Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts does NOT require pre-licensing education - how much you study is 100% up to you
  • The exam is administered by Prometric with a 70% passing score required
  • Life and Health exams are each 100 questions with a 2-hour time limit
  • Remote exams available through ProProctor platform (compatible computer required)
  • Massachusetts Division of Insurance oversees all licensing
  • Initial renewal: 60 hours CE in first 36-month period; then 45 hours every 3 years including 3 hours ethics
  • Licenses expire on your birthday every 3 years (triennial)
Last updated: January 2026

Massachusetts Life & Health Insurance Exam 2026

Welcome to your FREE Massachusetts Life & Health Insurance exam preparation guide. This comprehensive study resource covers Massachusetts-specific insurance laws, regulations, and requirements you need to pass your state licensing exam.

Note: This guide covers Massachusetts state-specific content. You should also study national Life & Health insurance concepts, as the majority of the exam tests general insurance knowledge.

Why Get Licensed in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts offers excellent opportunities for insurance professionals:

  • No Pre-License Education: Flexible preparation - study as much or as little as you choose
  • Major Healthcare Hub: World-class hospitals and medical research facilities
  • Wealthy Population: High net worth individuals need sophisticated insurance products
  • Strong Economy: Finance, biotech, education, and healthcare industries
  • Triennial Renewal: License renews every 3 years on your birthday
  • Diverse Markets: Boston metro, Cape Cod, western Massachusetts communities
  • Healthcare Leadership: First state with universal healthcare mandate (2006)

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide includes:

  • Massachusetts Insurance Law & Regulations - Division of Insurance structure, MGL Chapter 175
  • Life Insurance - Massachusetts-specific provisions, policy requirements, beneficiary rules
  • Health Insurance - State mandates, consumer protections, continuation rights
  • Licensing Requirements - Application process, exam structure, CE requirements
  • Practice Questions - Quiz questions with detailed explanations in each chapter

Exam Format & Requirements

Pre-License Education

Massachusetts does NOT require you to take a certain amount of pre-license credits before testing. This means that how much time you invest for your exam is 100% up to you.

However, most successful candidates complete a preparatory course covering:

  • General insurance concepts and principles
  • Life insurance products and policies
  • Health insurance types and coverage
  • Massachusetts insurance laws and regulations
  • Ethics and professional conduct

Exam Tip: While Massachusetts doesn't mandate pre-licensing education, the exam is comprehensive. Consider investing 40-60 hours in study to strengthen your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Exam Structure

Exam TypeQuestionsTime LimitPassing Score
Life Insurance1002 hours70%
Accident & Health (Sickness)1002 hours70%

Exam Details

ComponentDetails
Testing ProviderPrometric
Passing Score70%
Question FormatMultiple choice
ResultsImmediate pass/fail on screen
Score ReportPrinted at testing center
Results in System48-72 hours

Testing Options

Massachusetts uses Prometric as its official testing service:

  1. In-Person Testing: Available at Prometric testing sites throughout Massachusetts
  2. Remote Testing (ProProctor): Available for those with compatible computers

Note: Remote exams require a computer compatible with the ProProctor remote testing platform. If you don't have a compatible computer, you must schedule an in-person exam.

Exam Costs (2026)

  • Exam Fee: Approximately $60-$75 per exam
  • Pre-License Education (Optional): $150-$400 (varies by provider)
  • License Application Fee: Via NIPR
  • Total Initial Cost: Approximately $120-$250

Application Process

Steps to Get Licensed

  1. Study and Prepare: Complete recommended exam prep course (not required but recommended)
  2. Schedule Exam: Book with Prometric online or by phone
  3. Pass Exam: Score 70% or higher
  4. Wait for Results: 48-72 hours for results to appear in system
  5. Submit Application: Apply through NIPR
  6. Receive License: Massachusetts Division of Insurance issues license

Post-Exam Timeline

  • You'll see your pass/fail result immediately on screen after completing the exam
  • You'll receive a printed score report at the testing center
  • Results appear in the system within 48-72 hours
  • Once results are in the system, apply through NIPR

Exam Content Areas

National Content (Life Insurance)

  1. General Insurance Concepts (15-20%)

    • Risk and insurance fundamentals
    • Policy structure and provisions
    • Insurable interest and indemnity
    • Insurance company operations
  2. Life Insurance Products (30-35%)

    • Term life insurance types
    • Whole life and permanent insurance
    • Universal and variable life
    • Annuities and retirement products
  3. Life Insurance Policy Provisions (25-30%)

    • Standard policy provisions
    • Optional provisions and riders
    • Beneficiary designations
    • Settlement options
  4. Life Insurance Underwriting & Taxation (15-20%)

