How to Get Your Insurance License in North Dakota (2026)
No mandatory pre-licensing hours. Pass the PSI exam, complete fingerprinting, and apply via NIPR — here's your complete step-by-step guide to getting licensed in North Dakota.
Exam Prep Cost
$59 – $350
Time to License
2 – 6 weeks
Avg ND Salary
$60,370/yr
Required Hours
None required
North Dakota Has No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
North Dakota does not require pre-licensing hours for an insurance license — and the state does not approve or regulate pre-licensing providers. You can study on your own and go directly to the PSI exam. Exam prep courses are voluntary but strongly recommended, as first-time pass rates are approximately 55–65%.
Top 3 North Dakota Insurance Exam Prep Courses
1. Kaplan Financial EducationBest Value
Lowest confirmed price at $139 for ND exam prep. Covers L&H and P&C tracks with 4 tiers. Listed by the ND Insurance Dept as a voluntary provider. Affirm financing available.
From $139
exam prep only
2. A.D. Banker & CompanyPass Guarantee
Unique Web Class format with live instructor sessions — ideal for candidates who want structured guidance. Gold package includes Pass Guarantee and online course materials.
From $164.90
3. Xcel Solutions
Three-part system: Pre-license Course + Prep Review + Exam Simulator. Premier tier ($299) includes Prepared to Pass Promise — full refund if you fail your first attempt.
From $199
Best North Dakota Insurance Exam Prep Courses
All 6 schools are North Dakota ND Insurance Dept-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
At Your Pace Online
Starting at
$59
- Exam prep only — ND does not require pre-licensing hours
- Listed by ND Insurance Dept as voluntary provider
- ⚠️ Does NOT include North Dakota-specific content
- General insurance concepts only — lowest price option
Available Packages (2)
Deluxe L&H Exam Prep
- General L&H content (PDF download)
- Comprehensive final exam
- Bonus exam included
- ⚠️ No ND-specific content — general concepts only
Kaplan Financial Education
Best ValueStarting at
$139
- Exam prep only — ND does not require pre-licensing hours
- Listed by ND Insurance Dept as voluntary provider
- L&H and P&C tracks: 4 tiers from $139–$349
- Affirm financing available
Available Packages (8)
L&H — Basic
- ND Life & Health exam prep
- Online or print self-study tools
- Review exams included
- PSI exam-focused content
National Online Insurance School
Starting at
$159
- Exam prep only — ND does not require pre-licensing hours
- L&H tracks only (no P&C available for ND)
- 2,000–3,000+ state-level practice questions
- 92% pass rate following Guarantee Pass program
Available Packages (3)
Life & Annuity Only
- ND Life & Annuity exam prep
- 2,000+ state-level practice questions
- Includes ND law booklet
- 7-day instructor support
A.D. Banker & Company
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$164.9
- Exam prep only — ND does not require pre-licensing hours
- Listed by ND Insurance Dept as voluntary provider
- Web Class format: live instructor-led sessions (unique to ND)
- Gold package includes Pass Guarantee + online course
Available Packages (2)
L&H — Silver (Web Class)
- Live instructor web class
- 6-month retake access
- ND Life & Health exam prep
- PSI exam-focused content
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- Exam Prep Only — does not satisfy ND pre-licensing requirement
- Pass guarantee on all packages
- Live Online option with instructor-led sessions
- State-specific content + practice exams
Available Packages (3)
Self-Study
- ND-specific study guide
- Practice exams
- Pass guarantee
- 60-day access
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$199
- Exam prep only — ND does not require pre-licensing hours
- Three-part system: Course + Prep Review + Exam Simulator
- Premier: Prepared to Pass Promise — full refund if you fail first attempt
- L&H and P&C tracks available
Available Packages (4)
L&H — Standard
- ND Life & Health exam prep
- Pre-license course + prep review
- Exam simulator included
- 30-day access per component
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a North Dakota Insurance License?
A North Dakota insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the North Dakota Insurance Department to legally sell insurance products in the state. Unlike most states, North Dakota does not require pre-licensing education — you can sit for the PSI exam directly without completing any mandated course hours. All applicants must pass a fingerprint-based background check and apply for their license via NIPR after passing.
North Dakota offers several license types. The most common are the Life & Annuity license, the Accident & Health license (often combined as “Life & Health”), the Property license, and the Casualty license (often combined as “Property & Casualty”). A Personal Lines license is also available for agents focusing on personal auto and homeowners.
