California Life And Health Insurance Exam Duration Explained

The California Life and Health Insurance Exam is a pivotal step in becoming a licensed insurance agent in California. The exam is administered by PSI Services, and can be taken online or in person. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 180 minutes (3 hours). Candidates need to score at least 60% to pass. The exam covers both general insurance product knowledge and California-specific insurance laws and regulations.

Exam format and structure

The California Life, Accident, and Health exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which you are required to complete in 180 minutes (3 hours). This means you'll need to work quickly and answer each question in under a minute. The exam pass mark is 60%, so you'll need to answer 90 questions correctly to pass.

The exam is split into two parts: one part testing your general insurance knowledge and the other testing your state-specific knowledge. The first part will weigh your understanding of aspects such as types of policies, the constituencies of a contract, application, underwriting, taxes, and annuities. The second part will test your knowledge of state-specific regulations regarding Life, Accident & Health insurance, and other state insurance laws.

While the topics covered in the exam are not explicitly listed on the PSI website, it's recommended that you review the study materials from your pre-licensing course. The pre-licensing educational objectives listed on the PSI website will give you an idea of what to expect. These include basic Accident and Health insurance principles, basic Life insurance concepts, Insurance codes and Ethics, long-term care insurance, and Disability insurance, to name a few.

The exam is not designed to test only how much you know but also your ability to perform as an Insurance Agent. Therefore, you can expect some "trick questions" or questions generated from dry information such as the names of laws or important dates.

Scheduling the exam

Scheduling the California Life, Accident & Health licensing exam is done through PSI Services LLC, a company located in California responsible for state-based licensure services. PSI has a website where applicants can conveniently schedule an examination. However, PSI also gives you the option to register through telephone, fax, or by mailing the application form with its corresponding fee.

When scheduling the exam online, applicants first need to create an account with details such as full name and surname (as recorded on your government-issued ID) and your correct social security number. Next, you’ll need to search for the line of authority you intend to write an exam for; in this case, you would be looking for the Life, Accident, and Health agent examination. Once you have selected the exam you want to write, you’ll again be required to enter personal details. It is important to enter these details accurately to avoid a delay in processing your license application at the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Next, proceed to the payment page, where you’ll be required to add your payment details and make a payment according to your application fee. For the Life & Health Insurance exam, you will have to pay $88 plus a $33 convenience fee for each exam attempt.

At this point, you’ll also need to specify your preferred mode of taking the exam: online or at a test center. While some people prefer the comfort of taking an exam online in their own secured space, others prefer the traditional physical exam setup. How you choose to take the exam can make all the difference to the amount of pressure you feel when sitting for an exam.

Considering this, PSI Services offers examinees the option to choose their preferred test mode, that is, either from a PSI testing center CDI testing site or online from a secure location like your home or office. Different procedures apply to the two test modes, and knowing them can help you decide how you’d like to take your insurance license test.

Taking the examination at a test center

Once you’ve made the payment for your exam, the system will automatically ask you to choose your preferred test mode. When opting for a PSI test center, you’ll be required to specify your preferred center from the list of centers close to you. You’ll also have to select the date and time most suitable for taking the exam. On the exam day, you’ll need to arrive 30 minutes before the exam to check in and for identity verification. Verifying your identity requires examinees to bring along any form of government-issued identification such as a driver’s license, employment authorization card, or military ID. You will find a detailed list of the security protocols you encounter at the exam venue on the PSI website. Once you’ve been seated and your identity verification and other pre-exam procedures are complete, PSI will display an introductory tutorial on the computer screen. The introductory tutorial isn’t part of the exam and only serves as a practice exam. After the 15-minute tutorial, you’ll be prompted to begin with your computer-administered exam.

Taking the online examination

PSI Bridge is software used by PSI to administer online exams. The software is fully functional with a webcam audio and video monitoring system that an examiner uses to monitor your actions and ensure the exam is proctored. Before taking the online exam, you must undergo a compatibility check on your computer to ensure your device is compatible with PSI Bridge. You are also required to check in 30 minutes before the start of the online exam for identity verification and other check-in procedures. Once you’ve completed the exams, expect to see your pass or fail results appear on the screen. You’ll also receive a detailed results sheet via email shortly after taking the test.

