What is Insurance Pre-Licensing?
Before you can sell insurance in Wisconsin, you must obtain a license from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (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, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin residents high-quality exam preparation at a significant discount.
Lines of Authority Available
Wisconsin offers 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: 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Health Insurance
Medical, dental, disability, long-term care, and Medicare supplements. Required: 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Property Insurance
Homeowners, renters, commercial property, and fire insurance. Required: 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Casualty Insurance
Auto, general liability, workers' compensation, and umbrella policies. Required: 24 hours of pre-licensing education.
Many agents pursue multiple licenses. Property and Casualty are often combined, as are Life and Health.
How to Get Your Wisconsin Insurance License
- Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Finish your state-approved course through ExamFX (see discount above). You'll receive a certificate of completion.
- Schedule Your State Exam: Wisconsin uses PSI to administer licensing exams. Visit PSI's website to schedule after completing your pre-licensing.
- Pass the State Exam: Exams are multiple-choice and typically take 2-3 hours. You'll receive your results immediately.
- Apply for Your License: Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
- 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. Wisconsin requires a minimum number of study hours (typically 24 per line), but there's no maximum time limit.
How difficult is the Wisconsin insurance exam?
First-time pass rates typically range from 50-70% depending on the line of authority. 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.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake the Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin does 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.
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. Wisconsin agents must complete 24 hours of CE every two years. CEWisconsin offers CE courses for licensed agents—visit our home page to learn more.
Can I take pre-licensing online?
Yes. ExamFX courses are 100% online and self-paced. You can study from anywhere with an internet connection, on your own schedule.
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 also have access to quality, affordable pre-licensing education. Have questions? Contact us.