How to Get Your Pennsylvania Insurance License (2026)
Pennsylvania eliminated mandatory pre-licensing hours in April 2025. Here's exactly what you need to pass the PSI exam, complete your background check, and get licensed fast.
Last updated: March 5, 2026 · Requirements reflect PID changes effective April 29, 2025
Course Cost
$99 – $399
Time to License
2 – 6 weeks
Avg PA Salary
$65,000/yr
Required Hours
None required
Top 3 Pennsylvania Insurance Pre-Licensing Schools
1. WebCEBest Value
Lowest price in PA — Life & Health and Personal Lines at $109.95, P&C Plus Package at $159.95. 94% pass rate with practice exams built in.
From $109.95
PID-approved
2. Kaplan Financial EducationMost Comprehensive
Four tiers for every line (Basic through Career Launcher, $139–$349) plus a Live Online Premium option. The most thorough PA prep available.
From $139
4 tiers available
3. ExamFX3 Tiers Including Live Online
Self-Study at $169.95, Video Study at $219.95, and Live Online at $299.95. Same pricing across L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines. 94% pass rate with pass guarantee.
From $169.95
Pass guarantee included
Best Pennsylvania Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses
All 6 schools are Pennsylvania PID-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
eInsuranceTraining.com
Starting at
$79
- Exam Prep Only — PA eliminated pre-licensing requirement (April 29, 2025)
- State-specific practice questions
- Affordable flat-rate pricing
Available Packages (2)
L&H Exam Prep
- PA-specific practice exams
- Study guide
- 180-day access
WebCE
Best ValueStarting at
$109.95
- Lowest price: L&H and Personal Lines from $109.95
- 94% pass rate — industry-leading results
- Exam Prep Only -- PA eliminated pre-licensing requirement April 29, 2025
- Life & Health, P&C Plus, and Personal Lines tracks
Available Packages (3)
Life & Health Complete Package
- PA Life & Health pre-licensing course
- Practice exams included
- PID-approved certificate of completion
- Exam prep integrated into course
Kaplan Financial Education
Starting at
$139
- Most comprehensive PA insurance course library
- Live Online option (Premium tier) for all lines
- PID-approved — established national brand
- 4 tiers: Basic ($139) through Career Launcher ($349)
Available Packages (12)
Life & Health — Basic
- PA L&H pre-licensing course
- Online self-study format
- PID-approved certificate
- Core exam content coverage
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- 94% pass rate with pass guarantee
- Same 3-tier pricing across all PA insurance tracks
- PID-approved provider
- Self-Study, Video Study, and Live Online tiers available
Available Packages (9)
Life & Health — Self-Study Package
- PA L&H pre-licensing course
- Online self-study materials
- Practice exams included
- PID-approved certificate
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- Exam prep provider -- no mandatory prelicensing hours required in this state
- Three tiers: Silver ($169.95), Gold ($196.90), Platinum ($296.85)
- Pass Guarantee included on every package
- Industry-leading insurance educator
Available Packages (3)
Silver -- Online Course
- Full online course
- Unlimited chapter exams
- Simulated licensing exams
- Pass Guarantee
- PDF study manual
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$199
- Two clear tiers: Pre-licensing $199 / Premier $299
- All 3 PA tracks: L&H, P&C, Personal Lines
- PID-approved (Xcel Solutions, LLC)
- Dedicated PA course pages per license track
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health — Pre-licensing
- PA Life & Health pre-licensing course
- PA state exam content
- Online self-study format
- PID-approved certificate
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Pennsylvania Insurance License?
A Pennsylvania insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) to legally sell insurance products in Pennsylvania. As of April 29, 2025, Pennsylvania eliminated the mandatory pre-licensing education hour requirement — making it one of the few states with no required coursework. You must pass the PSI Insurance Licensing (PAIN) exam, complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO, and apply through NIPR or Sircon.
