Key Takeaways
- Kentucky REQUIRES 20 hours of pre-licensing education per line of authority (40 hours for combined L&H)
- You must pass the certification exam with a score of 70% or higher
- Pre-license certificate is valid for 1 year
- The state exam is administered by Kentucky Department of Insurance with a 70% passing score
- Life and Health exams are each 50 questions with a 1-hour time limit
- Kentucky does NOT offer remote testing - exams must be taken in person
- License renewal requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics
Kentucky Life & Health Insurance Exam 2026
Welcome to your FREE Kentucky Life & Health Insurance exam preparation guide. This comprehensive study resource covers Kentucky-specific insurance laws, regulations, and requirements you need to pass your state licensing exam.
Note: This guide covers Kentucky state-specific content. You should also study national Life & Health insurance concepts, as the exam tests both general knowledge and state law.
Why Get Licensed in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers unique opportunities for insurance professionals:
- Growing Economy: Healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics industries
- Bourbon Industry: Unique commercial insurance opportunities
- Horse Racing: Specialized insurance needs for equine industry
- Coal Country Transition: Changing insurance needs in Eastern Kentucky
- Aging Population: Growing demand for Medicare supplements and long-term care
- Urban and Rural Markets: Louisville, Lexington, and rural community opportunities
- Central Location: Access to Southeast and Midwest markets
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide includes:
- Kentucky Insurance Law & Regulations - Department of Insurance structure, KRS Chapter 304
- Life Insurance - Kentucky-specific provisions, policy requirements, beneficiary rules
- Health Insurance - State mandates, consumer protections, continuation rights
- Licensing Requirements - Pre-license education, exam structure, CE requirements
- Practice Questions - Quiz questions with detailed explanations in each chapter
Exam Format & Requirements
Pre-License Education (REQUIRED)
Kentucky REQUIRES pre-licensing education before you can take the licensing exam:
| Line of Authority | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Life Only | 20 hours |
| Health Only | 20 hours |
| Combined Life & Health | 40 hours |
Pre-License Course Requirements
- Complete a 20-hour pre-licensing classroom or self-study course for each requested line of authority
- Pass the certification exam with a score of 70% or higher
- Sign and date your certificate
- Certificate is valid for 1 year
- Must pass the state exam within 1 year of completing your pre-licensing course
Exam Tip: Plan your timeline carefully. Your certificate is valid for 1 year, giving you adequate time to prepare for and pass the state exam.
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Life Insurance | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 50 | 50 |
| Time Limit | 60 minutes (1 hour) | 60 minutes (1 hour) |
| Passing Score | 70% | 70% |
| Testing Provider | Kentucky Department of Insurance | Kentucky Department of Insurance |
Important: No Remote Testing
Kentucky does NOT offer remote testing. All exams must be taken in person. Registration must be completed through your eServices account after the Department processes your application.
Exam Costs (2026)
- Pre-License Education Course: $150-$400 (varies by provider)
- State Exam Fee: Approximately $50-$75 per exam
- Criminal Background Report: Required (fee varies)
- License Application Fee: Via NIPR
- Total Initial Investment: Approximately $250-$500
Application Process
Steps to Get Licensed
- Complete Pre-Licensing Education: 40 hours for combined L&H
- Pass Certification Exam: Score 70% or higher to receive certificate
- Apply for License: Through NIPR - Kentucky processes your application
- Complete Background Check: Apply for Criminal Background Report
- Schedule State Exam: Through your eServices account after application is processed
- Pass State Exam: Score 70% or higher (in person only)
- Receive License: Kentucky Department of Insurance issues license
Application Timeline
- Pre-licensing certificate valid for 1 year
- Must pass state exam within 1 year of completing pre-licensing course
- Exam scheduling through eServices after application processing
Exam Content Areas
National Content (Life Insurance)
-
General Insurance Concepts (15-20%)
- Risk and insurance fundamentals
- Policy structure and provisions
- Insurable interest and indemnity
- Insurance company operations
-
Life Insurance Products (30-35%)
- Term life insurance types
- Whole life and permanent insurance
- Universal and variable life
- Annuities and retirement products
-
Life Insurance Policy Provisions (25-30%)
- Standard policy provisions
- Optional provisions and riders
- Beneficiary designations
- Settlement options
-
Life Insurance Underwriting & Taxation (15-20%)
- Underwriting basics
- Tax treatment of life insurance
- Business uses of life insurance
- Estate planning concepts
National Content (Health Insurance)
-
General Insurance Concepts (15-20%)
