How to get a California insurance license

Step 1: Complete a California Pre-Licensing Insurance Course

To qualify for the California insurance license exam, you must complete a pre-licensing insurance course that is certified by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Upon passing the pre-licensing course final exam, you will be awarded a Certificate of Course Completion.

Our California pre-licensing insurance courses cover the various insurance concepts, definitions, insurance laws and agent regulations listed on the California Pre-Licensing Educational and Examination Objectives. Courses are presented in a clear and concise format and include instructional videos, interactive illustrations, practice exams, and student support.

National Online Insurance School is certified by the California Department of Insurance to offer the following courses below. Each course includes the required 12 hours of Ethics and the California Insurance Code.

Step 2: Pass the California Insurance License Exam

Upon successfully completing your pre-licensing insurance course, you must register with PSI Services to take your state insurance exam. Exam reservations can be made online at the PSI website by following the steps below and clicking the 'Register for the State Exam' button, or over the phone at (833) 518-7456.

1. Create an account on the PSI Exams website
2. Once you've created your account, select CA Department of Insurance from the 'Select Organization' dropdown menu
3. After selecting the CA Department of Insurance, choose your exam from the 'Select Test' dropdown
4. Information regarding your exam will populate on the page. Click the 'Continue' button located at the bottom of the page to complete your registration

Expected cost

$55.00 when testing at a California Department of Insurance (CDI) testing center

$98.00 when testing at a PSI testing center

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: Submit Electronic Fingerprints

Fingerprints are required by the California Department of Insurance to ensure that applicants do not have a disqualifying criminal or social services background that would prevent them from being a licensed insurance agent. You can schedule an appointment to submit electronic fingerprints on the day of your exam at a PSI testing site or CDI testing site. If you would prefer to have your fingerprint impressions taken before the day of your exam, you may schedule it at a CDI testing site.

You should bring a completed Live Scan Request, form LIC 442-39A with you on the day of your fingerprint impressions.

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

$59.00 at a CDI testing site

$68.95 at a PSI testing site

Step 4: 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 pre-licensing course hours for the lines of authority for which you are applying
• 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