Despite no mandatory coursework, the PA insurance exam has a 50–60% first-time pass rate — making a prep course strongly advisable. The most common licenses are the Life & Accident/Health license (covers life, annuities, and health products) and the Property & Casualty license (covers auto, home, commercial, and liability insurance). A Personal Lines license is a narrower option covering personal auto and homeowners insurance.
Life & Health
No hours required
Life, annuities, health & disability insurance
Property & Casualty
No hours required
Auto, home, commercial & liability insurance
Personal Lines
No hours required
Personal auto, homeowners & renters insurance
How Much Do Pennsylvania Insurance Agents Earn?
PA State Average
$65,000/yr
Source: Indeed.com / ZipRecruiter (2025)
Philadelphia Metro Average
$67,000–$72,000/yr
Largest PA market; strong commercial demand
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: typically 5–20% 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–$50K
First 1–2 years
Mid-Career
$65,000
PA state average
Top Producers
$100,000+
Experienced agents
Top PA Insurance Markets
Is a Pennsylvania Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Required Hours: Pennsylvania eliminated mandatory pre-licensing hours in April 2025 — you can go straight to exam prep.
- + Lower Total Cost: At $221–$531 all-in, PA is one of the more affordable states to get licensed — especially compared to states with 40–90 hour requirements.
- + Strong Market: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh rank among the top insurance markets in the Mid-Atlantic region, with strong demand across Life, Health, and P&C lines.
- + Multiple License Tracks: Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines — stack licenses to expand your book of business and earning potential.
👎 Cons
- - Low First-Time Pass Rate: Without mandatory prep, the 50–60% first-attempt pass rate becomes a bigger risk. Skipping a prep course to save money often costs more in retake fees.
- - Commission-Dependent Income: Most insurance agents earn primarily through commissions — income can be variable, especially in the first 1–2 years.
- - Fingerprinting Required: PA mandates a fingerprint-based background check via IdentoGO ($23.85) — adds a scheduling step to your timeline.
How to Get Your Pennsylvania Insurance License
Choose Your License Type
Decide which line(s) of authority you want to sell: Life & Health, Property & Casualty, Personal Lines, or a combination. Most agents start with either a Life & Accident/Health license or a Property & Casualty license. You can add lines later by passing additional exams.
Complete a Pre-Licensing Education Course (Recommended)
While Pennsylvania eliminated the mandatory pre-licensing hour requirement effective April 29, 2025, completing a prep course is strongly recommended. Courses cover insurance concepts, state regulations, and exam-style questions that significantly improve your pass rate. Most prep courses run 20–40 hours online at your own pace — and the PA exam has a 50–60% first-time pass rate for those who skip prep.
Register and Pass the PSI PAIN Exam
Schedule your exam through PSI (Pennsylvania Insurance Licensing) at test-takers.psiexams.com/pain or by calling 1-888-818-5822. You must score 70% or higher on both the general insurance portion and the Pennsylvania-specific regulations section. Single-line exams (Life, A&H, Personal Lines) are 100 questions ($43 fee); combined-line exams (P&C, Life/A&H) are 150 questions ($53 fee). Exams are available at PSI test centers statewide and via online proctoring.
Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
Pennsylvania requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check for all new licensees. Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO (the state's approved vendor) and pay the $23.85 fingerprinting fee. Your fingerprints are submitted directly to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Certain convictions may affect eligibility — use PID's optional Pre-Licensing Eligibility Review to check in advance at insurance.pa.gov.
Submit Your License Application
Apply online immediately after passing your exam via the kiosk at the PSI test center, or independently through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon (sircon.com). The application fee is $55 plus a $5.60 transaction fee. Your license will be issued by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
Secure an Appointment with an Insurance Carrier
To legally sell insurance in Pennsylvania, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier or agency. Carriers submit an appointment request electronically through NIPR or Sircon. Once appointed, you can actively sell their products. Many agents join established agencies or captive carrier programs (like State Farm or Allstate) to get started.
