Key Takeaways
- DC does not require pre-licensing education hours—you can take the exam immediately after applying
- The exam consists of 80 scored questions per section (property and casualty) with a 70% passing score
- Each exam section has a 2-hour time limit for a total of 4 hours
- Pearson VUE administers all DC insurance licensing examinations
- DC requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years including 3 hours ethics and 3 hours flood insurance (first renewal only)
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 and begin your career as a licensed P&C producer in the nation's capital.
About the DC P&C Exam
The District of Columbia Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- DC insurance law and regulations
- Property insurance principles and coverages
- Casualty insurance including auto and liability
- Policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Claims handling and consumer protection
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Property Exam Questions | 80 scored + 10 pretest (unscored) |
| Casualty Exam Questions | 80 scored + 10 pretest (unscored) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours per exam (4 hours total) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher per section |
| Question Format | Multiple choice |
| Exam Cost | $150 ($75 property + $75 casualty) |
DC Advantage: Unlike most states, DC requires NO pre-licensing education hours. You can schedule and take your exam immediately after submitting your license application and paying the exam fee.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
DC's Unique Approach
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Hours | ZERO - No pre-licensing education required |
| Study Recommendation | 60-80 hours self-study recommended |
| Application Timing | Can apply and test immediately |
What This Means for You
DC is one of the few jurisdictions that does not mandate pre-licensing education. While this allows you to get licensed faster, it also means:
- You're responsible for all learning - No structured course required
- Self-discipline is critical - Most successful candidates study 60-80 hours
- Practice exams are essential - Test your readiness before scheduling
- National + DC content - Study both general P&C principles AND DC-specific law
Exam Tip: Just because DC doesn't require pre-licensing education doesn't mean you should skip preparation. Most candidates who pass on their first attempt spend 60-80 hours studying national P&C content plus DC-specific regulations.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Submit License Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) at nipr.com
- Complete background check via Fieldprint
- Pay application and fingerprinting fees
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from DISB
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/dc/insurance
- Pay $150 exam fee ($75 property + $75 casualty)
- Choose testing center or online proctored option
- Schedule within your testing window
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early (if testing at center)
- Bring two forms of valid identification
- Complete property exam (2 hours)
- Complete casualty exam (2 hours)
- Pass both sections with 70%+ score
-
Receive License
- License issued upon passing both exams
- Valid until last day of birth month (2-year cycle)
- Must complete CE requirements for renewal
Total Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| License Application Fee | Varies (check NIPR) |
| Background Check/Fingerprints | $50-100 |
| Property Exam Fee | $75 |
| Casualty Exam Fee | $75 |
| TOTAL | $200-250+ |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on DC-specific content:
Chapter 1: DC P&C Regulation & Licensing
- Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
Chapter 2: DC Property Insurance
- Homeowners insurance regulations
- Commercial property coverage
- DC Property Insurance Facility (FAIR Plan)
- Claims handling requirements
Chapter 3: DC Auto & Casualty Insurance
- DC auto insurance minimum requirements (25/50/10 liability)
- Mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (25/50/5)
- Liability insurance principles
- Workers' compensation regulations
Chapter 4: DC Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Fiduciary duties to clients and insurers
- Disclosure requirements
- Consumer protection laws
- Professional standards
Note: This guide covers ONLY DC-specific law. You must also study national P&C insurance principles to fully prepare for both exam sections.
Exam Content Distribution
The DC P&C exam emphasizes:
| Content Area | Emphasis | Study Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Types & Coverage | High | Know different policy forms and coverages |
| P&C Terms & Concepts | High | Master insurance terminology |
| Policy Provisions | High | Understand coverage limits, exclusions, conditions |
| DC Insurance Law | Medium-High | DC-specific regulations and requirements |
| Ethics & Conduct | Medium | Professional standards and prohibited practices |
| Claims Handling | Medium | Claims process and settlement |
Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) Contact
Important Resources
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | disb.dc.gov |
| Address | 1050 First Street, NE, Suite 801<br/>Washington, DC 20002 |
| Phone | (202) 727-8000 |
| disb@dc.gov | |
| Producer Licensing | disb.dc.gov/page/insurance-licensing |
Testing Center Information
Pearson VUE
- Website: pearsonvue.com/dc/insurance
- Phone: See Pearson VUE website for current contact
- Online scheduling available 24/7
- Multiple testing centers in the DC metro area
How to Use This Guide
Study Strategy
- Understand DC's No-Education-Requirement Advantage - You can test immediately
- Study National P&C Principles First (40-50 hours recommended)
- Read Each Chapter of This Guide Thoroughly - Focus on DC-specific regulations
- Test Your Knowledge - Complete all quiz questions
- Review Key Takeaways - Create flashcards from bullet points
- Take Full-Length Practice Exams - Aim for 90%+ before scheduling real exam
- Schedule Both Property AND Casualty Exams - Must pass both for P&C license
Recommended Study Timeline
Fast Track (4 Weeks)
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | National P&C property principles | 20 hours |
| Week 2 | National P&C casualty principles | 20 hours |
| Week 3 | DC state law (this guide) | 15 hours |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review | 20 hours |
| TOTAL | 75 hours |
Standard Track (6-8 Weeks)
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | National property insurance concepts | 20 hours |
| Week 3-4 | National casualty insurance concepts | 20 hours |
| Week 5 | DC-specific regulations (this guide) | 15 hours |
| Week 6 | Practice exams - identify weak areas | 15 hours |
| Week 7-8 | Review weak areas, final prep | 20 hours |
| TOTAL | 90 hours |
Success Tip: DC's no-education-requirement policy is attractive, but don't rush. Give yourself adequate time to master both national P&C principles AND DC-specific regulations before scheduling your exam.
