Paul Sanchez
If you're looking to register for a life insurance license in Washington, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course to prepare for the state exam, although this is no longer mandatory as of 2023. The Washington life insurance exam consists of 100 scored questions across eight sections, with a time limit of 150 minutes. After passing the exam, you must undergo a fingerprint-based background check and submit your license application within a year. Once your application is approved, you can obtain relevant securities licenses and choose your means of selling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Testing service | PSI |
| Number of questions | 100 |
| Exam duration | 150 minutes |
| Exam fee | $35 |
| Payment methods | Credit card, debit card, voucher |
| Exam format | Proctored |
| Number of attempts | Unlimited |
| Background check | Fingerprint-based, $49.25 |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Application method | Online via the Washington OIC Online Services portal |
| License type | Life and disability insurance license |
| Relevant securities licenses | Series 6, 7, and 63 |
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What You'll Learn
Registering for the Washington life insurance exam
Eligibility
To be eligible for a life insurance license in Washington, individuals must meet specific requirements. These include being at least eighteen (18) years of age and being a resident of Washington state. It is also mandatory to complete the necessary education requirements, which will be discussed later in this guide.
Choosing an Exam Provider
Washington uses PSI Services, LLC as its official testing service for delivering licensure exams. PSI provides insurance license exams and allows individuals to schedule their exams conveniently. Their website contains valuable information about fees, license eligibility, exam content outlines, and testing center rules. PSI has multiple test centers across Washington state, offering flexibility for test-takers.
Registration and Payment
Registration for the Washington life insurance exam can be done through the PSI website. The exam fee is $35, payable by credit card, debit card, or voucher at the time of reservation. It is important to note that the exam is proctored, meaning an official proctor will closely monitor you during the exam in a controlled environment.
Exam Content and Format
The Washington life insurance exam comprises 100 scored multiple-choice questions across eight sections. The exam covers both general and state-specific content. Federal insurance product and agent knowledge are assessed, along with Washington insurance regulations and laws pertinent to the role of an insurance agent. Candidates are given 150 minutes to complete the exam.
Preparation
Preparing for the Washington life insurance exam is essential to increase your chances of passing on the first attempt. Various resources are available, including pre-licensing courses, study guides, and practice exams. Agent Broker Training Center, for example, offers time-tested courses and materials specifically designed to help candidates pass state insurance licensing exams.
Post-Exam Requirements
After successfully passing the Washington life insurance exam, there are a few additional steps. Candidates must undergo a fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGO, incurring a fee of $49.25. Subsequently, the license application must be submitted within one year of passing the exam, along with a $60 application fee. The application can be submitted online via the Washington OIC Online Services portal.
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Exam process and testing locations
The Washington State insurance licensing exam is provided by PSI Services, LLC. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes place on a computer. You must score at least 70% to pass.
To schedule an exam, visit the PSI website or call them at 855-205-5825. You can choose to take your exam at any of the PSI test centers or check if you qualify for remote testing. There are 10 PSI test centers located throughout Washington State. For remote tests, you will need a laptop or desktop computer. PSI will test your device for compatibility. If your device or internet connection does not meet the requirements, you will need to schedule an exam at a PSI testing center.
You can also register for a prelicensing exam prep course through ExamFX. While the state of Washington does not require licensing candidates to complete prelicensing education, ExamFX recommends taking an educational course before attempting the exam. They offer a first-time pass guarantee and will refund your money if you do not pass.
In addition to passing the exam, there are several other requirements to obtain a life insurance license in Washington. You must be at least 18 years old, be a resident of Washington, complete the education requirements, get fingerprinted, and apply for a license. Fingerprinting requirements can be met at the exam site at the time of your appointment or after. ExamFX recommends making your fingerprinting appointment at least 48 hours in advance of your licensing exam date to ensure successful scheduling. You can schedule your fingerprinting session by visiting www.Identogo.com or calling (888) 771-5097.
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Fingerprinting and background checks
To register for a Washington life insurance license, you must undergo a fingerprint-based background check. Fingerprinting services are mandatory for the purposes of background checks, as they provide much more comprehensive information than other methods. Fingerprints can be scanned against the FBI's Criminal Database to reveal a criminal history that may have otherwise been missed.
