What is Insurance Pre-Licensing?
Before you can sell insurance in any state, you must obtain a license from the 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, your state 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. Property and Casualty are often combined, as are Life and Health.
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.
- Schedule Your State Exam: Wisconsin uses PSI to administer licensing exams. Visit PSI's website to schedule after completing your pre-licensing. Your state may differ.
- 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. States require a minimum number of study hours (approximately 24 per line), but there's no maximum time limit.
How difficult is the state 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 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.
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 state's agents must complete 24 hours of CE every two years. CEWisconsin offers CE courses for resident-licensed agents in Wisconsin—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.