Key Takeaways
- DC does NOT require pre-licensing education, but exam prep courses are strongly recommended
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- Life exam has 85 questions (75 scored) with 2 hours; DC does NOT offer a combined L&H exam
- DC requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics
- Effective February 2025, renewal period extended to 90 days before license expiration
District of Columbia Life & Health Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE District of Columbia Life & Health Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers DC-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and local insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam.
About the DC L&H Exam
The District of Columbia Life & Health insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- DC 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 (Accident & Health) |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Total Questions | 85 (75 scored, 10 pretest) | 85+ questions |
| Time Limit | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
Important: The District of Columbia does NOT offer a combined Life and Health exam. You must take each exam separately if seeking both licenses.
Scheduling Your Exam
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Pearson VUE website |
| Phone | (800) 274-0610 |
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
The District of Columbia does NOT require pre-licensing education. However, due to the difficulty of these exams, preparation courses are highly recommended.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 0 hours required |
| Recommendation | Exam prep courses strongly recommended |
| Pass Rate Impact | Prepared candidates have higher success rates |
Exam Tip: Although DC doesn't mandate pre-licensing education, the exams are challenging. Most successful candidates complete a comprehensive study program before attempting the exam.
Recent Regulatory Updates (2025)
Exam Requirement Exemption (Effective February 14, 2025)
Applicants who move to DC from another state are exempt from the license exam if they apply within 90 days of canceling their former resident state's license.
Extended Renewal Period (Effective March 14, 2025)
The renewal period has been extended from 60 days to 90 days before license expiration, giving producers more time to complete CE and renew.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare for the Exam
- Complete voluntary exam prep course (recommended)
- Study DC insurance regulations
- Take practice exams until scoring 80%+
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online or by phone
- Choose testing center location
- Pay exam fee
-
Take the Exam
- Bring valid photo ID
- Complete exam within 2 hours
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Results provided immediately
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for all new resident DC producers
- Submit through Fieldprint
- Background check processed
-
Apply for License
- Submit application to DISB
- Pay applicable fees
- Provide all required documentation
-
Receive License
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Complete CE for renewal
Fingerprinting Requirement
Any applicant who passes the examination to become a resident DC Insurance Producer must submit to fingerprinting and a background check through Fieldprint. Additionally, every nonresident producer who becomes a resident producer must also complete this requirement.
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours of the 24 must be ethics |
| Flood Insurance | 3-hour one-time course (P&C licensees) |
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Window | 90 days before expiration |
CE Requirements for Multiple Lines
If you hold multiple lines of authority (e.g., Life & Health AND Property & Casualty), you do NOT need to take double the hours. Your total CE requirement remains 24 hours, with appropriate content for your licensed lines.
CE Carryover Policy
DC does NOT allow excess CE hours to carry over to the next renewal period. Additionally, excess ethics hours cannot be applied to general CE credits.
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timeline | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1-30 days after expiration | $200 late renewal fee via NIPR |
| After 30 days | License lapses; must reapply |
| Within 365 days of lapse | Can reinstate via NIPR |
DC DISB Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | disb.dc.gov |
| Address | 1050 First Street, NE, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20002 |
| Phone | (202) 442-7813 |
| Renewal Fee | $100 plus CE provider costs |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on DC-specific content:
Chapter 1: DC Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- DISB structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- DC insurance code overview
Chapter 2: DC Life Insurance Regulations
- DC-specific life insurance laws
- Policy requirements and consumer protections
- DC Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association
Chapter 3: DC Health Insurance Regulations
- Health insurance requirements in DC
- DC Health Link (state marketplace)
- Group and individual health coverage rules
Chapter 4: DC Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Fiduciary duties and professional conduct
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Consumer complaint procedures
Note: This guide covers ONLY DC-specific law. Complete the national Life & Health exam first for foundational knowledge.
DC Insurance Market Context
Key DC Insurance Facts
-
Unique Jurisdiction
- Not a state; operates under federal oversight
- Compact urban environment
- High density of federal employees
-
Health Insurance Market
- DC Health Link state marketplace
- Strong individual and group markets
- Significant federal employee coverage (FEHB)
-
Regulatory Environment
- DISB regulates insurance, securities, and banking
- Consumer protection focus
- Active enforcement
-
Demographics
- High income levels
- Young professional population
- Transient population (military, federal)
Study Tips for DC Exam
Recommended Study Plan
Since DC doesn't require pre-licensing education, create your own structured study plan:
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Life insurance fundamentals | 15-20 hours |
| Weeks 3-4 | Health insurance fundamentals | 15-20 hours |
| Week 5 | DC-specific laws and regulations | 10-15 hours |
| Week 6 | Practice exams and review | 10-15 hours |
Key Focus Areas
-
DC Insurance Code
- Local requirements
- Consumer protection laws
- Producer obligations
-
DISB Authority
- Regulatory powers
- Enforcement actions
- Complaint procedures
-
Federal Influence
- FEHB considerations
- ACA implementation in DC
- Unique DC requirements
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Consider exam prep course - Though not required, highly recommended
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule your exam(s)
- Pass exam - With confidence!
- Complete fingerprinting - Through Fieldprint
- Apply for license - Through DISB
Remember: DC requires separate exams for Life and Health. Plan accordingly if seeking both licenses.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: DC Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does the District of Columbia require for a Life & Health license?
Does DC offer a combined Life and Health insurance exam?
What is the late renewal fee if a DC insurance license expires?
As of March 2025, how far in advance of license expiration can DC producers begin the renewal process?