In Washington, you can get your fingerprints taken at an IdentoGO center. There are more than 30 locations in the state, and the fee for fingerprinting services is $49.25, which covers the cost of comparing your prints against criminal history records. To set up a fingerprinting appointment, visit the IdentoGO website and click on the "Schedule a New Appointment" button. You can also schedule an appointment by calling 888-771-5097. At your fingerprinting appointment, you will receive a receipt, which you should keep for your records.
If you are not in Washington, you cannot submit electronic fingerprints. Instead, you will need to go to a local law enforcement agency or private fingerprint company to have your fingerprints taken. You will pay a rolling fee, which will vary by location. After you have your completed fingerprint card, go to the IdentoGO website to continue the background check process.
Once you have completed the background check, you must submit your license application within one year of passing the licensing exam. The application fee is $60, and you must apply online via the Washington OIC Online Services portal.
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Application process and fees
To obtain a life insurance license in Washington, you must complete a few steps and pay certain fees. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process and the associated costs:
Application Process:
- Complete a Washington Insurance Pre-license Course: Before taking the licensing exam, you must complete a pre-license course. Various providers, such as Kaplan Education Company and A.D. Banker, offer these courses to help you prepare for the exam. The cost of the pre-license course from Kaplan Education Company is $149 or more.
- Take the Washington Life Insurance Licensing Exam: The licensing exam is administered by PSI, Washington's official testing service. The exam consists of 100 scored questions across eight sections, and you will have 150 minutes to complete it. The exam fee is $35, payable by credit card, debit card, or voucher at the time of reservation. If you fail the exam, you can retake it as soon as 24 hours after your first attempt, with no limit on the number of attempts.
- Get a Fingerprint-Based Background Check: After passing the exam, you must undergo a fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGO. The fee for this service is $49.25, covering the cost of comparing your fingerprints against criminal history records. You can schedule an appointment on the IdentoGO website.
- Complete and Submit the License Application: Within one year of passing the exam, you must submit your license application through the Washington OIC Online Services portal. The application fee is $60, payable online. The Washington OIC will review your application and background check within three to five business days. They will then notify you of their decision or request additional information.
- Maintain Your License: To maintain your life insurance license, you must renew it every two years. This requires completing 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, with at least three hours focusing on ethics and consumer protection. A $55 renewal fee applies, and a $55 late fee may be imposed if not renewed on time.
Additional Considerations:
- Health Insurance: In Washington, health insurance is covered under disability, so you will be seeking a life and disability insurance license if you plan to sell health insurance.
- Securities License: If you intend to sell advanced life insurance products, you may need to obtain a securities license (e.g., Series 6, 7, and 63) by passing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. This will allow you to offer a wider range of products to your clients.
- Career Path: You will need to decide whether to work as a captive agent for a single company or become an independent agent running your own business. Working as a captive agent can be a good starting point if you are new to the industry.
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Additional requirements for selling certain products
To register for a life insurance license in Washington, you must first complete a pre-licensing course. After that, you can take the state licensing exam. The Washington life insurance exam costs $35 and contains 100 scored multiple-choice questions, which you will have 150 minutes to complete. You will need to bring two forms of ID, including a photo ID, and you will also need to pay $50 for fingerprinting.
Once you have passed the exam, you must get a fingerprint-based background check from IdentoGO, which costs $49.25. You must then submit your license application within a year of passing the exam. The application fee is $60, and you must apply online.
If you plan on selling advanced life insurance products, you will likely need to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and obtain relevant securities licenses (Series 6, 7, and 63).
Additionally, if you are a resident of Washington, you will need to complete 24 hours of insurance continuing education (CE) every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training, to renew your license. There are also additional training requirements to sell certain products, including annuities, long-term care, and flood insurance. You can find out more about these requirements on the Washington OIC website.
It is important to note that health insurance in Washington is covered under disability, so you will be seeking a life and disability insurance license.
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Frequently asked questions
You can register for a Washington life insurance license by taking a pre-licensing course, taking the state licensing exam, getting a fingerprint-based background check, and submitting your license application.
The Washington life insurance exam is 150 minutes long and includes 100 scored questions across eight sections. The exam is multiple-choice and proctored, and you must pay a $35 fee at the time of reservation.
After passing the exam, you must get a fingerprint-based background check from IdentoGO. You can schedule an appointment on their website. The fee for fingerprinting services is $49.25.
You can submit your license application online via the Washington OIC Online Services portal. The application fee is $60. You must submit your application within one year of passing the licensing exam.
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