Key Takeaways
- DC requires NO pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance (you can take the exam immediately)
- TWO separate exams are required: Property (75 scored questions) + Casualty (80 scored questions), each 120 minutes
- Pearson VUE administers DC insurance exams at $75 per exam ($150 total) with a 70% passing score required
- Fingerprinting IS required in DC through Fieldprint at $31.50 - total licensing cost approximately $287+
- DC auto insurance minimums are 25/50/10 and DC is an At-Fault jurisdiction
- CE requirement is 24 hours every 2 years including 3 ethics hours under DISB regulation
District of Columbia Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE District of Columbia Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers DC-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the DC P&C Exam
The District of Columbia Property & Casualty insurance examinations are administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). The exams test your knowledge of:
- DC insurance law and regulations
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- Policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Claims handling and consumer protection
Exam Structure - TWO Separate Exams Required
| Exam Component | Property Exam | Casualty Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Scored Questions | 75 questions | 80 questions |
| Time Limit | 120 minutes (2 hours) | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher | 70% or higher |
| Exam Fee | $75 | $75 |
| Total Exam Cost | $150 |
Important: Unlike many states that offer a combined P&C exam, DC requires you to take TWO separate exams - one for Property and one for Casualty. Both must be passed to obtain a full P&C license.
Why Two Separate Exams?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | Can schedule both exams same day or different days |
| Order | Can take Property or Casualty first |
| Passing | Must pass BOTH with 70%+ each |
| Retakes | Only need to retake failed section(s) |
| Validity | Pass results valid for 12 months |
Strategy Tip: Many candidates schedule both exams on the same day with a break in between. This allows you to complete the licensing process faster and while the material is fresh.
Pearson VUE Testing in DC Metro Area
Pearson VUE operates testing centers throughout the DC metro area:
| Location | Area |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | District proper |
| Arlington, VA | Northern Virginia |
| Bethesda, MD | Maryland suburbs |
| Silver Spring, MD | Maryland suburbs |
Convenience: Multiple testing locations in the DC metro area provide flexibility for scheduling your exams.
No Pre-Licensing Education Required
DC does NOT require pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance.
What This Means
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Hours | 0 hours - no requirement |
| Approved Courses | Not required (but recommended) |
| Education Verification | Not needed to schedule exam |
| Timeline | Can schedule exams immediately |
Why Prep Courses Are Still Recommended
While not required, exam preparation is strongly recommended because:
- Two Exams Required: Must pass both Property AND Casualty
- 70% Passing Score: Solid knowledge required for each exam
- DC-Specific Content: DC insurance laws tested on exam
- Time Efficiency: Structured study improves pass rates
- Cost of Failure: At $75 per exam, failed attempts add up
This FREE study guide provides everything you need to prepare for the DC-specific content on both exams.
Fingerprinting Required
Unlike some states, DC DOES require fingerprinting for insurance producer licensing.
Fingerprint Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Fieldprint |
| Fee | $31.50 |
| Purpose | FBI criminal background check |
| When Required | Before license issuance |
| Scheduling | fieldprintdc.com |
Background Check Process
- Register with Fieldprint at fieldprintdc.com
- Pay $31.50 fingerprinting fee
- Schedule appointment at Fieldprint location
- Provide fingerprints
- Results sent directly to DISB
- Processing time: 1-2 weeks typical
DC Insurance Market Context
Why DC Is Unique
The District of Columbia has distinctive insurance characteristics:
-
Urban Market
- Dense urban environment
- High property values
- Significant auto insurance exposure
- Federal government presence
-
Federal Government Influence
- Many federal employees and contractors
- Government contractor liability coverage
- Federal oversight of DC regulations
- Congressional authority over DC laws
-
Auto Insurance Requirements
- 25/50/10 minimum liability
- At-Fault jurisdiction - at-fault driver pays damages
- Compulsory Insurance Law
- High urban premiums due to traffic/theft
-
Regulatory Structure
- Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
- Commissioner of Insurance (appointed)
- Consumer protection focus
- Active regulatory oversight
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Study and Prepare (Recommended first)
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Take practice quizzes
- Focus on DC-specific laws
-
Schedule and Pass BOTH Exams
- Register at pearsonvue.com for DC insurance exams
- Pay $75 per exam ($150 total)
- Schedule Property exam (75 scored questions, 2 hours)
- Schedule Casualty exam (80 scored questions, 2 hours)
- Pass BOTH with 70%+ score
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Register with Fieldprint at fieldprintdc.com
- Pay $31.50 fingerprinting fee
- Schedule and complete fingerprinting appointment
- Results sent directly to DISB
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR
- Pay $100 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee
- Provide all required documentation
- Must apply within 12 months of passing exams
-
Receive License
- DISB review includes background check
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks typical
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in DC
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed Exam | Can retake after waiting period |
| Wait Period | Check Pearson VUE for current policy |
| Fee | $75 per exam attempt |
| Partial Pass | Only retake failed exam(s) |
| Score Report | Shows performance by content area |
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Property Exam Fee | $75 |
| Casualty Exam Fee | $75 |
| Fingerprinting (Fieldprint) | $31.50 |
| License Application Fee | $100 + $5.60 |
| TOTAL | ~$287.10 |
Note: DC has moderate total licensing costs. The two separate exams at $75 each add up, but no pre-licensing education is required.
