How to Pass the Insurance State Licensing Exam in Three Steps
WebCE Staff
By
September 23, 2021
The insurance industry offers many fulfilling paths to a great career. However, to become a licensed insurance agent, you will need to pass your state’s insurance licensing exam. This can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can pass the exam the first time—and even gain some early career momentum!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ace your insurance licensing exam, from understanding the different license types to crafting a personalized study plan.
Step 1: Know Your Insurance License Type & State Requirements
The first step to earning an insurance license is identifying the insurance license you want to earn, then finding your state’s licensing requirements.
Insurance License Types
Knowing the specific license you need is crucial because requirements vary and the exam content will be tailored to that license type.
Insurance License Types include:
Life and Health – Focuses on products that protect clients and their families against financial hardship caused by illness, disability, or death
Property & Casualty – Covers damage or loss to property and protects against liabilities from accidents or other unforeseen events
Limited Lines & Personal Lines – Targets specific insurance products such as auto, homeowners, and renters insurance with a focus on personal needs
Adjuster – Investigates insurance claims, assesses damages, and negotiates settlements with policyholders—but they do not directly sell insurance
State Insurance License Exam Requirements
Insurance license exam requirements vary by state. Even within a state, requirements can vary by license type.
Once you have decided on your license type, visit our State Insurance Exam Requirements page to find your requirements before diving in.
This is important because some states require insurance prelicensing.
Insurance Prelicensing
Some states require insurance prelicensing, or courses that must be completed before a candidate can qualify to take the licensing exam. It is crucial to find out if your state requires prelicensing before preparing for the exam.
Prelicensing is not the same as insurance exam prep. Insurance prelicensing courses are meant to prepare agents for work in the field, not necessarily prepare them to take an exam.
We break down all the differences between insurance prelicensing and insurance exam prep in our blog, Insurance Exam Prep vs. Prelicensing: What’s the Difference?
Step 2: Schedule Your Exam
The second step to earning an insurance license is scheduling your exam. This is for several reasons.
Many states suggest scheduling your exam four to six weeks ahead of time. Before diving into your exam prep, it is important to schedule your exam so you can organize your study efforts based on when you are taking the exam.
Knowing when your exam is scheduled can improve your exam prep efforts. By creating a study plan leading up to exam day, the information will be fresher and your chances of passing will be much higher.
It is just like in school, when teachers gave tests at the end of a lesson, when that information was freshest. Studying long before your exam day can turn that test into a midterm, where the information may not be as fresh.
You can schedule your exam by finding your state on our State Requirements page.
Step 3: Take an Insurance Exam Prep Course
Once you know your requirements, the third step to earning an insurance license is taking an exam prep course.
WebCE recommends spending one to two weeks preparing for the insurance license exam. During this time, we recommend:
Create a study plan that works with your schedule with My Study Planner
Complete an insurance exam prep course that breaks down key points while keeping you engaged with frequent quizzes and knowledge checks for increased retention
Target tricky subjects with our Flash Tutor’s online flashcards
Put your knowledge to the test with our Exam Tutor’s practice exams to simulate the state’s timed exam or customize your own
Assess your progress with our AI-powered Exam Readiness Score from WiseBot
By completing this process with WebCE’s insurance exam prep and earning a green Exam Readiness Score from WiseBot, you can improve your chances of passing the insurance license exam by at least 94%.
The better your prep, the better your chances.
Bonus: Free Guide to Starting an Insurance Career
FREE Guide for Starting an Insurance Career
Download our FREE eBook, The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Career in Insurance, and learn:
All about the benefits of being in the insurance industry
How to prepare for and take the state insurance exam
How to receive real-world training so you can thrive in your new career
Pass the First Time with Insurance Exam Prep from WebCE
Follow these three easy steps and you will gain the knowledge, confidence, and test-taking strategies needed to succeed on exam day and beyond.
Our insurance exam prep makes it easy to pass your exam the first time. Simply study and practice until WiseBot gives you the green light. Then you will have at least a 94% chance of passing.
Explore our Insurance Exam Prep catalog today to learn more or call 877-488-9308 to speak with a member of our award-winning Support Services team today!