Life & Annuity / Accident & Health
$64/exam (2 separate exams)
Life insurance, annuities, health & disability
Property & Casualty
$64/exam (2 separate exams)
Auto, home, commercial & liability insurance
Personal Lines
$64 exam fee
Personal auto, homeowners & renters
How Much Do North Dakota Insurance Agents Earn?
ND Average (Salary.com)
$83,917/yr
Source: Salary.com, 2025
Top Earners (Fargo / Bismarck)
$100,000+
Commercial lines & independent agencies
Commission Structure
Life Insurance
- • First-year commission: 40–100% of annual premium
- • Renewal commission: 2–10% per year
- Example: $1,000/yr policy at 70% = $700 earned
Property & Casualty
- • New policy commission: 10–20% of premium
- • Renewal commission: 8–12% of premium
- Example: $2,000/yr auto at 12% = $240/policy
Salary Range by Career Stage
Entry Level
$38,000–$50,000
First 1–2 years
BLS National Median
$60,370
May 2024 data
Top Producers
$100,000–$130,000+
Commercial lines & independent agencies
Top ND Insurance Markets
Is a North Dakota Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Pre-Licensing Required: Go straight to the PSI exam — no mandatory course hours to complete or certify.
- + Online Exam Option: PSI offers remote proctoring so you can test from home — unlike some states that require in-person only.
- + Energy Sector Opportunity: Williston and Dickinson's oil & gas industry creates strong commercial lines demand, often overlooked by agents in larger markets.
- + Lower Competition: North Dakota's smaller population means less saturated markets in rural areas and growing cities like Fargo and Grand Forks.
👎 Cons
- - Exam Pass Rate ~55–65%: Without structured prep, many candidates fail on the first attempt — wasting the $64 exam fee.
- - Fingerprinting: No Credit Cards: You must bring a $40 check or money order to the PSI test center — credit cards are not accepted for the ND AG fee.
- - Smaller Market vs. Larger States: North Dakota's population (~780,000) means lower absolute volume compared to high-growth Sun Belt states.
- - Commission-Dependent Income: Most agents earn primarily through commissions — income can be variable in the first 1–2 years.
How to Get Your North Dakota Insurance License
Choose Your Line(s) of Authority
Decide which insurance products you want to sell. North Dakota issues licenses for Life & Annuity, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, and others. Most agents start with either Life & Health (two separate exams) or Property & Casualty (two separate exams) and may add lines later.
Complete a Pre-Licensing Course (Strongly Recommended)
North Dakota does not require pre-licensing hours, but studying before the exam is essential — the pass rate for unprepared candidates is approximately 55–65%. Self-study and online courses are available from providers including Kaplan Financial Education ($139), A.D. Banker ($164.90), Xcel Solutions ($199), and National Online Insurance School ($159–$189). Course fees range from $59–$350.
Schedule and Pass the PSI Licensing Exam
Schedule your exam at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndins or by calling PSI at (855) 340-3905. PSI has administered North Dakota insurance exams since March 2022. The fee is $64 per major line exam. Exams can be taken in-person at a PSI test center or via online remote proctoring. A 70% passing score (77 out of 110) is required.
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
⚠️ Important: PSI handles fingerprinting at its test centers. You must bring a signed consent form and a $40 check or money order payable to the North Dakota Attorney General — credit cards are NOT accepted. Additional PSI service fees bring the total to approximately $70. You can complete fingerprinting at the same PSI center where you take your exam.
Apply for Your License via NIPR
After passing your exam, apply for your license at NIPR.com. The initial license fee is $100 plus a $5.60 NIPR transaction fee. Your score report will include instructions for applying. Licenses are not mailed — download and print your license from the NAIC State Based Systems (SBS) portal.
Maintain Your License with CE and Renewals
North Dakota insurance producer licenses renew biennially by the last day of your birth month. Complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) per two-year period before renewing. Up to 12 CE hours earned in the second half of a biennial period may be carried over to the next renewal period. Renewal applications are submitted via NIPR.com.