Pennsylvania Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid U.S. Social Security number
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check (IdentoGO)
- No college degree required
- Non-residents may apply with valid home state license (reciprocity available)
Education & Exam Requirements
- Pre-licensing hours: None required (as of April 29, 2025)
- Must pass the PSI Pennsylvania Insurance Licensing (PAIN) exam
- Passing score: 70% on both general insurance AND PA state sections
- Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/pain
- Unlimited retakes; 24-hour wait; full exam fee each time
Exam Structure by License Type
- Life & Fixed Annuities: 100 questions, 2 hrs, $43
- Accident & Health: 100 questions, 2 hrs, $43
- Life, A&H (combined): 150 questions, 2 hrs 50 min, $53
- Property & Casualty: 150 questions, 2 hrs 50 min, $53
- Personal Lines: 100 questions, 2 hrs, $43
Application & Background Check
- Fingerprinting via IdentoGO ($23.85 fee)
- Apply through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon
- License application fee: $55 + $5.60 transaction fee
- Optional Pre-Licensing Eligibility Review available from PID
- License issued by Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Keeping Your PA Insurance License Active
Pennsylvania insurance licenses renew on a 2-year cycle — by the last day of your birth month. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE), including at least 3 hours of ethics. Agents selling Long-Term Care insurance have additional product-specific CE requirements, and agents selling annuities or flood insurance face separate product training mandates.
2 Years
Renewal cycle
24 CE hrs
Including 3 hrs ethics
~$30
Approximate renewal fee
Renew through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon. CE must be completed before submitting your renewal application. For full CE requirements, visit insurance.pa.gov.
Pennsylvania Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Pennsylvania insurance license in 2026:
Single-Line License (Life, A&H, or Personal Lines)
| Pre-Licensing Prep Course (Recommended) | $109.95 – $299 | Not legally required; WebCE from $109.95 |
| PSI Exam Fee (Single Line) | $43 – $43 | Life, A&H, or Personal Lines — test-takers.psiexams.com/pain |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $23.85 – $23.85 | IdentoGO (state-approved vendor) |
| License Application Fee | $55 – $55 | Pennsylvania Insurance Department (+ $5.60 transaction fee) |
| NIPR/Sircon Transaction Fee | $5.60 – $5.60 | Approximate transaction fee via NIPR or Sircon |
| Estimated Total (Single Line) | $237 – $427 | Low = WebCE course; High = ExamFX Live Online |
Combined-Line License (P&C or Life & A&H Combined)
| Pre-Licensing Prep Course (Recommended) | $159.95 – $399 | Not legally required; WebCE P&C from $159.95 |
| PSI Exam Fee (Combined Line) | $53 – $53 | P&C or Life/A&H combined exam — 150 questions |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $23.85 – $23.85 | IdentoGO (state-approved vendor) |
| License Application Fee | $55 – $55 | Pennsylvania Insurance Department |
| NIPR/Sircon Transaction Fee | $5.60 – $5.60 | Approximate transaction fee |
| Estimated Total (Combined Line) | $297 – $531 | Low = WebCE P&C course; High = Kaplan Career Launcher |
All state and government fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Fingerprinting required for all first-time applicants.
