Key Takeaways
- Idaho does NOT require pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance, though self-study is strongly recommended
- The Idaho P&C exam has 158 questions (78 property + 80 casualty) with 240 minutes total time and requires 70% to pass both sections
- PSI Exams administers Idaho insurance licensing examinations at testing centers statewide
- Applicants must pass a background check; criminal history may affect eligibility
- Initial licenses are valid for 2 years from the last day of the licensee's birth month
Idaho P&C Producer Licensing Requirements
Idaho has specific requirements for obtaining a Property & Casualty insurance producer license. Notably, Idaho is one of the few states that does not require pre-licensing education, placing responsibility on candidates to prepare adequately for the exam.
Pre-Licensing Education: Not Required
Idaho's Unique Approach
Unlike most states that require 20-60 hours of pre-licensing education, Idaho does NOT require any pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance licensing.
What This Means:
- You can schedule and take the exam without completing formal coursework
- No certificates or transcripts to submit before testing
- Preparation is your responsibility
Reality Check: While legally not required, adequate preparation is essential. The exam tests comprehensive knowledge of:
- Insurance principles, terminology, and concepts
- Property and casualty policy types and coverages
- Idaho-specific regulations and statutes
- Risk management and loss control
- Claims handling procedures
- Ethics and professional conduct
Recommended Study Approach
| Your Background | Recommended Preparation |
|---|---|
| Insurance Experience | 30-50 hours self-study, focus on Idaho laws |
| Related Field (banking, real estate) | 50-70 hours, include insurance fundamentals |
| No Experience | 70-100+ hours, comprehensive study program |
Study Resources:
- This comprehensive study guide
- Idaho Code Title 41 (Insurance Law)
- PSI candidate handbook and content outline
- Self-study courses (optional but helpful)
- Practice exams and quizzes
Exam Tip: Don't let the lack of required education fool you. The exam is comprehensive and challenging. Most successful candidates study extensively, whether through formal courses or self-study programs like this one.
Examination Requirements
The Idaho Property & Casualty examination tests your knowledge of insurance concepts and Idaho law.
Exam Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Vendor | PSI Exams |
| Total Questions | 158 (all scored) |
| Property Questions | 78 |
| Casualty Questions | 80 |
| Time Limit | 240 minutes total (4 hours) |
| Passing Score | 70% on BOTH sections |
| Question Format | Multiple choice, 4 options each |
| Exam Fee | Check PSI website for current pricing |
Passing Requirements
Critical Point: You must pass BOTH sections independently:
- Property section: 70% minimum (55 of 78 correct)
- Casualty section: 70% minimum (56 of 80 correct)
If you fail one section but pass the other, check current PSI policies for retake options.
Exam Content Areas
| Content Area | Approximate Weight | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Regulation & Licensing | 20-25% | State laws, DOI authority, licensing |
| Property Insurance | 30-35% | Homeowners, commercial, farm property |
| Casualty/Auto Insurance | 30-35% | Personal/commercial auto, liability |
| Ethics & Professional Conduct | 10-15% | Unfair practices, consumer protection |
Scheduling and Taking the Exam
Scheduling Your Exam
- Create PSI account at psiexams.com
- Select exam: Idaho Property & Casualty
- Choose location: Testing center or remote proctoring
- Select date/time: Multiple options available
- Pay exam fee: Via credit/debit card
- Receive confirmation: Email with exam details
Testing Center Locations
PSI operates testing centers throughout Idaho including:
- Boise (multiple locations)
- Idaho Falls
- Pocatello
- Coeur d'Alene
- Twin Falls
- Other locations as available
Remote Proctoring Option
PSI offers remote proctored exams where you can test from home:
- Requires compatible computer with webcam
- Reliable internet connection
- Private, quiet testing environment
- Room scan and ID verification required
Exam Day Procedures
What to Bring
Required:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- PSI confirmation number or email
Acceptable ID Requirements:
- Current (not expired)
- Photo clearly identifiable as you
- Name matches exam registration
Not Allowed at Testing Center
- Cell phones, smart watches, electronic devices
- Study materials, notes, books
- Calculators (provided if needed)
- Bags, backpacks, purses in testing room
- Food or beverages
- Hats or sunglasses (unless religious)
Exam Day Timeline
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
- Present photo ID and confirmation
- Store personal items in provided locker
- Complete sign-in and biometric capture
- Receive scratch paper and pencil (returned after)
- Take exam tutorial (brief computer orientation)
- Complete exam at your pace within time limit
- Receive preliminary results immediately on screen
Background Check Requirements
Idaho requires all insurance license applicants to pass a background check.
What the Department Reviews
- Criminal history records
- Prior regulatory actions in any state
- Administrative actions by other licensing boards
- Civil judgments related to financial or fiduciary conduct
Potentially Disqualifying Factors
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Case-by-case review, timing matters |
| Fraud-related crimes | Typically disqualifying |
| Insurance law violations | Strong negative factor |
| Financial crimes | Strong negative factor |
| Prior license revocations | Significant barrier |
| Misdemeanors | Generally less impactful, depends on nature |
Disclosure Requirements
You MUST disclose:
- All criminal convictions (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Pending criminal charges
- Prior administrative actions
- Other state license denials or revocations
- Civil judgments involving fraud or dishonesty
Failure to disclose is grounds for denial or revocation.
License Application Process
Steps to Obtain Your License
- Pass the exam (70% on both sections)
- Complete application through NIPR (nipr.com) or directly with IDOI
- Submit background information
- Pay application fees (check current IDOI fee schedule)
- Await processing (typically 2-4 weeks)
- Receive license via email confirmation
Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Passage | Within 12 months of application |
| Application | NIPR or IDOI paper application |
| Background Questions | Full disclosure required |
| Fees | Initial license and processing fees |
| E&O Insurance | Not required by state, but recommended |
License Types and Lines of Authority
Idaho offers several P&C license types:
| License Type | Lines of Authority |
|---|---|
| Property | Fire, homeowners, inland marine, commercial property |
| Casualty | Liability, auto, workers' compensation |
| Property & Casualty | All property and casualty lines |
| Personal Lines | Personal auto and homeowners only |
| Surplus Lines | Non-admitted insurer placements |
Resident vs. Non-Resident Licenses
- Resident License: For producers whose home state is Idaho
- Non-Resident License: For producers licensed in another state seeking Idaho authority
- Non-residents apply through NIPR using reciprocal licensing
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Idaho require for a P&C insurance license?
What is the passing score required for the Idaho P&C exam?
How many total questions are on the Idaho P&C insurance exam?