How to get a California insurance license

Step 1: Prepare for the California insurance license exam

Our California insurance exam prep courses cover the insurance concepts, definitions, laws, and agent regulations listed on the California License Examination Objectives.

Effective January 1, 2026, California separated the required 12-hour Ethics & California Insurance Code course from insurance exam preparation. While insurance exam prep is no longer required by the state, many students still prepare before taking the PSI licensing exam.

California requires all applicants to complete a 12-hour Ethics & California Insurance Code course before a license can be issued. This requirement is separate from insurance exam preparation and must be completed prior to license issuance.

Our California insurance exam prep courses include the required 12-hour Ethics & California Insurance Code course.

National Online Insurance School provides the following California insurance exam prep courses and required 12-hour Ethics & California Insurance Code course.

Step 2: Pass the California Insurance License Exam

Once ready to take the state exam, applicants must register with PSI Services to schedule the California insurance exam. Exam reservations can be made online at the PSI website or over the phone at (833) 518-7456.

Expected cost

$98.00

About the state exam

• You are required to provide a current form of identification with a photo (driver's license, passport, etc.) that exactly matches the name on the exam registration at the testing center. You are not required to present your Certificate of Course Completion.
• Exam times are typically available in the morning, afternoon, and early evening on weekdays at various locations throughout the state
• You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures. If you arrive late you will not be allowed to take your exam and will forfeit your exam fee.
• Applicants with disabilities should make special arrangements prior to registering for the state exam by contacting the testing administrator at (833) 518-7456
• Passing score is 60%

Review our Insurance License Exam Tips to learn more about the state exam format and the types of questions asked on the exam, as well as additional test-taking tips to help you prepare for your exam day.

Step 3: Complete an Insurance License Application

Once you have passed your state insurance exam you can apply for your insurance license through the CDI website. Please keep in mind that you will only be able to electronically apply for your license once you have passed your state insurance exam and the testing vendor has reported your successful completion to the Department of Insurance. Click the button below and follow the steps to complete your application.

License qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• A resident of the state of California
• Complete the required 12-hour Ethics & California Insurance Code course
• Pass the state insurance exam for the lines of authority for which you are applying
• Must not have committed any act that is a ground for denial, suspension, or revocation of license.

Expected cost

Application Fee: $188.00

Step 4: Submit Electronic Fingerprints

Fingerprints are required by the California Department of Insurance to verify that applicants meet the state's eligibility standards and do not have a disqualifying criminal or social services background. Fingerprinting should be completed after your license application has been submitted.

Resident candidates taking an insurance exam for the first time must be fingerprinted; however, if you have already submitted electronic fingerprints within the past 12 months for a previous insurance exam, you may not be required to submit a new set of fingerprints. You can contact the California Department of Insurance to determine if a new set of fingerprints is required.

Expected cost

$74.00