North Dakota Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid U.S. Social Security number
- No college degree required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check via PSI
- Must disclose any criminal history; certain convictions may disqualify applicants
- Must be a North Dakota resident (or have principal place of business in ND) for a resident license
Pre-Licensing Education
- Standard license: 0 hours required
- ND Insurance Dept does NOT approve or regulate pre-licensing providers
- Prep courses strongly recommended (55–65% first-time pass rate)
- Self-study is free; structured prep courses from $59
Exam Requirements
- PSI exam (in-person or online remote proctoring)
- 110 questions (including unscored pre-test questions), 150 minutes
- 70% passing score required (77 correct)
- Exam fee: $64 per line exam
- Schedule at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndins
Application & Licensing
- Apply via NIPR.com after passing your exam
- $100 state license fee + $5.60 NIPR transaction fee
- Fingerprinting via PSI test centers (~$70 total)
- $40 check to ND Attorney General required — no credit cards
- 24 CE hours every 2 years to renew
North Dakota Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your North Dakota insurance license in 2026:
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Prep Course | $59–$350 | Optional |
| PSI Exam Fee (per line) | $64 | Required |
| Fingerprinting (PSI + ND AG) | ~$70 | Required |
| License Application (NIPR) | $100 + $5.60 | Required |
| Estimated Total | $303–$584 |
All state and government fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Fingerprinting required for all first-time resident applicants.
The North Dakota Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Life & Health Exams
- Lines: Life & Annuity + Accident & Health (2 separate exams)
- Questions: 110 per exam (incl. unscored pre-test questions)
- Time limit: 150 minutes per exam
- Passing score: 70% (77 correct)
- Fee: $64 per exam ($128 for both)
- Provider: PSI (in-person or remote)
Property & Casualty Exams
- Lines: Property + Casualty (2 separate exams)
- Questions: 110 per exam (incl. unscored pre-test questions)
- Time limit: 150 minutes per exam
- Passing score: 70% (77 correct)
- Fee: $64 per exam ($128 for both)
- Covers: Property, casualty, liability, auto, commercial
Life & Health Exam Topics
- Life insurance types: term, whole life, universal, variable
- Annuities and retirement planning products
- Accident, health, and disability insurance
- Group insurance and employee benefits
- North Dakota insurance statutes and regulations
- Ethics, market conduct, and producer responsibilities
Property & Casualty Exam Topics
- Property insurance principles, perils, and coverages
- Casualty and liability insurance concepts
- Auto, homeowners, farmowners, and commercial policies
- North Dakota insurance statutes and regulations
- Claims handling and loss valuation
- Ethics, unfair trade practices, and producer conduct
💡 PSI Exam Tips for North Dakota
Review the PSI candidate bulletin at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndins before exam day. Your exam contains pre-test (unscored) questions that do not count toward your result — don't be thrown off by any questions that seem unusual. If taking the exam online, you cannot complete fingerprinting remotely and will need a separate PSI test center appointment. Each failed attempt requires paying a new $64 exam fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a North Dakota Insurance License?
2 – 3 weeks
Full-Time
4–6 hrs/day; no mandatory hours to log
3 – 5 weeks
Part-Time
1–2 hrs/day after work
6 – 10 weeks
Casual Pace
A few hours/week; background check adds 1–2 weeks
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your line(s) of authority | 1 day |
| 2 | Study for the exam (no required hours — prep strongly recommended) | 1–3 weeks |
| 3 | Schedule PSI exam (online or in-person) | 1–3 days to schedule |
| 4 | Pass PSI exam + complete fingerprinting at PSI center | 1 day |
| 5 | Background check processing | 5–10 business days |
| 6 | Submit license application via NIPR + approval | 1–2 weeks |
Fingerprinting can be done on the same day as your exam at the PSI test center. No mandatory pre-licensing hours means North Dakota is typically faster than most states to get licensed.
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Explore More Licensed Careers
Expand to neighboring states or explore other licensed careers in North Dakota.
North Dakota Insurance License Reciprocity
North Dakota participates in non-resident producer reciprocity with most U.S. states. If you hold an active resident license in your home state, you may apply for an ND non-resident license via NIPR.com without taking the North Dakota exam, provided your home state offers equivalent reciprocity to ND residents.
To apply for a non-resident license, submit your application through NIPR.com. The fee is $100 + $5.60 NIPR transaction fee. Your home-state license must be active and in good standing. Producers living in a bordering state but working primarily in North Dakota may also qualify for a resident license if their principal place of business is in ND.
Non-Resident License Details: Visit the North Dakota Insurance Department for current reciprocity information and application requirements: insurance.nd.gov. You may need to submit a Letter of Clearance from your home state if converting from resident to non-resident status.
