Key Takeaways
- Effective January 1, 2026, California requires only 12 hours of California Insurance Code & Ethics pre-license education for P&C
- The California P&C exam has 150 questions with a 3-hour time limit and requires 60% to pass
- PSI administers California insurance exams at testing centers statewide and via remote proctoring
- All applicants must complete Live Scan fingerprinting for a background check
- License fees include $88 exam fee plus $43 convenience fee; licenses are valid for 2 years
California P&C Producer Licensing Requirements
California has specific requirements for obtaining a Property & Casualty insurance producer license. Effective January 1, 2026, California reduced pre-license education requirements.
Pre-License Education Requirements
Current Requirements (Effective January 1, 2026)
| License Type | Pre-License Hours | Ethics Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Property Only | 12 hours CA Code & Ethics | Included |
| Casualty Only | 12 hours CA Code & Ethics | Included |
| Property & Casualty | 12 hours CA Code & Ethics | Included |
Key Changes (January 2026):
- California eliminated the general pre-license education requirement (previously 20+ hours)
- Now requires only 12 hours of California Insurance Code & Ethics
- Pre-license courses must be completed at CDI-approved schools
- Course completion certificate is valid for 3 years
Note: While pre-license education is reduced, the exam still covers comprehensive P&C knowledge. Self-study is recommended.
Examination Requirements
The California Property & Casualty examination:
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 60% (90 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $88 + $43 convenience fee = $131 |
| Testing Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Retake Policy | No waiting period, pay new fee |
Exam Options
- Property Only - 75 questions, 1.5 hours
- Casualty Only - 75 questions, 1.5 hours
- Combined P&C - 150 questions, 3 hours
Exam Tip: California's 60% passing score is lower than most states that require 70%. However, the exam is comprehensive.
Examination Process
- Complete pre-license education at approved school (12 hours CA Code & Ethics)
- Schedule exam with PSI online or call (833) 518-7456
- Exam options: Physical PSI testing center OR remote proctored exam
- Bring valid ID with photo (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Receive results immediately after exam
Background Check Requirements
California requires Live Scan fingerprinting for all insurance license applicants:
Live Scan Process
- Vendor: Capital Live Scan (CLS) - effective February 2025
- Timing: Can complete before or after passing exam
- Cost: Approximately $49-75 depending on location
- Results: Submitted electronically to CDI and DOJ
Disqualifying Factors
CDI considers criminal history when evaluating license applications:
- Crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust
- Felonies substantially related to insurance activities
- Recent convictions (time elapsed matters)
- Pattern of criminal behavior
License Types
| License Type | What You Can Sell |
|---|---|
| Property Only | Fire, homeowners, commercial property |
| Casualty Only | Liability, auto, workers' comp |
| Property & Casualty | All property and casualty products |
| Personal Lines | Auto and homeowners only |
Agent vs. Broker
- Agent: Represents one or more insurers, appointed by company
- Broker: Represents the consumer, not the insurer
- Both require separate license and exam
What is the passing score for the California Property & Casualty insurance exam?
As of January 2026, how many hours of pre-license education does California require for a P&C license?