Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires 50 hours of pre-licensing education per line (90 total for combined L&H with 10-hour CO-specific training)
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- Life exam has 91 questions (80 scored) with 2 hours; Health exam has 85 questions (75 scored)
- Colorado requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years including 3 ethics and 3 homeowner CE hours
- The 10-hour Colorado-specific training includes principles, ethics, and legal concepts
Colorado Life & Health Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Colorado Life & Health Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Colorado-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam.
About the Colorado L&H Exam
The Colorado Life & Health insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 10
- 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 (Accident & Health) |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Total Questions | 91 (80 scored, 11 pretest) | 85 (75 scored, 10 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
| Exam Fee | ~$47 | ~$47 |
Important: Colorado offers online testing through Pearson VUE for insurance licensing exams, providing flexibility for candidates who prefer to test from home.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
Colorado has comprehensive pre-licensing education requirements with both general and state-specific components.
Hours Required
| License Type | General Hours | CO-Specific Hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Only | 40 hours | 10 hours | 50 hours |
| Health Only | 40 hours | 10 hours | 50 hours |
| Combined L&H | 80 hours | 10 hours | 90 hours |
Colorado-Specific Training (10 Hours)
The 10-hour Colorado-specific training includes:
| Component | Hours | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Insurance | 3 hours | Colorado insurance fundamentals |
| Ethics | 3 hours | Professional conduct standards |
| Legal Concepts & Regulations | 4 hours | Colorado Revised Statutes Title 10 |
Pre-Licensing Course Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Provider | Must be Colorado-approved |
| Completion Evidence | Certificate required before exam |
| Course Content | Approved coursework per LOA |
Exam Tip: Plan for approximately 6-8 weeks to complete your pre-licensing education if studying part-time. The 90-hour requirement for combined L&H is substantial but provides excellent exam preparation.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
- 80 hours general education for combined L&H
- 10 hours Colorado-specific training
- Obtain certificate of completion
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE
- Pay ~$47 exam fee
- Choose testing center or online proctored option
- Must have pre-licensing certificate first
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive with valid photo ID
- Complete exam within 2 hours
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Results provided immediately (pass/fail)
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR
- Pay application fee ($47) plus NIPR fee ($5.60)
- Must apply within 12 months of passing exam
- Must be at least 18 years of age
-
Receive License
- Colorado DOI issues license upon approval
- License valid for 2 years
- Begin CE requirements at second renewal
Total Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $200-400 (varies by provider) |
| Exam Fee | ~$47 |
| License Application Fee | $47 |
| NIPR Transaction Fee | $5.60 |
| TOTAL | ~$300-500 |
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours of the 24 |
| Homeowner CE | 3 hours of the 24 |
| Line-Specific | 18 hours must be for lines held |
| License Term | 2 years |
| First Renewal | CE not required |
| Second+ Renewal | CE required |
CE Requirements Breakdown
| CE Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Ethics | 3 hours |
| Homeowner CE | 3 hours |
| Line-Specific | 18 hours |
| TOTAL | 24 hours every 2 years |
Note: Colorado requires specific homeowner continuing education (3 hours) in addition to ethics (3 hours). The remaining 18 hours must be relevant to your licensed lines.
Colorado Division of Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | doi.colorado.gov |
| Address | 1560 Broadway, Suite 850, Denver, CO 80202 |
| Phone | 303-894-7499 |
| Consumer Line | 1-800-930-3745 |
| dora_ins_website@state.co.us |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Colorado state-specific content:
Chapter 1: Colorado Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Colorado Division of Insurance structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 10 overview
Chapter 2: Colorado Life Insurance Regulations
- Colorado-specific life insurance laws
- Policy requirements and consumer protections
- Colorado Life & Health Insurance Protection Association
Chapter 3: Colorado Health Insurance Regulations
- Health insurance requirements in Colorado
- Connect for Health Colorado marketplace
- Group and individual health coverage rules
Chapter 4: Colorado Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Fiduciary duties and professional conduct
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Consumer complaint procedures
Chapter 5: Colorado Annuities & Retirement Products
- Annuity regulations and suitability
- Best interest standards
- Senior protection requirements
Chapter 6: Colorado Long-Term Care & Medicare
- LTC insurance requirements
- Medicare supplement regulations
- Colorado Partnership program
Note: This guide covers ONLY Colorado state law. Complete the national Life & Health exam first for foundational knowledge.
Colorado Insurance Market Context
Key Colorado Insurance Facts
-
Growing Population
- Fast-growing state with diverse demographics
- Expanding insurance market
- Mountain communities with unique needs
-
Health Insurance Focus
- Connect for Health Colorado (state exchange)
- Significant individual market
- Strong employer-sponsored coverage
-
Regulatory Environment
- Part of DORA (Dept. of Regulatory Agencies)
- Consumer protection focused
- Active enforcement of insurance laws
-
Natural Disaster Exposure
- Wildfire risk increasing
- Hail and severe weather
- Flood insurance awareness growing
Study Tips for Colorado Exam
Recommended Study Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | General L&H pre-licensing course | 40 hours |
| Weeks 5-8 | Complete L&H pre-licensing | 40 hours |
| Week 9 | Colorado-specific 10-hour training | 10 hours |
| Weeks 10-11 | Practice exams and review | 15-20 hours |
| Week 12 | Final review, schedule exam | 5-10 hours |
Key Focus Areas
-
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 10
- Insurance regulations
- Producer requirements
- Consumer protection
-
Division of Insurance Authority
- Regulatory powers
- Enforcement actions
- Complaint procedures
-
State-Specific Requirements
- Unique Colorado laws
- Policy provisions
- Disclosure requirements
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Enroll in pre-licensing course - 90 hours for combined L&H
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 6 chapters
- Complete Colorado-specific training - 10 required hours
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Register with Pearson VUE - Pay ~$47 exam fee
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Pass exam - With confidence!
Remember: This guide focuses on Colorado-specific content. Supplement with national L&H study materials for comprehensive preparation.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Colorado Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How many total hours of pre-licensing education does Colorado require for a combined Life & Health license?
Which testing company administers Colorado insurance licensing exams?
What special CE topic does Colorado require in addition to ethics?
What is included in Colorado's 10-hour state-specific pre-licensing training?