Key DC Insurance Regulations You'll Need to Know
Auto Insurance Minimums
DC requires 25/50/10 liability coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage per accident
PLUS mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage:
- $25,000 UM bodily injury per person
- $50,000 UM bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 UM property damage with $200 deductible
Continuing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics | 3 hours required |
| Flood Insurance | 3 hours (one-time, first renewal only) |
| Renewal Timing | On or before last day of birth month |
Licensing Exam Pass Rates
DC publishes exam pass rates on the DISB website. Historical data shows:
- Property exam: Approximately 50-60% first-time pass rate
- Casualty exam: Approximately 45-55% first-time pass rate
- Combined P&C candidates: Best success with thorough preparation
Exam Insight: The pass rates emphasize the importance of preparation. Even without mandatory pre-licensing courses, successful candidates invest significant study time.
DC Insurance Market Characteristics
Why DC Is Unique
- Urban Market - High property values, dense population
- Federal Government Presence - Many federal employees and contractors
- Limited Homeownership - More renters than many states
- Auto Insurance Challenges - High premiums due to urban environment
- FAIR Plan Availability - DC Property Insurance Facility for high-risk properties
Insurance Industry in DC
| Characteristic | Impact on Producers |
|---|---|
| Diverse Population | Need cultural competency |
| High Cost of Living | Clients seek competitive rates |
| Condo/Co-op Prevalence | Master policy knowledge critical |
| Congressional Authority | DC law subject to federal oversight |
| Small Geographic Area | Concentrated market, high competition |
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 on-screen if needed)
- Food or beverages
Test Center Procedures
- Check-in - Present IDs, sign in, store belongings
- Rules Review - Testing center staff explain procedures
- Testing Room - Individual computer station
- Tutorial - Brief computer tutorial (doesn't count against time)
- Property Exam - 2 hours for 90 questions (80 scored + 10 pretest)
- Optional Break - Brief break between exams
- Casualty Exam - 2 hours for 90 questions (80 scored + 10 pretest)
- Immediate Results - Pass/fail notification at end of exam
Time Management Strategy
Each exam gives you 2 hours for 90 questions:
- Average time per question: 1 minute 20 seconds
- First pass: Answer all questions you know (60-90 minutes)
- Second pass: Return to flagged questions (20-30 minutes)
- Final review: Review all answers if time permits (10-15 minutes)
Pro Tip: The 10 pretest questions look identical to scored questions. Don't worry about identifying them—just answer every question to the best of your ability.
After You Pass
License Activation
- Automatic Notification - Pearson VUE sends results to DISB
- NIPR Processing - License appears in NIPR system within 3-5 business days
- Appointment Required - Obtain appointment with insurance company/agency
- License Validity - Valid until last day of birth month in 2-year cycle
First Renewal Requirements
Your first renewal has special requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | Last day of birth month (2 years after issue) |
| CE Hours | 24 hours total |
| Ethics | 3 hours |
| Flood Insurance | 3 hours (one-time requirement) |
| General | Remaining 18 hours |
Career Opportunities in DC
DC's unique market offers opportunities in:
- Personal Lines - Homeowners, renters, auto insurance
- Commercial Lines - Business insurance for DC-area companies
- Government Contractors - Specialized liability coverage
- Condo Associations - Master policies and individual unit coverage
- High-Net-Worth Clients - Extensive property and liability needs
- Risk Management - Federal agencies and contractors
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Start with Chapter 1: DC P&C Regulation & Licensing to learn about DISB, licensing requirements, and professional responsibilities.
Good luck on your exam! 🎓
How many hours of pre-licensing education does the District of Columbia require for a P&C license?
What is the passing score for each section of the DC P&C exam?
How many continuing education hours must DC P&C producers complete every 2 years?