What Score Do You Need to Pass the California Insurance Exam?
Thinking about what’s next in insurance? Get clear guidance and practical resources built for California.
Quick Answer
- All California producer licensing exams require a 60% passing score, while adjuster and bail exams require 70%.
- Exam length ranges from 75 to 150 questions with 1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on license type — all administered by PSI Services.
- You receive your pass/fail result immediately on screen, with a detailed diagnostic report and official results emailed within 24 hours.
The California insurance licensing exam is a multiple-choice test administered by PSI Services on behalf of the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Understanding the exact format, question count, and passing threshold for your specific license type helps you plan your study time and know exactly what you're walking into on exam day.
California Insurance Exam Breakdown by License Type
| License Type | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life, Accident and Health Agent | 150 | 3 hours | 60% |
| Property Broker-Agent | 150 | 3 hours | 60% |
| Casualty Broker-Agent | 150 | 3 hours | 60% |
| Life-Only Agent | 75 | 1.5 hours | 60% |
| Accident and Health Agent | 75 | 1.5 hours | 60% |
| Personal Lines Broker-Agent | 75 | 1.5 hours | 60% |
| Limited Lines Automobile | 60 | 1.5 hours | 60% |
| Independent Insurance Adjuster | 75 | 1.5 hours | 70% |
| Public Insurance Adjuster | 75 | 1.5 hours | 70% |
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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.
How Does California's Passing Score Compare?
| State | Producer Passing Score | P&C Questions |
|---|---|---|
| California | 60% | 150 |
| Texas | 70% | 150 |
| Florida | 70% | 150 |
| Illinois | 70% | Varies by line |
| Ohio | 70% | Varies by line |
California's 60% threshold is lower, but this doesn't make the exam easier. With 150 questions covering both general insurance principles and California-specific regulations, comprehensive preparation remains essential. Candidates who study beyond the minimum exam prep strategiesPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources consistently outperform those who rely on the passing score alone. Explore the complete California licensing processPre License How To Get Your Insurance License In California ResourcesPre License How To Get Your Insurance License In California Resources to plan your path, and see how different license typesPre License What Can You Do With A Property And Casualty Insurance License Resources shape your career.
What Your Exam Results Tell You
You'll see your pass/fail result immediately on screen after completing the exam. Within 24 hours, the CDI emails an official results letter that includes your identification number (needed for your license application) and a diagnostic report. The diagnostic report breaks down your performance by topic area — use it to identify exactly where you're strong and where you need improvement if a retake is necessary.
Time Management Tips for Exam Day
For 150-question exams, you have approximately 1.2 minutes per question. Start by answering questions you're confident about, then flag difficult ones for review. Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question during your first pass — you can return to flagged questions with remaining time. For California-specific questionsPre License How To Get Your Insurance License In California ResourcesPre License How To Get Your Insurance License In California Resources about CDI authority, rate regulations, and ethical requirements, your 12-hour pre-licensing course content becomes your strongest asset.
Knowing the exact format and scoring removes one more variable from your exam day. Pair that clarity with genuine preparation and you're positioned to pass the first time.
Know the test. Beat the test. Aceable Insurance provides CDI-approved education with practice exams that mirror the real format and question count. See what your license is worthPre License What Could Your Insurance License Be Worth Resources — then get started.
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