What Do People Ask Most About Getting a California Insurance License?
Thinking about what’s next in insurance? Get clear guidance and practical resources built for California.
Quick Answer
- California requires a 12-hour pre-licensing course, a state exam through PSI Services, fingerprinting, and an online application — most candidates complete the process in 2–6 weeks.
- No college degree is required. You must be at least 18, a legal U.S. resident, and pass a background check.
- Exams require a 60% passing score and are available in-person or remotely in six languages.
1. What Are the Requirements to Get a California Insurance License?
You must be at least 18 years old, complete a California Department of Insurance (CDI)-approved 12-hour Ethics and Insurance Code course, pass the state licensing exam administered by PSI Services, submit fingerprints through Capital Live Scan, and apply online through SirconServiceRequest States California Content.jsp ComplianceExpress or NIPRNipr.com. Full details are available in our California licensing guidePre License How To Get Your Insurance License In California Resources.
2. Do I Need a College Degree?
No. California does not require a college degree for any insurance license type. Insurance is one of the most accessible professional careers — you can begin with no prior experiencePre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources and be licensed within weeks.
3. How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in California?
With focused preparation, most candidates complete the process in 2–4 weeks. The fastest path involves completing pre-licensing education in 2–3 days, scheduling the exam within a week, and submitting your application and fingerprints immediately after passing. Typical timelines extend to 4–6 weeks when factoring in study time and scheduling availability.
4. What's on the California Insurance Exam?
The exam includes both general insurance knowledge (approximately 70%) and California-specific laws and regulations (approximately 30%). For Property and Casualty, expect 150 questions over 3 hours. Life-Only and Accident & Health exams each have 75 questions over 1.5 hours. All producer exams require a 60% score to pass, per the CDI's published exam information0010 Producer Online Services 0200 Exam Info Examtimesandquestion.cfm 0200 Industry.
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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.
5. Can I Take the Exam From Home?
Yes. PSI Services offers remote online proctored exams through its Bridge platform. You need a computer with a moveable webcam, microphone, and stable internet. In-person testing is also available at 20+ PSI centers across California and the CDI's Los Angeles location.
6. Is the Exam Available in Languages Other Than English?
California offers licensing exams in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog — making it one of the most accessible states for diverse applicants.
7. What Happens If I Fail the Exam?
You can reschedule immediately with no mandatory waiting period. Each retake requires a new exam fee. Use the diagnostic report you receive to focus your study timePre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources on weak areas. Candidates who fail 10 times within 12 months are barred from that exam for one year.
8. Which License Type Should I Choose?
| If You Want To... | Choose This License |
|---|---|
| Sell auto, home, and business insurance | Property and Casualty |
| Sell life, health, and disability insurance | Life, Accident and Health |
| Sell personal auto and homeowners only | Personal Lines |
| Maximize your flexibility and income | Both P&C and Life & Health |
Compare each path in detail in our license comparison guidePre License Property And Casualty Vs Life And Health Vs All Lines Resources.
9. Do I Need Fingerprints?
Yes. All first-time resident applicants must submit electronic fingerprints through Capital Live Scan (CLS) or a DOJ-approved Live Scan location. Results are shared with both the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Schedule fingerprints as soon as you file your license application to avoid delays.
10. How Do I Maintain My License After I Get It?
California requires 24 hours of continuing educationContinuing Education Finish Your California Insurance Ce On Time Resources every two years, including 3 hours of ethics and 1 hour of anti-fraud training. Your license renews on the last day of your birth month. There is no grace period — missing your deadline means your license expires.
Still have questions? Aceable Insurance provides expert guidance from enrollment to exam day and beyond. Get the complete answersPre License Insurance Licensing Questions Resources and start your California insurance career with confidence.
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