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.
Lines of Authority at a Glance
| Line of Authority | Products Covered | Typical Pre-Licensing Hours | Common Carrier Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life | Term, whole, universal, variable life; annuities | ~24 hours | AML training required for cash-value products |
| Health | Medical, dental, disability, LTC, Medicare supplements | ~24 hours | Medicare AHIP certification often required |
| Property | Homeowners, renters, commercial property, fire | ~24 hours | NFIP training required to write flood policies |
| Casualty | Auto, general liability, workers' comp, umbrella | ~24 hours | Varies by carrier and specialty line |
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
Is there an ExamFX discount code?
Yes: cewisconsin@examfx.com. It's a standing partner code, not a limited-time coupon, and there's nothing to sign up for. At the first checkout step, leave the "Discount Code" box blank, type the code in the "Manager's Email Address" box, and click Next Step; ExamFX takes 20–36% off automatically. It works on pre-licensing packages for every state and D.C., and on ExamFX's NFIP flood and AML courses. If a coupon site promises a bigger number, test it at checkout before you count on it. This one is CEWisconsin's own partner code.
Is there a bigger ExamFX discount than 5%?
Yes. ExamFX discounts come through "Special Company Discount Pricing" at checkout, and each organization's code carries its own discount. Some take 5% off. This one, cewisconsin@examfx.com, takes 20–36% off pre-licensing in every state. The checkout takes one code, in the Discount Code box or the manager's email box, so use the bigger one.
Is an ExamFX promo code or coupon code different from a discount code?
No. ExamFX takes codes on the first checkout step, under "Special Company Discount Pricing," in one of two boxes: "Discount Code" for short codes, and "Enter Manager's Email Address" for email-address codes like cewisconsin@examfx.com. Whatever a coupon site calls a code, it has to go in one of those two boxes.
What is an ExamFX voucher code?
A prepaid course. An employer or agency buys the course and gives you a voucher code, which you redeem on ExamFX's "Redeem Voucher" page (Discounts/Vouchers, in the menu at the top of examfx.com). If you're paying for the course yourself, you don't need a voucher: use the discount code above.
Why didn't my ExamFX discount code work?
Usually it's the box. cewisconsin@examfx.com goes in "Enter Manager's Email Address," and the "Discount Code" box stays blank. Check the spelling (no spaces), and check the Order Summary before you pay: ExamFX's checkout says discounts can't be applied after your card is charged.
Does the code work on ExamFX's securities courses?
No. ExamFX's securities courses (the SIE, Series 6, Series 7 and Series 63) check out on a separate discount page whose code box takes 16 characters, too short for this code. It works on ExamFX's insurance pre-licensing in every state and on its NFIP flood and AML courses.
Should I pick ExamFX just for the discount?
Not by itself. Pick the course that fits your state's requirements and the way you study. ExamFX offers self-paced courses, Live Online classes and Spanish-language options. Make sure the package you pick is approved for your state and the license you want. If ExamFX fits, the code takes 20–36% off. If another school fits you better, go there: passing the exam is worth more than any discount.
How long does it take to complete pre-licensing?
In short: 1–3 weeks 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?
Bottom line: Challenging but very passable with proper preparation. Industry-wide first-time pass rates typically range from 50-70% depending on the line of authority and the state, but ExamFX reports a 93% pass rate among their students. 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?
Quick answer: 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. Under California AB 943, effective January 1, 2026, California no longer requires the 20-hour pre-licensing course for most producer lines, but still mandates a standalone 12-hour Insurance Code & Ethics course that includes one hour of fraud training. Always check your state's insurance department website for current requirements.
Código de descuento de ExamFX, en español
El código de descuento de ExamFX (también lo llaman código promocional o cupón) es cewisconsin@examfx.com. En el primer paso del pago, abra "Special Company Discount Pricing", deje en blanco la casilla "Discount Code" y escriba el código en la casilla "Enter Manager's Email Address". Luego haga clic en "Next Step". ExamFX descuenta del 20 al 36% automáticamente en los cursos de prelicencia de seguros de cualquier estado. Revise el precio antes de pagar: el descuento no se puede aplicar después de que se cobra la tarjeta.
Aviso: ExamFX le paga una comisión a CEWisconsin cuando usted usa este código. Usted recibe el descuento completo de todos modos.
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: November 2026
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