The California insurance license exam, explained
California licenses insurance agents through the Department of Insurance. Since January 1, 2026 the 20-hour pre-licensing course is no longer required, but a 12-hour ethics and California Insurance Code course still is. Statewise covers the Life exam. Here is the path.
How to get licensed in California
- 1
Complete the 12-hour ethics and Insurance Code course
California still requires 12 hours of study on ethics and the California Insurance Code before your license can be issued. The separate 20-hour pre-licensing course was repealed for life agents from January 1, 2026. Statewise is practice prep, not this course.
- 2
Book and pass the state exam
Schedule with PSI, the Department's exam vendor: at a PSI test center, the Department's Los Angeles site, or online with a remote proctor. The Life exam runs 75 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, and 60 percent is a pass.
- 3
Submit your fingerprints
After you pass the exam, submit your fingerprints for the background check.
- 4
Apply for your license
Then submit your license application to the California Department of Insurance. Make sure you apply for the license you qualify for.