The PA Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Single-Line Exams (Life, A&H, Personal Lines)
- Questions: 100 multiple-choice
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Passing score: 70% (both sections)
- Fee: $43 per exam
- Retakes: Unlimited; 24-hr wait; full fee each time
Combined-Line Exams (P&C, Life/A&H Combined)
- Questions: 150 multiple-choice
- Time limit: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Passing score: 70% (both sections)
- Fee: $53 per exam
- Retakes: Unlimited; 24-hr wait; full fee each time
Life & Health Exam Topics
- Insurance concepts, principles & policy provisions
- Pennsylvania insurance laws, regulations & ethics
- Life insurance products & policy types
- Life insurance policy provisions & riders
- Annuities (fixed & variable concepts)
- Health, accident & disability insurance
- Health insurance policy provisions
- Federal tax considerations for life/health
Property & Casualty Exam Topics
- Insurance concepts, principles & policy provisions
- Pennsylvania insurance laws, regulations & ethics
- Property insurance (fire, homeowners, commercial)
- Dwelling & homeowners policies
- Auto insurance (personal & commercial)
- Casualty insurance (auto, liability)
- Workers' compensation & employers liability
- Commercial lines & business insurance
💡 PA Exam Tip
Pennsylvania's insurance exam has a 50–60% first-time pass rate. Since pre-licensing education is no longer required, many candidates underestimate the difficulty and go in underprepared. You must score 70% or higher on both the general insurance section AND the Pennsylvania-specific section independently — passing one section but failing the other means you fail the entire exam. A structured prep course covering PA-specific regulations is your best investment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PA Insurance License?
2 – 3 weeks
Full-time
4–6 hrs/day studying, then exam
3 – 6 weeks
Part-time
1–2 hrs/day evenings or weekends
6 – 12 weeks
Casual Pace
A few hours/week; IdentoGO scheduling
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your license type | 1 day |
| 2 | Complete prep course (recommended, 20–40 hrs) | 1–4 weeks |
| 3 | Complete fingerprinting (IdentoGO — $23.85) | 1–3 days |
| 4 | Schedule & pass PSI PAIN exam | 1–2 weeks |
| 5 | Submit license application via NIPR or Sircon | 1–3 days |
| 6 | PID reviews and issues license | 1–5 days (often same day) |
Fingerprinting can be scheduled in parallel while studying to save time. PSI exam results are shown immediately — if you pass, you can apply for your license the same day via the kiosk at the test center.
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Pennsylvania Insurance License Reciprocity
Pennsylvania offers non-resident license reciprocity with most U.S. states. If you already hold a valid insurance license in your home state, you can apply for a Pennsylvania non-resident license without retaking the PSI exam — provided your home state has a reciprocal agreement with Pennsylvania. This is a major advantage for agents based in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland, and Delaware looking to sell into the PA market.
How to Apply for a PA Non-Resident License
- Confirm your home state has a PA reciprocity agreement at insurance.pa.gov
- Apply through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon — no PSI exam required
- Pay the $55 non-resident license application fee
- PA issues a non-resident license matching your home-state lines of authority
Non-Resident License Key Facts
- ✓ No PSI PAIN exam required for reciprocal applicants
- ✓ No fingerprinting required for non-resident licenses
- ✓ Strong reciprocity with NJ, NY, OH, MD, DE, and more
- ✓ Apply 100% online via NIPR or Sircon
- ✓ Application fee: $55 (non-resident)
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify the current list at insurance.pa.gov or through the NIPR non-resident application portal before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Pennsylvania?
Total costs typically range from $221 to $531 depending on your license type and whether you take a prep course. This breaks down as: prep course ($99–$399, recommended but not required), PSI exam fee ($43 for single-line, $53 for combined-line), fingerprinting/background check ($23.85 via IdentoGO), and license application fee ($55 + $5.60 transaction fee). Pennsylvania is one of the more affordable states to get licensed in.
How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania insurance license?
Most people complete the process in 2–6 weeks. Since Pennsylvania no longer requires mandatory pre-licensing hours (as of April 29, 2025), you can go straight to exam prep and scheduling. The main time factors are how long you spend studying, IdentoGO fingerprint appointment availability, and PSI exam scheduling (often available within days). License applications submitted via NIPR or Sircon are typically processed quickly.
Does Pennsylvania require pre-licensing education to get an insurance license?
No — as of April 29, 2025, Pennsylvania eliminated the mandatory pre-licensing education requirement. You can now sit for the PSI exam without completing a formal course. However, most industry professionals strongly recommend completing a prep course anyway, since the PA insurance exam has a 50–60% first-time pass rate and unprepared candidates frequently fail. A quality prep course is still your best investment before exam day.