- Risk and insurance fundamentals
- Policy structure and provisions
- Insurable interest principles
-
Health Insurance Products (30-35%)
- Medical expense insurance
- Disability income insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicare and Medicaid
-
Health Insurance Policy Provisions (25-30%)
- Mandatory and optional provisions
- Policy riders and endorsements
- Renewal provisions
- Claims procedures
-
Group Health Insurance (15-20%)
- Group plan characteristics
- COBRA and continuation rights
- ERISA requirements
- ACA compliance
Kentucky State Content
The Kentucky-specific portion covers:
-
Kentucky Department of Insurance
- Department structure and authority
- Commissioner of Insurance powers
- Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 304 (Insurance Code)
- Regulatory oversight and enforcement
-
Kentucky Producer Licensing
- Licensing requirements and process
- Lines of authority
- Pre-licensing education requirements
- Continuing education requirements (24 hours every 2 years)
- License renewal procedures
-
Kentucky Life Insurance Laws
- Policy delivery requirements
- Free look period requirements
- Beneficiary designation rules
- Policy replacement regulations
- Standard policy provisions
-
Kentucky Health Insurance Laws
- State health insurance mandates
- Kentucky continuation rights
- Individual and group market rules
- Medicare supplement regulations
-
Kentucky Insurance Trade Practices
- Unfair trade practices
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Consumer protection laws
- Claims handling requirements
License Maintenance & Continuing Education
CE Requirements
- Total Hours: 24 hours every 2 years
- Ethics Requirement: 3 hours of ethics CE required
- Deadline: CE must be completed before license expiration
License Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Renewal Process: Through NIPR
- Late Renewal: Additional fees and potential license lapse
Reporting Requirements
- Report address changes promptly
- Report administrative actions within required timeframe
- Maintain records for required period
Study Strategy
Recommended Study Plan
Week 1-2: Pre-License Course Foundation
- Complete life insurance modules
- Pass certification assessments
- Focus on policy types and provisions
Week 3-4: Health Insurance Content
- Complete health insurance modules
- Study Medicare and Medicaid
- Focus on policy provisions
Week 5: Kentucky-Specific Content
- Study KRS Chapter 304
- Review Department of Insurance regulations
- Focus on state-specific provisions
Week 6: Practice & Review
- Pass pre-license certification exam (70%+)
- Apply through NIPR
- Schedule state exam through eServices
- Take state exam in person
Key Numbers to Memorize
Pre-License Education
- Total Hours: 40 hours for combined L&H
- Certification Exam Pass Score: 70%
- Certificate Valid: 1 year
Exam Requirements
- Total Questions: 50 per exam
- Time Limit: 60 minutes per exam
- Passing Score: 70%
- Testing: In person only
Continuing Education
- CE Hours: 24 hours every 2 years
- Ethics Hours: 3 hours required
Kentucky Insurance Resources
Official Resources
- Kentucky Department of Insurance: insurance.ky.gov
- Pre-Licensing/Continuing Education Information: insurance.ky.gov/ppc/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=72
- Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 304: legislature.ky.gov
- NIPR Licensing Portal: nipr.com
Important Contacts
Kentucky Department of Insurance
- Address: 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Phone: (502) 564-3630
- Website: insurance.ky.gov
Getting Started
This study guide is organized into chapters covering Kentucky-specific requirements:
Chapter 1: Kentucky L&H Regulation & Licensing
- Kentucky Department of Insurance structure
- Pre-license education requirements
- Producer licensing process
- Continuing education requirements
Chapter 2: Kentucky Life Insurance
- State policy requirements
- Free look and replacement rules
- Beneficiary provisions
- Group life insurance
Chapter 3: Kentucky Health Insurance
- State health mandates
- Kentucky continuation rights
- Medicare supplement regulations
- Long-term care requirements
Chapter 4: Kentucky Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Unfair trade practices
- Producer duties to clients
- Claims handling requirements
- Record keeping and documentation
Ready to start? Begin with Chapter 1 to learn about Kentucky's regulatory structure and licensing requirements.
Disclaimer
This study guide is for educational purposes only and reflects Kentucky insurance laws and regulations as of January 2026. Insurance laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Kentucky Department of Insurance before relying on any information for licensing or business decisions.
Good luck on your Kentucky Life & Health insurance exam!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Kentucky require for a combined Life & Health license?
How many questions are on the Kentucky Life insurance exam?
Can you take the Kentucky insurance licensing exam remotely from home?
How long is a Kentucky pre-licensing certificate valid?
How many hours of continuing education must Kentucky insurance producers complete every 2 years?