    • Underwriting basics
    • Tax treatment of life insurance
    • Business uses of life insurance
    • Estate planning concepts

National Content (Accident & Health)

  1. General Insurance Concepts (15-20%)

    • Risk and insurance fundamentals
    • Policy structure and provisions
    • Insurable interest principles
  2. Health Insurance Products (30-35%)

    • Medical expense insurance
    • Disability income insurance
    • Long-term care insurance
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  3. Health Insurance Policy Provisions (25-30%)

    • Mandatory and optional provisions
    • Policy riders and endorsements
    • Renewal provisions
    • Claims procedures
  4. Group Health Insurance (15-20%)

    • Group plan characteristics
    • COBRA and continuation rights
    • ERISA requirements
    • ACA compliance

Massachusetts State Content

The Massachusetts-specific portion covers:

  1. Massachusetts Division of Insurance

    • Department structure and authority
    • Commissioner of Insurance powers
    • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 175 (Insurance)
    • Regulatory oversight and enforcement
  2. Massachusetts Producer Licensing

    • Licensing requirements and process
    • Lines of authority
    • Continuing education requirements
    • License renewal procedures (triennial on birthday)
  3. Massachusetts Life Insurance Laws

    • Policy delivery requirements
    • Free look period requirements
    • Beneficiary designation rules
    • Policy replacement regulations
    • Standard policy provisions
  4. Massachusetts Health Insurance Laws

    • State health insurance mandates
    • Massachusetts health care reform (Chapter 58)
    • Individual mandate requirements
    • Continuation rights
    • Medicare supplement regulations
  5. Massachusetts Insurance Trade Practices

    • Unfair trade practices
    • Prohibited practices and penalties
    • Consumer protection laws
    • Claims handling requirements

License Maintenance & Continuing Education

CE Requirements (Unique Structure)

Massachusetts has a tiered CE requirement:

Initial 36-Month Renewal Period:

  • 60 hours of CE courses required

Subsequent Renewal Periods:

  • 45 hours every 3 years
  • 3 hours must be in the subject of ethics

License Renewal

  • Renewal Period: Every 3 years (triennial)
  • Expiration Date: Your birthday every 3 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: National L&H Fundamentals

  • Insurance principles and terminology
  • Life insurance products and policies
  • Health insurance coverages
  • Policy provisions and contract law

Week 3: Massachusetts-Specific Content

  • Division of Insurance structure
  • MGL Chapter 175
  • Massachusetts health care reform
  • Producer licensing requirements

Week 4: Practice & Review

  • Take practice exams
  • Review missed questions
  • Focus on weak areas
  • Memorize key numbers and dates

Key Numbers to Memorize

Exam Requirements

  • Passing Score: 70%
  • Questions per Exam: 100
  • Time Limit: 2 hours per exam
  • Results Available: 48-72 hours

Licensing Requirements

  • Pre-License Education: NOT required

Continuing Education

  • Initial Period: 60 hours in first 36 months
  • Subsequent Periods: 45 hours every 3 years
  • Ethics Hours: 3 hours required
  • Renewal: Every 3 years on your birthday

Massachusetts Insurance Resources

Official Resources

Important Contacts

Massachusetts Division of Insurance

  • Address: 1000 Washington Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02118
  • Phone: (617) 521-7794
  • Website: mass.gov/orgs/division-of-insurance

Prometric Testing

  • Website: prometric.com
  • Phone: (800) 853-6769

Getting Started

This study guide is organized into chapters covering Massachusetts-specific requirements:

Chapter 1: Massachusetts L&H Regulation & Licensing

  • Division of Insurance structure
  • Producer licensing requirements
  • Continuing education requirements
  • Application process

Chapter 2: Massachusetts Life Insurance

  • State policy requirements
  • Free look and replacement rules
  • Beneficiary provisions
  • Group life insurance

Chapter 3: Massachusetts Health Insurance

  • State health mandates
  • Massachusetts health care reform
  • Medicare supplement regulations
  • Long-term care requirements

Chapter 4: Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts's regulatory structure and licensing requirements.

Disclaimer

This study guide is for educational purposes only and reflects Massachusetts insurance laws and regulations as of January 2026. Insurance laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance before relying on any information for licensing or business decisions.

Good luck on your Massachusetts Life & Health insurance exam!

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Massachusetts Life & Health Licensing Path
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Which testing provider administers the Massachusetts insurance licensing exams?

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How many hours of CE must Massachusetts insurance producers complete in their INITIAL 36-month renewal period?

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When does a Massachusetts insurance license expire?

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Can you take the Massachusetts insurance licensing exam remotely from home?

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