Key Takeaways
- Idaho requires NO pre-licensing education for P&C insurance - you can schedule the exam immediately
- TWO separate exams required: Property (78 questions, 120 min) + Casualty (80 questions, 120 min) = 158 total questions, 240 minutes total
- Pearson VUE administers exams with BOTH remote proctored AND in-person options available
- Fingerprinting is required ($70 fee) and takes 5-10 business days - arrive 30 minutes early for paperwork
- You must apply for your license within 180 days of passing the exam
- Idaho auto minimums are 25/50/15 and the state uses an At-Fault (tort) insurance system
Idaho Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Idaho Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Idaho-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the Idaho P&C Exam
The Idaho Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Idaho Department of Insurance. The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Idaho insurance law and regulations (Title 41)
- 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
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Regulatory Authority | Idaho Department of Insurance |
| Passing Score | 70% on EACH portion |
| Test Delivery | In-person OR remote proctored |
| Results | Immediate |
| Exam Fee | $60 |
Important: Idaho requires TWO SEPARATE exams for a combined P&C license. You must pass both the Property exam AND the Casualty exam with 70% on each.
Idaho P&C Exam Format
Unlike many states with a single combined exam, Idaho requires two separate tests:
| Exam | Questions | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property | 78 questions | 120 minutes (2 hours) | Homeowners, commercial property, fire |
| Casualty | 80 questions | 120 minutes (2 hours) | Auto, liability, workers' comp |
| TOTAL | 158 questions | 240 minutes (4 hours) | Full P&C license |
Tip: You can take both exams on the same day or schedule them separately. Taking them together requires significant stamina (4 hours of testing), but saves time on travel and preparation.
Pearson VUE Testing Options
In-Person Testing:
- Testing centers in Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, and Twin Falls
- Full-service proctored environment
- Arrive 30 minutes early for fingerprinting paperwork
Remote Proctored Testing:
- Test from home or office
- Requires webcam, microphone, and stable internet
- Private, quiet testing space required
- System check recommended 24 hours before exam
- Same content and timing as in-person
No Pre-Licensing Education Required
Idaho 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 exam immediately |
Why Prep Courses Are Still Recommended
While not required, exam preparation is strongly recommended because:
- Two Separate Exams: Must pass both Property AND Casualty exams
- 70% on Each: No averaging between the two exams
- State-Specific Content: Idaho insurance laws differ from other states
- Pass Rate Improvement: Prep courses significantly increase first-time pass rates
This FREE study guide provides everything you need to prepare for the Idaho-specific content on the exams.
Idaho Insurance Market Context
Why Idaho Is Unique
Idaho has distinctive insurance characteristics:
-
Natural Hazard Exposure
- Wildfire risk: Significant in forested areas
- Earthquake exposure: Part of seismically active Intermountain West
- Severe weather: Hailstorms, winter storms, flooding
-
Rural Property Challenges
- Many properties far from fire departments
- Protection class ratings impact premiums
- Farm and ranch coverage needs
-
Growth Market
- Rapid population growth in Boise metro area
- Increasing demand for insurance professionals
- New construction and development opportunities
-
Agricultural Economy
- Significant farming and ranching operations
- Potato and dairy production
- Livestock and crop insurance needs
Idaho Auto Insurance Requirements
Idaho requires all drivers to carry minimum auto liability coverage:
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage (per accident) | $15,000 |
Memory Tip: Idaho minimums are 25/50/15 - lower property damage limit than many neighboring states.
Key Idaho Auto Insurance Laws
1. Mandatory Liability Coverage
- All registered vehicles must be insured
- Proof of insurance required at registration and traffic stops
- SR-22 required for certain violations
2. At-Fault (Tort) State
- Idaho uses traditional tort system
- At-fault driver's insurance pays for damages
- Modified comparative negligence applies (50% rule)
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Insurers MUST offer UM/UIM coverage
- Policyholders MAY reject in writing
- Important consumer protection consideration
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 Idaho-specific laws (Title 41)
-
Schedule and Pass the Exams
- Register at pearsonvue.com
- Pay $60 exam fee
- Choose in-person testing center OR remote proctored
- Pass Property exam with 70%+ score
- Pass Casualty exam with 70%+ score
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for ALL Idaho producer applicants
- Cost: $70
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- Arrive 30 minutes early for fingerprinting paperwork at testing center
- Background check processed through FBI
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR or Sircon
- Pay $80 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee
- Must apply within 180 days of passing exam
- Provide all required documentation
-
Receive License
- Idaho DOI review includes background check
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks typical
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Idaho
Important: 180-Day Application Deadline
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Must apply within 180 days of passing exam |
| Consequence | Exam results expire if not applied within 180 days |
| Solution | Apply promptly after passing both exams |
Warning: If you don't apply for your license within 180 days of passing, your exam results expire and you must retake the exams. Plan to complete fingerprinting and apply promptly.
