Top 10 New York Insurance License Questions for Beginners
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Quick Answers:
- New York requires 20 to 90 hours of pre-licensing education depending on your license type, followed by a PSI exam with a 70% passing score.
- The licensing process typically takes four to eight weeks from enrollment to receiving your license through the NYDFS.
- Most candidates get licensed without a college degree — you just need to be at least 18 and pass the required steps.
Thinking about getting your insurance license in New York? The process is straightforward once you understand the steps. Below are the ten questions future agents ask most, answered with verified details from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS)Agents_and_brokers Home Apps_and_licensing.
Your Top 10 Questions, Answered
| # | Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Do I need a college degree? | No — just complete pre-licensing education and pass the exam. |
| 2 | How many hours of education are required? | 20–90 hours depending on license type. |
| 3 | What score do I need to pass the exam? | 70% or higher. |
| 4 | Who administers the exam? | PSI Services. |
| 5 | Is fingerprinting required? | Yes, through IdentoGO. |
| 6 | How long does it take to get licensed? | Typically 4–8 weeks. |
| 7 | Can I take the exam remotely? | Yes, PSI offers remote proctored testing. |
| 8 | What if I fail the exam? | You can retake it by rescheduling through PSI. |
| 9 | How long is my passing score valid? | Two years from the exam date. |
| 10 | Do I need continuing education? | Yes — typically 15 hours every 2 years for a single line. |
1. Do I Need a Degree to Get Licensed in New York?
No. New York doesn't require a college degree. You must be at least 18 years old, complete NYDFS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, and clear a background check. Insurance is one of the most accessible professional careersPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources available.
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2. How Many Hours of Pre-Licensing Do I Need?
It depends on your license type. Life, Accident and Health requires 40 hours. Life only or Accident and Health only requires 20 hours. Property and Casualty requires 90 hours. Choosing the right license pathPre License Property And Casualty Vs Life And Health Vs All Lines Resources determines your education commitment.
3. What's the Passing Score?
You need a 70% overall. The general and state sections are scored together. This is the standard across most states.
4. How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Most candidates complete pre-licensing in two to four weeks, take the exam within one to two weeks after, and receive their license within days to weeks of submitting their application. The fastest path is typically four to six weeks with focused, consistent study habitsPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources.
5. Can I Retake the Exam If I Fail?
Yes. There's no limit on retakes in New York, but you'll pay the exam fee each time. Reviewing your score report and targeting weak areas before reattempting makes a significant difference.
6. What Continuing Education Do I Need?
Licensed agents must complete continuing education every two years to maintain their license. For a single line of authority, the general requirement is 15 hours, including 3 hours of ethics. P&C licensees also need 1 hour of flood insurance education. Staying compliant keeps your career on track and your earning potentialPre License What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Insurance Resources growing.
How New York Compares
New York has higher pre-licensing hour requirements than most states. Oklahoma and North Carolina, for example, don't require pre-licensing education at all. However, New York's thorough preparation requirements mean agents enter the field with strong foundational knowledge — which benefits both their careersPre License Tips Becoming A Successful Insurance Agent Resources and their clients.
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Aceable Insurance offers NYDFS-approved pre-licensing courses and exam prep designed to turn your questions into confidence. With interactive lessons, practice tests, and clear guidancePre License How To Get An Insurance License Resources through every step, you'll be ready to pass your exam and start building your career.
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