Is the Pennsylvania insurance exam hard?
The PA insurance exam has a first-time pass rate of roughly 50–60%, meaning nearly half of candidates fail on the first attempt. The exam tests both general insurance knowledge and Pennsylvania-specific laws and regulations. You must score 70% or higher on BOTH sections independently. The best way to pass on your first try is to complete a structured prep course covering PA-specific content — which becomes even more important now that mandatory pre-licensing education has been removed.
What types of insurance licenses are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers several lines of authority: Life & Fixed Annuities, Accident & Health, Variable Life/Variable Annuity, Property & Allied Lines, Casualty & Allied Lines, Personal Lines, and combined lines like Property & Casualty and Life/Accident & Health. Most agents start with either a Life & Health license or a Property & Casualty license. You can hold multiple license types and add lines of authority later by passing additional exams.
Who administers the Pennsylvania insurance licensing exam?
Pennsylvania uses PSI (Pennsylvania Insurance Licensing — PAIN Exam) to administer all insurance licensing exams — not Pearson VUE. You can schedule your exam online at test-takers.psiexams.com/pain or by calling PSI at 1-888-818-5822. Exams are available at PSI test centers throughout Pennsylvania and via online remote proctoring, giving you flexibility on how and where you test.
How much do insurance agents make in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania insurance agents earn an average of $65,000–$67,000 per year, with experienced agents and top performers earning $100,000–$140,000+. Entry-level agents typically start at $38,000–$50,000. The Philadelphia metro area tends to pay the highest salaries, followed by Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Income varies widely by license type, line of business, and whether you work as a captive agent (for one carrier) or as an independent broker.
Do I need a college degree to get an insurance license in Pennsylvania?
No college degree is required to get a Pennsylvania insurance license. The only academic requirement is passing the PSI licensing exam with a 70% score. Pennsylvania does require you to be at least 18 years old and pass a fingerprint-based background check. Many successful insurance agents come from diverse backgrounds without college degrees — the licensing exam and your commitment to serving clients matter more than formal education.
Can I get a Pennsylvania insurance license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and recency of the conviction. Pennsylvania Insurance Department evaluates criminal history as part of the background check. Certain convictions — particularly financial crimes, fraud, and felonies — may result in denial. The good news is that PID offers a voluntary Pre-Licensing Eligibility Review that lets you check whether your specific record would affect your application before investing in the exam and licensing fees. Contact PID at insurance.pa.gov to request a review.
How do I renew my Pennsylvania insurance license?
Pennsylvania insurance licenses are renewed every two years by the last day of your birth month. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE), including at least 3 hours of ethics. If you sell specialized products like Long-Term Care insurance, you will need additional product-specific training hours. CE must be completed before submitting your renewal application. Renewal can be done through NIPR or Sircon online. Agents selling annuities or flood insurance also have separate product training requirements.
Does Pennsylvania have insurance license reciprocity with other states?
Yes — Pennsylvania offers non-resident license reciprocity with most U.S. states. If you hold a valid insurance license in your home state, you can apply for a Pennsylvania non-resident license through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon without retaking the PSI exam, provided your home state has a reciprocal agreement with Pennsylvania. The non-resident application fee is $55. You do NOT need to complete fingerprinting for a non-resident PA license. Pennsylvania has particularly strong reciprocity with neighboring states including New Jersey and New York. Check the current list of reciprocal states at insurance.pa.gov or through the NIPR non-resident application portal.
What happens if I fail the Pennsylvania insurance exam?
If you fail the PSI PAIN exam, you can retake it after a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. You will pay the full exam fee again each time ($43 for single-line, $53 for combined-line exams) — there is no limit on the number of retakes. Your score report will show which section(s) you failed — general insurance or Pennsylvania-specific regulations — so you can focus your study. Most candidates who fail retake within 1–2 weeks after targeted review. Given the 50–60% first-time pass rate, investing in a structured prep course significantly reduces the risk of a costly retake.
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.