The total cost to get an insurance license commonly ranges from about $150 to $500, depending on the state, license type, and licensing requirements. Costs can include pre-licensing education or exam preparation, the state licensing exam, application fees, and, in some states, fingerprinting or background check fees.
Your total cost may be lower in a state that does not require pre-licensing education or fingerprinting, while states with additional education and licensing requirements can cost more. Retaking the licensing exam can also increase the total amount you spend.
Common Insurance Licensing Costs
The total cost of obtaining an insurance license is made up of several expenses. While exact fees vary by state and license type, common costs include:
- Pre-licensing education or exam preparation: $100 to $300
- State licensing exam: $40 to $100
- License application and processing: $40 to $200
- Fingerprinting or background check: $25 to $75, when required
Not every applicant will pay all of these costs. Some states do not require pre-licensing education or fingerprinting, and fees can fall outside these ranges depending on the state and license type.
Candidates who do not pass the licensing exam on the first attempt may also need to pay an additional examination fee for each retake.
The time required to complete the licensing process can also vary by state. Review our How Long Does It Take to Get an Insurance License? article for more information about education, exam preparation, testing, and application timelines.
What Affects the Total Cost
Several factors can influence how much you will spend to get licensed.
- State licensing requirements
- Type of insurance license
- Pre-licensing education requirements
- Exam preparation
- Examination fees and retakes
- Application fees
- Fingerprinting or background check requirements
Understanding these variables can help you estimate the cost of obtaining your insurance license before beginning the licensing process.
Can You Get Licensed for Less?
In some states, licensing costs are lower because pre-licensing education or fingerprinting is not required. Other costs, such as state examination and application fees, generally cannot be avoided.
Passing the licensing exam on the first attempt can also help keep costs down by avoiding additional examination fees. Review our How Hard Is the Insurance License Exam? article for more information about exam difficulty, first-time pass rates, and preparing for the licensing exam.
Our insurance exam simulator is included with enrollment and provides realistic practice exams to help identify areas that need additional study before taking the state licensing exam.
For additional guidance on preparing for the exam, review our How Long Should You Study for the Insurance License Exam? article for more information about study time, preparation schedules, and determining when you are ready to test.
How Costs Vary by State
Insurance licensing costs vary by state and license type. Exam fees, application fees, education requirements, and fingerprinting or background check costs can all affect the total amount you will spend.
Some states require pre-licensing education, while others allow applicants to prepare for the licensing exam without completing a required course. Additional requirements, fees, and licensing procedures also differ from state to state.
Review our insurance license requirements by state to find the licensing requirements, process, and fees that apply in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license?
The total cost commonly ranges from about $150 to $500, depending on the state, license type, and licensing requirements. This can include education or exam preparation, examination fees, application fees, and fingerprinting or background check fees when required.
How much does a life and health insurance license cost?
The cost of obtaining a Life and Health insurance license varies by state. Because the license covers both lines of authority, education or exam preparation costs may be higher than for a single-line license. Examination, application, and fingerprinting fees may also apply.
Do you have to pay for the insurance exam?
Yes. Insurance licensing exams commonly cost about $40 to $100, although fees vary by state, license type, and testing provider.
Are there additional insurance licensing costs?
Yes. Depending on the state, additional costs can include fingerprinting, background checks, application processing fees, and exam retakes. Fingerprinting and background check costs commonly add about $25 to $75 when required.
What happens if you fail the insurance exam?
If you do not pass the licensing exam, you will generally need to pay another examination fee before retaking it. Some states also limit the number of exam attempts allowed within a specific period.
Next Steps
Understanding the costs involved can help you plan for the insurance licensing process before you begin. Review the requirements for your state to determine the education, examination, application, and other fees that apply to the license you plan to obtain.
Explore our insurance exam prep and pre-licensing courses to select your state and begin preparing for the licensing exam, or review our insurance license requirements to learn about the licensing process and requirements in your state.
