How to Get a Life Insurance License in Pennsylvania

Getting your Pennsylvania life insurance license is the first step toward becoming a life insurance agent in the state.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department requires you to complete a five-step process to become a life insurance agent in Pennsylvania — from taking the life insurance exam to applying for a license.

These steps will take a few weeks to complete so we recommend you bookmark this page so you can use it as a reference throughout the process.

Life Insurance License Pennsylvania

Obtaining your Pennsylvania life insurance license isn’t difficult. Just follow these five steps to start your journey toward becoming a life insurance agent. Once you earn this license, check out our guide on how to get your Pennsylvania property and casualty (P&C) license as well.

Step 1: Complete a Pennsylvania Insurance Pre-license Course

Before you take the Pennsylvania life insurance licensing exam, it’s important to make time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need to pass this exam on your first attempt. Completing a pre-license education course will equip you with the necessary information and tools you’ll need to prepare for your exam.

In Pennsylvania, you must take a 24-hour, pre-license course on life insurance. After completing the course, you’ll need to present a valid photo ID and an original certificate of completion from the approved pre-licensing education provider when you arrive to take your exam. Your pre-license course certificate will remain valid for 12 months.

A pre-license education course provides very specific industry knowledge that will be tested during the exam. There is very little information on the test that could be considered “common sense.” Pre-license education courses are self-paced and include study materials like practice exams and flashcards.

Beyond helping you effectively prepare for and pass the life insurance licensing exam on your first try, taking a pre-license education course also will give you a solid understanding of your duties as a life insurance agent.

Step 2: Take the Pennsylvania Life Insurance Licensing Exam

After you complete a prep course and your own independent studying, it’s time to take the Pennsylvania life insurance exam.

Pennsylvania uses PSI as its official testing service for delivering licensure exams.

The Pennsylvania life insurance exam outline contains a total of 100 scored questions that cover seven sections: 

• Insurance Regulation
• General Insurance Concepts
• Life Insurance Basics
• Types of Life Insurance Policies
• Life Insurance Policy Provisions, Options, and Riders
• Annuities
• Federal Tax Considerations for Life Insurance

You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam. The Pennsylvania life insurance exam fee is $43, which you must pay at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher. The exam is a proctored test, meaning an official proctor will closely monitor you in a controlled environment.

If you happen to fail the Pennsylvania life insurance exam, you can schedule a time to retake it as soon as 24 hours after your first attempt. There’s no limit to the number of attempts you can make on the same exam.

Step 3: Get a Fingerprint-Based Background Check

After you pass the Pennsylvania life insurance exam, you must get a fingerprint-based background check via IdentoGO. The FBI will return your fingerprinting results to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, which’ll review them along with your license application to determine if you meet all standards for licensure. The fee for fingerprinting services is $23.85 to cover the cost of comparing your prints against criminal history records. 

To set up a fingerprinting appointment, go to the IdentoGO website. Use service code 1KG8Q3 when making your appointment.

At your fingerprinting appointment, you’ll receive a receipt. Don’t throw it away! Keep the original receipt for your records.

After completing your fingerprint-based background check, you must submit your license application within one year of passing the licensing exam. If you fail to do so, you’ll need to retake the exam.

Step 4: Complete a Pennsylvania Life Insurance License Application

Once you pass the life insurance exam and complete your background check, you can apply for your Pennsylvania life insurance license. The application fee is $55 plus $5.60 transaction fee, and you must apply online via the NIPR.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department will issue a life insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam. You should submit your completed license application within 12 months of passing the exam.

To apply for a life insurance license in Pennsylvania, make sure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the Pennsylvania Insurance Code and the Pennsylvania Administrative Code.

Send any questions or supporting documents to ra-in-producer@pa.gov.

Step 5: Watch for Your Application Results

After you complete the previous four steps, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will review your application and background check. It reviews applications in the order it receives them, and this process usually takes three to five business days from the date you submit your application.

Once the Pennsylvania Insurance Department finishes reviewing your application, it’ll email you with its decision or ask you to provide more information.

You can print your license from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s website. There’s no charge to print a license. If you don’t remember your license number, you can find it by using Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s Licensee Search tool.

Congratulations!

You’re now ready to get started as a life insurance agent in Pennsylvania.

Steps After Securing Your Pennsylvania Life Insurance License

Once you complete the above steps and have your Pennsylvania life insurance license, there are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to a) excel as an insurance agent, and b) maintain your life insurance license.

Let’s take a brief look at these below.

Obtain All Relevant Securities Licenses

If you’re planning on selling advanced life insurance products, you’ll likely need to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and obtain the relevant securities licenses (e.g., Series 6, 7, and 63).

For more information on this step, you can have a look at our in-depth Securities Licensing overview.

Choose a Means of Selling

You’ll have to decide whether you’d prefer working as a captive agent employed by one company, or running your own business as an independent agent.

If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely benefit from working as a captive agent, but this will ultimately depend on your personal aspirations and opportunities.

Develop Your Marketing Approach

To succeed as an insurance agent, you’ll need to adopt a marketing approach that’s effective for you.

We recommend finding and sticking to a niche, as well organizing all client appointments for the start of your week. This is because this can improve your overall client conversions.

Keep Your License Valid

In Pennsylvania, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew your license.

To avoid delays in renewing your license, you must complete the required CE hours at least 60 days before your license expires.

This is because you want to give your CE provider enough time to report your successful completion of the coursework to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. 

Note: The renewal fee is $55 and the late fee is $165.

Pennsylvania Insurance Department Contact Information

Mailing Address

Pennsylvania Insurance Department
1326 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Phone: 717-787-3840

Email: ra-in-producer@pa.gov

Website: https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Licensees/Pages/default.aspx

License Search: Pennsylvania Insurance License Lookup