Tell me about Licensing?
To obtain an insurance license, you must . . .
1.  Go through the State's application process (see below)
2.  Complete license training through our school to obtain a Certificate of Completion
3.  Schedule the State Exam and required fingerprinting.

NOTE:  YOU CAN SCHEDULE THE STATE EXAM ANY TIME, JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FROM OUR PRE-LICENSING COURSE AND ALL THE ITEMS NEEDED ON YOUR CHECKLIST  BY THE DAY OF THE EXAM . . . ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

Tell me about the State Exam?
Before you can sit for the State Exam you need a Certificate of Completion from our school for the courses required by your license (see licensing).  On the day of the exam, you need to bring proper identification.    The State Exam is computer-based (sample) .  There are 75 questions for the Life Only License; 75 for Accident & Health and 150 for Fire & Casualty.

You must score 70% or better to pass.  If you fail, you can retake the exam 3 consecutive times for a fee of $41 each.  Your 4th try requires a 30 day waiting period.   Use our Pass The Exam Workbook to avoid this kind of problem.  It's included with your course.

What is the State's Application process?
The State has an online application process called FLASH.  A brief description is below.  You can go to our DOI Links page get to the application or schedule your State Exam.

In California, you can apply for your insurance license and schedule a date to take your state exam online . . . It' called FLASH Online Application Service.  Here is a brief description of the process . . .

1.  You will need internet access, a credit card, email address and printer to apply for your license.
2.  Go to the FLASH application  (see link below)
3.  You will be asked to type in your name, address, type of license you want, a little history of your work experience and other licensing and background questions.
4.  You will be asked if you have completed your pre-license training.   If you haven't finished our pre-license course answer no.  (YOU CAN START OUR COURSE AT ANYTIME,  BUT YOU MUST FINISH OUR PRE-LICENSING COURSE BEFORE TAKING THE STATE EXAM).
5.  You will go to a payment area to pay fees.  (See fees below)
6.  You will be prompted to save and print your application.  You will also receive and print a checklist of what to do next and items to bring to the State Exam.  These items should be taken to the state exam along with the Certificate of Completion you receive after finishing our pre-license course.
7.  When finished with your online application, you will receive an e-mail confirmation from the State and a Schedule of State Exam Dates to choose.

Need to know more about the application process?  Go to our DOI Links page and check out the License Application FAQ link.

What are the current fees for a obtaining an insurance license in California
License: $144 (2-year term)
Examination: $41 per scheduled examination date
Fingerprint Processing: Varies from $25 to $65 see fingerprinting.

What fees will I pay after licensing?
Renewal Fee: Currently $144 (every 2-years)

Do I have to be sponsored by a company or agent before taking the State Exam?
No. No sponsorship or approval is needed.  However, you cannot transact any insurance business unless you have an "appointment" (approval and agreement) with an approved life or casualty carrier (insurance company).

Can I take the State Exam online?
No.  You need to personally take the State Exam at an approved DOI testing site.  See our DOI Links page for locations and hours.

What If I Fail the State Exam?
Don't think like that!  But, if you do fail you can re-take it 3 times in a row at a cost of $41 each time.  You have to wait 30 days for the 4th try.

I had a license in another State, do I have to take California pre-license training?
It depends.  If your State required you to complete a 40-hour pre-license training course you may be
exempt, but you may need to take the 12 hours code and ethics.  Go to our DOI Links page to contact DOI for a final answer.