North Dakota Insurance License Renewal
North Dakota insurance licenses renew biennially — your license expires on the last day of your birth month every two years. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) per biennial period. Up to 12 CE hours earned in the second half of a reporting period may be carried over to the next renewal period.
2 yrs
Renewal Cycle
24 hrs
CE Required
$50
Renewal Fee
Via NIPR (verify current fee)
Important: All renewal notices are sent electronically — keep your email address current with NIPR to avoid missing renewal deadlines. Renewal applications are filed through NIPR.com. Courses may not be repeated within the same reporting period. For current CE requirements and approved providers, visit insurance.nd.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in North Dakota?
Total costs range from approximately $303 to $584 for a single line of authority. Key expenses include the PSI exam fee ($64 per exam), fingerprinting (~$70 total: $40 check to ND Attorney General plus PSI service fee), license application via NIPR ($100 + $5.60 transaction fee), and an optional exam prep course ($59–$350). If you pursue both Life & Health and Property & Casualty licenses, expect additional exam fees ($64 per exam).
How long does it take to get an insurance license in North Dakota?
Most candidates complete the process in 2–6 weeks. North Dakota has no mandatory pre-licensing hours, so you can schedule your PSI exam as soon as you feel prepared. The key time factors are self-study (1–3 weeks), background check processing (5–10 business days), and NIPR application review. Motivated candidates studying full-time can be licensed in as little as 2 weeks.
Does North Dakota require pre-licensing education?
No. North Dakota is one of the few states that does not mandate pre-licensing education hours. Candidates can study on their own or take a prep course without providing proof of study to the state or PSI. The North Dakota Insurance Department strongly encourages thorough preparation before sitting for the exam. Quality prep courses from Kaplan or A.D. Banker can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Who provides the North Dakota insurance licensing exam?
PSI Exams has administered North Dakota insurance licensing exams since March 2022. You can schedule online at test-takers.psiexams.com/ndins or by calling PSI at (855) 340-3905. Exams are available at PSI test centers or via online remote proctoring, giving you flexibility in where and when you test.
How hard is the North Dakota insurance exam?
Each North Dakota insurance exam contains 110 multiple-choice questions (including unscored pre-test questions) with a 150-minute time limit and a 70% passing score. The difficulty is moderate — questions cover both general insurance concepts and North Dakota-specific regulations. First-time pass rates nationally are approximately 55–65%. Investing in a quality exam prep course before testing is the most effective way to succeed.
What are the fingerprinting requirements for a North Dakota insurance license?
All resident applicants must complete a fingerprint-based background check. PSI test centers handle fingerprinting. You'll need to bring a signed consent form and a $40 check or money order payable to the North Dakota Attorney General — credit cards are NOT accepted for this fee. Additional PSI service fees bring the total to approximately $70. You can complete fingerprinting at the same visit as your licensing exam.
How much do insurance agents make in North Dakota?
Insurance sales agents in North Dakota earn an average of $57,000–$84,000 per year. Salary.com reports the average at approximately $83,917, while the national BLS median is $60,370 (May 2024). Top earners in commercial lines, employee benefits, and independent agencies in Fargo and Bismarck can exceed $100,000 annually. Commission-based compensation means income potential grows significantly with experience and book of business.
Can I get a North Dakota insurance license if I already have a license in another state?
Yes. North Dakota offers non-resident producer licenses to agents holding an active home-state license. Apply via NIPR.com — you typically won't need to retake the ND exam as long as your home state has reciprocal licensing with North Dakota. The non-resident application also costs $100 + $5.60 transaction fee. Agents who live in a bordering state but work primarily in North Dakota may also qualify for a resident license.
Can I take the North Dakota insurance exam online?
Yes. PSI offers online remote proctoring in addition to in-person testing at PSI test centers. Online testing allows you to take the exam from home, provided you meet the technical requirements (webcam, microphone, stable internet connection). Note that fingerprinting cannot be done remotely — if you choose online testing, you'll need to schedule a separate fingerprinting appointment at a PSI test center.
How do I renew my North Dakota insurance license?
North Dakota insurance licenses renew biennially — your license expires on the last day of your birth month every two years. Before renewing, you must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) per biennial period. Up to 12 hours earned in the second half of the reporting period can be carried over. Renewal applications are filed through NIPR.com. All renewal notices are sent electronically, so it's critical to keep your email address current with NIPR to avoid missing renewal deadlines.
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.