Key Takeaways
- Alaska does NOT require pre-licensing education hours, but study courses are strongly recommended
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- Life exam has 110 questions (90 scored) with 2 hours 15 minutes; Health exam has 105 questions (90 scored)
- Alaska requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics
- Alaska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects policyholders if insurers become insolvent
Alaska Life & Health Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Alaska Life & Health Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Alaska-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam.
About the Alaska L&H Exam
The Alaska Life & Health insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Alaska Division of Insurance (part of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Alaska insurance law and regulations
- Life insurance principles and coverages
- Health insurance including major medical, disability, and LTC
- Annuities and retirement products
- Ethics and professional conduct
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Life Insurance | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Total Questions | 110 (90 scored, 20 pretest) | 105 (90 scored, 15 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
| Exam Fee | $89 | $89 |
Important: Alaska uses scaled scoring. Your reported score is not the percentage of questions answered correctly. A score of 70 indicates passing, while scores below 70 show how close you came to passing.
Alaska's Unique Approach: No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
Unlike most states, Alaska does NOT require pre-licensing education hours to sit for the L&H exam. This means:
What This Means for You
| Feature | Alaska Approach |
|---|---|
| Education Hours | 0 hours required by law |
| Self-Study | Completely acceptable |
| Approval Process | No course approval needed |
| Exam Eligibility | Apply directly for exam |
| Recommended Study | 40-60 hours self-study |
The Reality
While Alaska doesn't mandate education hours, the exam is not easier. Most successful candidates invest 40-60 hours in structured study using:
- Comprehensive study guides (like this one)
- Practice exams
- National L&H textbooks
- Alaska-specific regulatory materials
Exam Tip: Alaska's lack of mandatory education is a double-edged sword. You save $200-400 on required courses but must be self-disciplined. Most candidates who fail underestimated the exam difficulty.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 0 hours required (voluntary) |
| Approval | No state approval needed |
| Certificate | Not required for exam |
| Recommendation | 40-60 hours of self-study strongly recommended |
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare for the Exam
- Study L&H insurance principles (40-60 hours recommended)
- Focus on Alaska-specific regulations
- Take practice exams until scoring 80%+
-
Submit License Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Complete fingerprint-based background check
- Pay application fee
-
Complete Background Check
- Contact Alaska Department of Public Safety for fingerprinting
- Submit fingerprint card to Division of Insurance with $47 fee
- Results sent directly to Division of Insurance
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online or by phone
- Schedule at testing center or online proctored (OnVUE)
- Pay $89 exam fee
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early (in-person)
- Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID)
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Results provided immediately
-
Receive License
- Apply for license within 12 months of passing
- License issued upon approval
- Complete CE requirements for renewal
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours of the 24 must be ethics |
| License Term | Biennial (2 years) |
| Renewal | Through NIPR |
Alaska Division of Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | commerce.alaska.gov/web/ins |
| Address | 550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501 |
| Phone | (907) 269-7900 |
| Toll-Free | (800) 467-8725 |
| insurance@alaska.gov |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Alaska state-specific content:
Chapter 1: Alaska Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Alaska Division of Insurance structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
Chapter 2: Alaska Life Insurance Regulations
- Alaska-specific life insurance laws
- Policy requirements and consumer protections
- Alaska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association
Chapter 3: Alaska Health Insurance Regulations
- Health insurance requirements in Alaska
- Group and individual health coverage rules
- Alaska's health insurance marketplace
Chapter 4: Alaska Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Fiduciary duties and professional conduct
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Consumer complaint procedures
Note: This guide covers ONLY Alaska state law. Complete the national Life & Health exam first for foundational knowledge.
Alaska's Insurance Market Context
Why Alaska Is Unique
Alaska's insurance market faces unique challenges that shape state regulations:
-
Geographic Isolation
- Limited competition in remote areas
- Higher costs for health insurance
- Increased importance of consumer protection
-
Small Population
- Population of approximately 731,000+
- Tight-knit insurance community
- Strong emphasis on ethical practices
-
Economic Factors
- High cost of living
- Reliance on natural resources industry
- Unique employment patterns affecting group coverage
-
Regulatory Philosophy
- Consumer protection focused
- Balanced approach to market freedom
- Strong guaranty association protections
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Review Alaska regulations - Study state-specific content
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Apply for license - Through NIPR when ready
- Schedule exam - With Pearson VUE
- Pass exam - With confidence!
Remember: This guide focuses on Alaska-specific content. Supplement with national L&H study materials for comprehensive preparation.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Alaska Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Alaska require for a Life & Health license?
What is the minimum passing score required for Alaska insurance licensing exams?
Which testing company administers Alaska's insurance licensing exams?
How many hours of continuing education must Alaska insurance producers complete every two years?