Cost Comparison
| State | Total Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| DC | ~$287 |
| California | ~$469-595 |
| South Dakota | ~$126 |
| Vermont | ~$131 |
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees apply |
Continuing Education Details
DC P&C producers must complete:
- 24 total CE hours every 2-year licensing period
- 3 hours of ethics included in the 24 hours
- Must be completed BEFORE license expiration
DC Auto Insurance Requirements
Minimum Liability Limits
DC requires the following minimum auto liability coverage:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage (per accident) | $10,000 |
Memory Tip: DC minimums are 25/50/10 - same as Vermont!
Key DC Auto Insurance Laws
1. At-Fault Jurisdiction
- DC uses traditional tort system
- At-fault driver's insurance pays for damages
- Comparative negligence applies
2. Compulsory Insurance Law
- All vehicles must maintain minimum liability coverage
- Proof of insurance required at registration
- DMV can suspend registration for no insurance
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- UM/UIM coverage is available
- Not mandatory but recommended
- Protects against uninsured drivers
4. No-Fault Benefits
- DC is NOT a no-fault jurisdiction
- Traditional tort system applies
- PIP coverage optional
Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | disb.dc.gov |
| Address | 1050 First Street, NE, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20002 |
| Phone | (202) 727-8000 |
| Consumer Services | (202) 727-8000 |
| disb@dc.gov | |
| Pearson VUE Registration | pearsonvue.com |
| Fieldprint | fieldprintdc.com |
| NIPR | nipr.com |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on DC-specific content for the P&C exams:
Chapter 1: DC Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) structure
- Producer licensing requirements and procedures
- CE requirements (24 hours/2 years)
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
Chapter 2: DC Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance regulations
- DC Property Insurance Facility (FAIR Plan)
- Urban property risks and coverage
- Claims handling requirements
Chapter 3: DC Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/10)
- Compulsory Insurance Law
- Workers' compensation requirements
- Commercial liability insurance
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Prohibited practices (rebating, twisting, misrepresentation)
- Claims handling time requirements
- DC 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 | 0 (not required) |
| Property exam questions (scored) | 75 |
| Casualty exam questions (scored) | 80 |
| Exam time limit (each) | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Property exam fee | $75 |
| Casualty exam fee | $75 |
| Total exam fees | $150 |
| Fingerprinting fee | $31.50 |
| License application fee | $100 + $5.60 |
| Total cost | ~$287 |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Ethics CE required | 3 hours |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/10 |
DC-Specific Topics to Know
- DISB - Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
- Two Separate Exams - Property (75q) + Casualty (80q)
- Fingerprinting Required - Through Fieldprint ($31.50)
- No Pre-Licensing - Can test immediately
- 25/50/10 - Auto liability minimums
- At-Fault Jurisdiction - Traditional tort system
- Urban Market - High property values, dense population
DC Insurance Market Overview
Why DC Is Unique
Urban Market Characteristics:
- Dense urban environment with high property values
- Significant auto insurance exposure (traffic, theft)
- Condo and co-op prevalence
- Federal government employee base
- Government contractor market
Career Opportunities:
- Personal lines for DC residents
- Commercial insurance for businesses
- Government contractor specialty coverage
- High-net-worth clients
- Condo association coverage
- Risk management for federal agencies
FAIR Plan - DC Property Insurance Facility
DC maintains a FAIR Plan (DC Property Insurance Facility) for property owners who cannot obtain coverage in the standard market:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Insurance of last resort |
| Eligibility | Must be rejected by standard market |
| Coverage | Basic property coverage |
| Who Uses It | High-risk properties |
Exam Day Tips
What to Bring
Required:
- Two forms of valid identification (one government-issued photo ID)
- Confirmation number from Pearson VUE
- Arrive 30 minutes early
NOT Allowed:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
- Study materials or notes
- Calculators (one provided if needed)
- Food or beverages
Time Management - Two Exams
If taking both exams same day:
- Property Exam: 75 scored questions in 120 minutes (1.6 min/question)
- Break: Take a short break between exams
- Casualty Exam: 80 scored questions in 120 minutes (1.5 min/question)
- Total Time: Plan for 5+ hours including check-in and breaks
Strategy: First pass through all questions you know, then return to flagged questions. Don't spend too much time on any single question.
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- 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 BOTH exams
- Pass both exams - With 70%+ score each
- Complete fingerprinting - Through Fieldprint
- Apply for license - Pay $100 + $5.60 fee through NIPR
Remember: DC requires TWO separate exams (Property AND Casualty) and fingerprinting. No pre-licensing education is required, but thorough preparation is essential for passing both exams!
Let's get started with Chapter 1: DC Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
As of 2026, how many hours of pre-licensing education does the District of Columbia require before taking the Property & Casualty exam?
How many separate exams must you pass to obtain a full P&C license in DC?
What is the total exam fee for both DC P&C exams?
Does DC require fingerprinting for insurance producer licensing?
What are the minimum auto liability insurance limits required in DC?
What is the regulatory authority for insurance in the District of Columbia?