Fingerprinting Process
Idaho requires fingerprinting for all producer applicants:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| When | Before or concurrent with license application |
| Cost | $70 |
| Processing Time | 5-10 business days |
| Exam Day Tip | Arrive 30 minutes early for fingerprint paperwork |
| Background Check | FBI criminal background check |
Tip: If testing in-person, arrive 30 minutes early to complete fingerprinting paperwork at the testing center. This streamlines the process.
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed One Exam | Retake only the failed exam |
| Fee | $60 per attempt |
| Attempts | Unlimited |
| Score Report | Shows performance by content area |
Good News: Unlike some states, Idaho allows you to retake only the exam you failed. If you pass Property but fail Casualty, you only need to retake Casualty.
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Exam Prep Course (Optional) | $0-300 |
| Exam Fee | $60 |
| Fingerprinting | $70 |
| License Application Fee | $80 |
| NIPR/Sircon Transaction Fee | $5.60 |
| TOTAL (Minimum) | $215.60 |
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | $80 |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
Idaho 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
- CE credits from approved providers only
- Renewal due by last day of birth month
Idaho Department of Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | doi.idaho.gov |
| Main Phone | (208) 334-4250 |
| Producer Licensing | (208) 334-4250 |
| Consumer Hotline | 1-800-721-3272 (toll-free) |
| Address | 700 West State Street, 3rd Floor, Boise, ID 83720 |
| doi.idaho.gov/contact | |
| Pearson VUE Registration | pearsonvue.com |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Idaho state-specific content for the P&C exams:
Chapter 1: Idaho Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Idaho Department of Insurance structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and procedures
- Title 41 (Idaho Insurance Code) overview
- Continuing education requirements
Chapter 2: Idaho Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance regulations
- Commercial property coverage standards
- Wildfire and natural hazard considerations
- Claims handling requirements
- Farm and ranch property coverage
Chapter 3: Idaho Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/15)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Financial responsibility requirements
- Workers' compensation regulations
- Commercial liability insurance
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Prohibited practices (rebating, twisting, misrepresentation)
- Claims handling time requirements
- Idaho 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 | 78 |
| Casualty exam questions | 80 |
| Total questions | 158 |
| Property exam time | 120 minutes |
| Casualty exam time | 120 minutes |
| Total exam time | 240 minutes (4 hours) |
| Passing score | 70% on each exam |
| Exam fee | $60 |
| Fingerprinting fee | $70 |
| License application fee | $80 + $5.60 |
| Application deadline | 180 days after passing |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Ethics CE required | 3 hours |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/15 |
Idaho-Specific Topics to Know
- Two Separate Exams - Property (78q) and Casualty (80q) taken separately
- 180-Day Deadline - Must apply within 180 days of passing
- Fingerprinting - $70 fee, 5-10 business days processing
- Arrive Early - 30 minutes early for fingerprint paperwork
- 25/50/15 - Auto liability minimums
- Remote Available - Pearson VUE offers remote AND in-person testing
Exam Strategy for Two Tests
Option 1: Same Day Testing
- Pros: One trip, continuous focus, momentum
- Cons: 4 hours of testing, fatigue risk
- Tip: Take a break between exams
Option 2: Separate Days
- Pros: Fresh for each exam, can focus study
- Cons: Two trips, more scheduling
- Tip: Schedule within same week to maintain momentum
Exam Content Distribution
Property Exam (78 Questions, 120 Minutes)
| Content Area | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| Property Insurance Basics | 20-25 |
| Homeowners Policies | 15-20 |
| Commercial Property | 15-20 |
| Idaho Property Laws | 15-20 |
Casualty Exam (80 Questions, 120 Minutes)
| Content Area | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| Auto Insurance | 25-30 |
| Liability Insurance | 20-25 |
| Workers' Compensation | 10-15 |
| Idaho Casualty Laws | 15-20 |
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 your exams
- Pass BOTH exams - Property and Casualty with 70%+ each
- Complete fingerprinting - $70, allow 5-10 business days
- Apply for license within 180 days - Pay $80 + $5.60 fee
Remember: Idaho requires passing TWO separate exams. Plan your study time accordingly and don't let the 180-day application deadline expire!
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Idaho Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
As of 2026, how many hours of pre-licensing education does Idaho require before taking the Property & Casualty exams?
What is unique about Idaho's P&C exam format?
What are the minimum auto liability insurance limits required in Idaho?
How long do candidates have to apply for their Idaho P&C license after passing the exams?
What is the fingerprinting requirement for Idaho P&C license applicants?
Which testing options does Pearson VUE offer for Idaho insurance exams?