What is Insurance Pre-Licensing?
Before you can sell insurance in any state, you must obtain a license from your state's insurance regulatory authority (in Wisconsin, this is the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, or OCI). Pre-licensing education is the required coursework you must complete before you're eligible to take the state licensing exam. This training covers insurance fundamentals, state-specific insurance law, ethics, and the specific knowledge required for each line of authority you wish to sell.
CEWisconsin has partnered with ExamFX, a nationally recognized leader in insurance pre-licensing education, to offer prospective agents high-quality exam preparation at a significant discount.
Lines of Authority Available
States offer several insurance license types. Choose based on the products you want to sell:
Life Insurance
Term life, whole life, universal life, variable life, and annuities. Required: approximately 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Health Insurance
Medical, dental, disability, long-term care, and Medicare supplements. Required: approximately 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Property Insurance
Homeowners, renters, commercial property, and fire insurance. Required: approximately 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Casualty Insurance
Auto, general liability, workers' compensation, and umbrella policies. Required: approximately 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Many agents pursue multiple licenses. In most states, Property and Casualty are often combined into a single course, as are Life and Health. However, Wisconsin does not allow combined exams — you must complete separate courses and exams for each line of authority.
How to Get Your State Insurance License
- Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Finish your state-approved course through ExamFX (see discount above). You'll receive a certificate of completion. Note: Wisconsin does not allow combined Life & Health or Property & Casualty exams — you must complete individual courses for each line of authority.
- Complete Fingerprinting / Background Check: Most states require a background check before licensing. In Wisconsin, complete fingerprinting through Fieldprint Wisconsin using code FPWIOCIInsurance (fee: $36). This should be completed before scheduling your exam.
- Schedule Your State Exam: Each state uses a designated testing vendor. Wisconsin uses PSI; other states may use Prometric or Pearson VUE. Exams can be taken in-person at a testing center or via remote online proctoring through the PSI Bridge platform. Schedule online or call (888) 818-5805.
- Pass the State Exam: Exams are multiple-choice and typically take 2-3 hours. You must score 70% or higher in Wisconsin. You'll receive your results immediately on screen.
- Apply for Your License: Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or directly through your state's insurance department. In Wisconsin, wait 48-72 hours after passing before applying.
- Get Appointed: Once licensed, you'll need to be appointed by at least one insurance company to sell their products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete pre-licensing?
Most students complete their pre-licensing course in 1-3 weeks studying part-time. ExamFX courses are self-paced, so you can move faster if you have more time to dedicate, or take longer if needed. States typically require a minimum of approximately 24 study hours per line of authority, but there's no maximum time limit.
How difficult is the state insurance exam?
Industry-wide first-time pass rates typically range from 50-70% depending on the line of authority and the state. However, ExamFX reports a 93% pass rate among their students. The exams are challenging but very passable with proper preparation. ExamFX's practice exams are designed to match the format and difficulty of the actual state exam, so you'll know what to expect. In Wisconsin, you need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake the state insurance exam. There's a waiting period and additional fee for each attempt. Many ExamFX packages include a pass guarantee—if you don't pass, you can continue using their study materials at no additional cost.
Do I need a college degree to become an insurance agent?
No. States do not require a college degree to obtain an insurance license. You must be at least 18 years old, complete the required pre-licensing education, and pass the state exam.
Can I take pre-licensing courses online?
Yes. ExamFX courses are 100% online and available in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Self-paced courses let you study from anywhere on your own schedule. ExamFX also offers Live Online instructor-led courses and Spanish-language study materials. Many states, including Wisconsin, now also allow you to take the licensing exam itself remotely via online proctoring through PSI.
What's the difference between pre-licensing and continuing education?
Pre-licensing is the education required before you get your license. Continuing education (CE) is required after you're licensed to maintain and renew your license. Most states require agents to complete CE credits every renewal cycle — for example, Wisconsin requires 24 hours every two years. CEWisconsin offers CE courses for resident-licensed agents in Wisconsin—visit our home page to learn more.
Can I take the state insurance licensing exam online?
Yes, many states now offer remote online proctored exams. In Wisconsin, PSI administers licensing exams both at physical testing centers and via remote online proctoring through the PSI Bridge platform. You'll need a compatible computer with a webcam and microphone, a private room, and a valid government-issued photo ID. Schedule online at PSI or call (888) 818-5805.
Do I need a background check to get an insurance license?
Requirements vary by state. In Wisconsin, all first-time license applicants must complete fingerprinting through Fieldprint Wisconsin using the code FPWIOCIInsurance. The fingerprint fee is $36. Background checks are conducted by both the state and the FBI. Complete your fingerprinting before scheduling your state exam.
Are pre-licensing requirements the same in every state?
No. Pre-licensing requirements vary significantly by state. Most states require pre-licensing education, but the number of hours and specific requirements differ. For example, Wisconsin requires approximately 24 hours per line of authority and does not allow combined Life & Health or Property & Casualty exams. As of January 2026, California no longer requires pre-licensing education but does mandate a standalone 12-hour Insurance Code & Ethics course. Always check your state's insurance department website for current requirements.
About CEWisconsin
CEWisconsin has been a Wisconsin-approved insurance education provider since 2002 (Provider #20781). While our primary focus is continuing education for licensed agents, we've partnered with ExamFX to ensure prospective agents in all 50 states also have access to quality, affordable pre-licensing education. Have questions? Contact us.
Last updated: April 2026