Key Takeaways
- Connecticut REQUIRES 40 hours of pre-licensing education (20 hours Property + 20 hours Casualty) - certificate valid for 1 year
- The combined P&C exam has 145 questions with a 2.5-hour time limit, requiring 70% to pass
- Professional designations (AAI, ARM, CIC, CPCU) may waive the exam requirement completely
- After 2 failed online exam attempts, candidates must test in-person at a testing center
- Total licensing cost is approximately $190 ($140 license fee + $50 application fee)
- Connecticut auto liability minimums are 20/40/10 - lower than many neighboring states
Connecticut Property & Casualty Insurance Exam 2026
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Connecticut Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Connecticut-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the Connecticut P&C Exam
The Connecticut Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Connecticut Insurance Code and regulations
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- Coastal property insurance challenges
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Connecticut-specific consumer protections
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Regulatory Authority | Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | 145 multiple-choice questions (combined) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Test Delivery | Computer-based at testing centers or online proctored |
| Results | Immediate |
| License Fee | $140 + $50 application = $190 total |
Important: Connecticut requires 70% to pass, which is standard across most states. The exam covers both national P&C concepts and Connecticut-specific laws and regulations.
Exam Options
You can take the Connecticut P&C exam in different configurations:
| Exam Type | Questions | Time | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Only | 85 | 2 hours | Homeowners, fire, commercial property |
| Casualty Only | 85 | 2 hours | Auto, liability, workers' comp |
| Combined P&C | 145 | 2.5 hours | Both property and casualty |
Recommendation: Most candidates take the Combined P&C exam to obtain a full Property & Casualty license in one sitting.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
Connecticut REQUIRES 40 hours of pre-licensing education before you can take the exam.
Education Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Property Line | 20 hours |
| Casualty Line | 20 hours |
| Total for Combined P&C | 40 hours |
| Certificate Validity | 1 year from completion |
Key Education Rules
- Courses must be from Connecticut Insurance Department-approved providers
- Education certificate is valid for 1 year only - schedule your exam promptly
- Must complete education BEFORE scheduling exam
- Both classroom and online courses are accepted
- Cannot take exam until education is verified
Exam Tip: Your pre-licensing certificate expires after 1 year. Plan to take your exam within a few months of completing education to avoid having to retake courses.
Exam Waiver: Professional Designations
Connecticut waives the examination requirement for applicants holding certain professional designations. This is a significant advantage for experienced insurance professionals.
Recognized Designations for Exam Waiver
| Designation | Full Name | Granting Organization |
|---|---|---|
| AAI | Accredited Adviser in Insurance | The Institutes |
| ARM | Associate in Risk Management | The Institutes |
| CIC | Certified Insurance Counselor | National Alliance |
| CPCU | Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter | The Institutes |
Waiver Requirements
- Designation must be current (not expired or revoked)
- Must submit official letter of designation from granting organization
- Still must complete application and background check
- Still must pay all applicable fees
- Pre-licensing education may still be required
Exam Tip: If you hold one of these designations, you can skip the exam entirely. Verify your designation is current before applying.
Connecticut Auto Insurance Minimums
Understanding Connecticut's mandatory auto insurance minimums is essential for the exam:
Required Liability Coverage
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $20,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $40,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
This is expressed as 20/40/10 - note this is lower than many neighboring states.
Additional Auto Insurance Requirements
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Uninsured Motorist (BI) | $20,000/$40,000 (matching liability) |
| Underinsured Motorist | Must be offered |
| PIP/No-Fault | Not required (Connecticut is a fault state) |
| Medical Payments | Optional |
Exam Tip: Memorize Connecticut's 20/40/10 liability minimums - this is frequently tested. Also know that Connecticut is a fault state, not a no-fault state.
Online Exam Failure Rule
Connecticut has a unique rule regarding online exam attempts:
Two-Strike Online Rule
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1st Online Attempt | May test online |
| 2nd Online Attempt | May test online |
| After 2 Online Failures | MUST test in-person at testing center |
If you fail the online proctored exam twice, you are required to take all subsequent attempts at an in-person Pearson VUE testing center.
Why This Matters
- Online testing offers convenience but with stricter proctoring requirements
- In-person testing eliminates technical issues and connection concerns
- Plan thoroughly before your first two attempts
- Consider testing in-person from the start if you prefer that environment
Exam Tip: Treat your first two online attempts seriously. If you're not confident, consider starting with in-person testing to avoid the mandatory switch.