Exam registration

To register for the California Life and Health Insurance Exam, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements, which include:

• Being 18 years old or older
• Undergoing a background screening
• Completing a minimum of 20 hours of approved pre-licensing study
• Completing 12 hours of approved pre-licensing study on code and ethics

Once you have fulfilled these requirements, you can proceed with the registration process.

Step 1: Complete a Pre-licensing Course

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) requires candidates to complete a pre-licensing course that has been approved by the department. ExamFX is one such provider. Once you have completed your course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is a necessary document for exam registration.

Step 2: Schedule Your Exam

You can schedule your exam with PSI Exams, California's testing provider. You can do this online or by calling (833) 518-7456. When scheduling, you will need to select your preferred test mode: taking the exam online or at a physical PSI examination center. It is recommended that you register at least two weeks in advance.

Step 3: Provide Payment

There is a fee for each exam attempt. For the Life & Health Insurance exam, the fee is $88, plus a $33 convenience fee for each exam attempt. This amounts to a total of $121 for each "combined producer exam."

Step 4: Arrive Early on Exam Day

If you choose to take the exam at a physical test center, it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in and complete identity verification. You must bring a valid form of government-issued identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID.

Exam content

The California Life and Health Insurance Exam is a comprehensive assessment for individuals seeking to become licensed insurance agents in the state of California. This exam covers a range of topics related to insurance products, regulations, and the role of insurance agents. Here is an overview of the exam content:

Exam Structure:

The California Life, Accident, and Health exam consist of 150 multiple-choice questions, which candidates must complete within 180 minutes (3 hours). The exam is divided into two main parts:

General Insurance Knowledge:

This section assesses your understanding of fundamental insurance concepts and principles. It covers areas such as:

• Basic Insurance Concepts and Principles
• Contract Law
• The Insurance Marketplace
• Types of Life Policies
• Annuities
• Taxation of Life Insurance
• Group Insurance Plans
• Individual Underwriting, Pricing, and Claims
• Disability Insurance

State-Specific Knowledge:

The second part of the exam focuses on California-specific insurance regulations and laws. This includes topics such as:

• California Insurance Regulations and Laws
• Life, Accident & Health Insurance-specific Regulations
• Other State-specific Insurance Laws

Exam Format:

The California Life and Health Insurance Exam is administered by PSI Services LLC, offering candidates the option to take the exam online or at one of their test centres. The exam is a multiple-choice format, and candidates are required to achieve a passing score of 60%. The exam questions are designed to assess not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge as an Insurance Agent.

Exam Preparation:

To prepare for the California Life and Health Insurance Exam, candidates must complete pre-licensing education requirements, including a minimum of 20 hours of approved pre-licensing study and 12 hours of approved study on code and ethics. Familiarising yourself with the study materials from your pre-licensing course and reviewing the pre-licensing educational objectives listed on the PSI website are essential steps in your exam preparation. Additionally, practice exams and study guides can help you become familiar with the exam format and improve your chances of success.

Post-exam steps

Congratulations on completing your California Life and Health Insurance Exam! Here are the steps you need to take after the exam to obtain your license:

Step 1: Receive your results

After completing the exam, you will immediately receive a pass or fail score. If you pass, you will receive an examination letter, which is important for the licensing process. If you fail, you will receive an unsuccessful letter, along with a diagnostic report to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Step 2: Complete a fingerprint and background check

As part of the licensing process, you will need to complete a fingerprint and background check. This can be done before or after your exam, but it is recommended to do it at the time of your exam to ensure efficient processing of your licensing application.

Step 3: File your licensing application

You can apply for your license through Sircon or NIPR. You will need to create an account and submit your application. Make sure to have your 12-digit identification number, which can be found on your examination letter.

Step 4: Wait for your application to be reviewed

The California Department of Insurance will review your application. The processing time may vary, but you can expect to receive a response within a few weeks.

Step 5: Maintain your license

Once you have obtained your license, remember that it needs to be renewed every two years. You must also complete a certain number of credit hours of continuing education each licensing period to keep your license active.

Frequently asked questions