How to Get a Life and Health Insurance License
Getting licensed is simpler than most people expect. Below is the exact path from "I'm thinking about it" to "I'm writing business" — the hours, the exam, the fees, and the timeline. Most new agents complete every step in under a month.
1. Check your state's requirements
Insurance licenses are issued by each state's Department of Insurance. Main Line Benefits agents most often start in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. You must be at least 18, and you apply in the state where you live (your resident state). Later you can add other states with non-resident licenses, usually with no extra exam.
2. Take your pre-licensing course
Most states ask for 20 to 40 hours of approved pre-licensing study for the Life and Health lines. Pennsylvania requires 24 hours (typically split between Life and Accident & Health), New Jersey requires 20 hours per line, and Delaware and Maryland have similar rules. Online, self-paced courses are accepted and usually cost $100 to $200. You'll receive a certificate of completion that you need for the exam.
3. Schedule and pass the state exam
Exams are run by testing vendors such as Prometric or PSI. The Life and Health exam is usually 100 to 150 multiple-choice questions with a two-to-three-hour time limit, and you need roughly 70% to pass. Exam fees run about $40 to $100. Study the state-specific law section closely — that's where most first-time test takers lose points.
4. Get fingerprinted and complete the background check
Several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, require electronic fingerprinting before the license is issued. Book the appointment as soon as you pass so it doesn't hold up your application. Expect a fee of roughly $25 to $60.
5. Submit your license application
Apply through NIPR (nipr.com) or your state's portal. Application fees are generally $50 to $160 depending on the state and the number of lines. Most applications are approved within a few business days once fingerprints and exam results are on file.
6. Get appointed with carriers and start selling
A license lets you sell, but you also need appointments with the carriers whose plans you offer, plus AHIP certification if you plan to work with Medicare products. This is the step where a good agency matters most — a strong partner handles contracting, gives you carrier access, and gets you selling quickly.
7. Keep your license active
Most states require about 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including an ethics component, plus a renewal fee. Put the renewal date in your calendar the day your license is issued.
Common questions
How long does it take to get licensed?
Most people finish in two to six weeks: about a week or two for the course, a week to schedule and pass the exam, and a few days for fingerprinting and application processing.
How much does it cost?
Budget roughly $250 to $450 total — pre-licensing course, exam fee, fingerprints, and the state application fee.
Do I need a college degree?
No. You need to be 18 or older, pass the exam, and clear a background check. Sales or customer-service experience helps, but it isn't required.
Can I sell in more than one state?
Yes. Once you hold a resident license, you can add non-resident licenses in other states, usually without another exam.
Newly licensed? Start with a team that trains you.
Main Line Benefits was founded by agents with 20+ years in the field. You get carrier contracting, lead support, proven scripts, and one-on-one mentorship — plus residual income that keeps paying as your clients renew.
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