth It?

Seven to nine weeks might feel like a long time when you're eager to start your new career. But consider this perspective:

Most career changes require:

• 2-4 years for a college degree
• 6-12 months for trade school certification
• 3-6 months for intensive bootcamp programs

In that context, 7-9 weeks to launch an insurance career is remarkably fast. You're looking at about two months from "I want to become an insurance agent" to "I'm a licensed insurance professional actively serving clients."

The insurance industry offers:

• Stable career with growth potential
• Flexible schedules (many agents set their own hours)
• Unlimited earning potential
• The satisfaction of helping people protect what matters most
• Low barrier to entry compared to many professions

Two months of focused effort to access all those benefits? That's an excellent return on investment.

Curious about earning potential? Learn about insurance agent salariesPre License How Much Insurance Agents Make Illinois Resources in Illinois.

Your Timeline Starts Now

Every day you wait to start is one more day before you're licensed and earning. The good news? You can begin immediately.

Enroll in your pre-licensing course today, and you could be:

• Finishing coursework in 3-4 weeks
• Passing your state exams by week 5
• Submitting your license application by week 6
• Receiving your license by week 9