Key Takeaways
- As of January 1, 2024, Alabama no longer requires pre-licensing education, though courses are highly recommended
- The exam is administered by the University of Alabama with a 70% passing score required
- Combined Life & Health exam fee is $75; single line exam fee is $50
- Alabama requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics
- Alabama Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects policyholders with coverage limits
Alabama Life & Health Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Alabama Life & Health Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Alabama-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam.
About the Alabama L&H Exam
The Alabama Life & Health insurance examination is administered by the University of Alabama on behalf of the Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Alabama 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 | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | University of Alabama |
| Regulatory Authority | Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | Multiple choice |
| Test Delivery | Computer-based at testing centers or online |
| Results | Immediate |
| Life Exam Fee | $50 |
| Health Exam Fee | $50 |
| Combined L&H Fee | $75 |
Important: Alabama allows you to take the combined Life & Health exam for $75, which is more economical than taking each exam separately ($100 total).
Major Change: Pre-Licensing Education No Longer Required
As of January 1, 2024, Alabama no longer requires a pre-licensing certificate before taking the state exam. However, preparation through study courses is strongly recommended.
What This Means for You
| Feature | Current Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education Hours | 0 hours required (as of 1/1/2024) |
| Self-Study | Acceptable but courses recommended |
| Recommended Course | 40-hour Life & Health course |
| Exam Eligibility | Can register directly for exam |
Recommended Pre-Licensing Courses (Voluntary)
While not required, these courses significantly improve pass rates:
| License Type | Recommended Course |
|---|---|
| Life Only | 20-hour Life Insurance course |
| Health Only | 20-hour Health Insurance course |
| Combined L&H | 40-hour Life & Health Insurance course |
Exam Tip: Even though pre-licensing education is optional, most candidates who pass on their first attempt complete a structured study course. The exam covers complex material that benefits from organized instruction.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 0 hours required (voluntary) |
| Previous Requirement | Was required until January 1, 2024 |
| Recommended Study | 40-60 hours using study guides |
| Certificate | Not required to sit for exam |
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare for the Exam
- Complete voluntary pre-licensing course (recommended)
- Study Alabama insurance regulations
- Take practice exams until scoring 80%+
-
Complete Fingerprint Background Check
- Required for all individual resident applicants since April 1, 2015
- Use state-approved fingerprinting vendor
- Results sent to ALDOI
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with University of Alabama testing services
- Choose testing center in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, or Montgomery
- Online testing also available
- Pay exam fee ($50 single line or $75 combined)
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive with valid photo ID
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Results provided immediately
- Exam scores valid for one year
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR
- Pay application fee
- Must be at least 18 years of age
-
Receive License
- License issued upon approval
- Initial license valid for 2 years
- Renew biennially on birth month
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours of the 24 must be ethics |
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Fee | $70 per line of authority |
| Renewal Timing | Last day of birth month every 2 years |
Special Training Requirements
| Training Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Care | 8 hours initial + 4 hours ongoing every 2 years |
| Flood Insurance | One-time 3-hour course |
| Annuity Training | 4-hour Annuity Best Interest course before selling |
CE Exemptions
The following are exempt from Alabama CE requirements:
- Producers licensed less than 12 months at first renewal
- Non-residents of reciprocal states who met home state CE
- Producers licensed 15+ years who are at least 60 years old
- Individuals licensed for lines not requiring exam
Alabama Department of Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | aldoi.gov |
| Address | 201 Monroe Street, Suite 502, Montgomery, AL 36104 |
| Phone | 334-241-4126 |
| ProducerLicensing@insurance.alabama.gov |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Alabama state-specific content:
Chapter 1: Alabama Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
Chapter 2: Alabama Life Insurance Regulations
- Alabama-specific life insurance laws
- Policy requirements and consumer protections
- Alabama Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association
Chapter 3: Alabama Health Insurance Regulations
- Health insurance requirements in Alabama
- Group and individual health coverage rules
- Alabama health insurance marketplace information
Chapter 4: Alabama Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Fiduciary duties and professional conduct
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Consumer complaint procedures
Note: This guide covers ONLY Alabama state law. Complete the national Life & Health exam first for foundational knowledge.
Testing Center Locations
Alabama offers testing at multiple convenient locations:
| City | Testing Option |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | In-person testing center |
| Huntsville | In-person testing center |
| Mobile | In-person testing center |
| Montgomery | In-person testing center |
| Tuscaloosa | In-person testing center |
| Online | Remote proctored option |
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Consider pre-licensing course - Though not required, highly recommended
- Complete fingerprint background check - Required for all applicants
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Register for exam - Through University of Alabama
- Pass exam - With confidence!
Remember: This guide focuses on Alabama-specific content. Supplement with national L&H study materials for comprehensive preparation.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Alabama Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
As of January 1, 2024, how many hours of pre-licensing education does Alabama require for a Life & Health license?
Which organization administers Alabama's insurance licensing exams?
What is the exam fee for taking the combined Life & Health insurance exam in Alabama?
How many hours of continuing education must Alabama insurance producers complete every two years?