Connecticut Insurance Market Context
Hartford: "Insurance Capital of the World"
Connecticut is unique in the insurance industry:
-
Historical Significance
- Hartford has been an insurance hub since the 1800s
- Home to major insurers: Aetna, The Hartford, Travelers, Lincoln National
- Insurance industry employs over 60,000 Connecticut residents
- Deep expertise and networking opportunities
-
Market Characteristics
- Sophisticated insurance market
- High concentration of industry professionals
- Strong regulatory oversight
- Emphasis on compliance and ethics
-
Geographic Risks
- Coastal Exposure: Long Island Sound hurricanes and nor'easters
- Winter Storms: Heavy snow, ice, and wind damage
- Flood Risk: Coastal and river flooding
- Connecticut FAIR Plan: Market of last resort
-
Regulatory Environment
- Prior approval for most rate changes
- Strong consumer protection laws
- Active market conduct oversight
- Professional licensing standards
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Complete 40-Hour Pre-Licensing Education
- Enroll in Connecticut-approved course
- Complete 20 hours Property + 20 hours Casualty
- Obtain certificate of completion
- Certificate valid for 1 year only
-
Schedule and Pass the Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/ct/insurance
- Choose testing center or online proctored exam
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Remember: After 2 online failures, must test in-person
-
Submit License Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Or apply directly through Connecticut Insurance Department
- Submit all required documentation
-
Pay Application Fees
- License fee: $140
- Application fee: $50
- Total: $190
-
Complete Background Check
- Fingerprinting required for all applicants
- Criminal background check conducted
- Results sent directly to CID
-
Receive License
- CID review takes 2-4 weeks
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Connecticut
Alternative Path: Professional Designation Waiver
If you hold AAI, ARM, CIC, or CPCU designation:
- Submit proof of current designation
- Complete pre-licensing education (may still be required)
- Submit application with $190 fee
- Complete background check
- Receive license - NO EXAM REQUIRED
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed Exam (1st or 2nd online) | Can retake online |
| Failed 2+ Times Online | MUST test in-person |
| Retake Fee | Full exam fee required each attempt |
| Waiting Period | Typically 24-48 hours |
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education (40 hrs) | $200-400 |
| Exam Fee | $75-100 (varies) |
| License Fee | $140 |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Background Check/Fingerprinting | $50-75 |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $515-765 |
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | $140 |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees apply |
Connecticut Insurance Department Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | portal.ct.gov/cid |
| Phone | (860) 297-3800 |
| Consumer Helpline | (800) 203-3447 |
| Address | 153 Market Street, Hartford, CT 06103 |
| Pearson VUE Registration | pearsonvue.com/ct/insurance |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Connecticut state-specific content for the P&C exam:
Chapter 1: Connecticut Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Connecticut Insurance Department structure
- Commissioner powers (appointed by Governor)
- Producer licensing requirements and CE
- Rate filing and approval processes
Chapter 2: Connecticut Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance requirements
- Connecticut FAIR Plan (coastal high-risk properties)
- Coastal property disclosure requirements
- Flood insurance considerations
Chapter 3: Connecticut Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (20/40/10)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist requirements
- Workers' compensation regulations
- General liability requirements
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling requirements
- Connecticut Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct standards
national Property & Casualty exam prepFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Study Tips for Success
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 40 hours (20 + 20) |
| Certificate validity | 1 year |
| Exam questions (combined) | 145 |
| Exam time limit | 2.5 hours |
| Passing score | 70% |
| License fee + application | $190 total |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Ethics CE required | 3 hours |
| Auto minimum liability | 20/40/10 |
Connecticut-Specific Focus Areas
- Pre-Licensing Certificate - Valid only 1 year
- Online Exam Rule - After 2 failures, must test in-person
- Professional Designations - AAI, ARM, CIC, CPCU waive exam
- Auto Minimums 20/40/10 - Lower than neighboring states
- Hartford Industry Hub - "Insurance Capital of the World"
- Coastal Property Risks - Long Island Sound exposure
Exam Content Distribution
The Connecticut P&C exam covers these main content areas:
| Content Area | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| Property Insurance | 30-35% |
| Casualty Insurance | 30-35% |
| Connecticut Insurance Law | 15-20% |
| Ethics & Conduct | 10-15% |
| Policy Provisions | 10-15% |
Comparison: Connecticut vs. Neighboring States
| Feature | Connecticut | New York | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Hours | 40 | 90 | 40 |
| Passing Score | 70% | 70% | 70% |
| Auto Minimums | 20/40/10 | 25/50/10 | 20/40/5 |
| Exam Waiver | Yes (designations) | Limited | No |
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Enroll in pre-licensing course - 40 hours from approved provider
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule your exam within 1 year
- Pass exam - With 70%+ score
- Apply for license - Pay $190 total
- Complete background check - Fingerprinting required
Remember: This guide focuses on Connecticut-specific content. Supplement with national P&C study materials for comprehensive preparation.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Connecticut Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Connecticut require before taking the P&C exam?
What happens after you fail the Connecticut P&C exam online twice?
Which professional designation does NOT waive the Connecticut P&C exam requirement?
What are Connecticut's minimum auto liability insurance requirements?
What is the total cost for Connecticut P&C license fees (license fee + application fee)?
How long is a Connecticut pre-licensing education certificate valid?