Key Takeaways
- Michigan REQUIRES 40 hours of pre-licensing education for combined Life, Accident & Health license
- Pre-license course includes required 6 hours of professional ethics and Michigan insurance laws
- Must pass the pre-license certification exam with a score of 70% or higher
- Pre-license certificate is valid for 12 months
- The state exam requires a 76% passing score (higher than most states)
- Life exam: 100 scored questions in 120 minutes; Combined L,A&H: 150 questions in 150 minutes
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) oversees all licensing
- License renewal requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics
Michigan Life & Health Insurance Exam 2026
Welcome to your FREE Michigan Life & Health Insurance exam preparation guide. This comprehensive study resource covers Michigan-specific insurance laws, regulations, and requirements you need to pass your state licensing exam.
Note: This guide covers Michigan 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 Michigan?
Michigan offers excellent opportunities for insurance professionals:
- Large Population: Over 10 million residents create substantial insurance demand
- Diverse Economy: Automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture industries
- Major Metropolitan Area: Detroit metro offers significant market opportunities
- Aging Population: Growing demand for Medicare supplements and long-term care
- Healthcare Hub: Multiple major hospital systems and medical centers
- Small Business Economy: Strong entrepreneurial community needs coverage
- Unique Auto Insurance: Michigan's no-fault system creates specialized knowledge needs
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide includes:
- Michigan Insurance Law & Regulations - DIFS structure, Michigan Insurance Code
- Life Insurance - Michigan-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)
Michigan REQUIRES pre-licensing education before you can take the licensing exam:
| Line of Authority | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Life Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Combined Life, Accident & Health | 40 hours |
The required hours include 6 hours of professional ethics and Michigan insurance laws.
Pre-License Course Requirements
- Complete all lessons sequentially as required by Michigan PLE requirements
- Pass the closed-book Certification Exam with a score of 70% or higher
- Certificate is valid for 12 months from date of course completion
- IMPORTANT: You must complete pre-licensing BEFORE taking the state exam
Critical Warning: If you take the state exam before completing pre-licensing education, your exam results will be invalidated and you will have to retake the exam.
Exam Structure
| Exam Type | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Only | 100 | 120 minutes | 76% |
| Combined Life, Accident & Health | 150 | 150 minutes | 76% |
Important: Higher Passing Score
Michigan requires a 76% passing score - higher than the typical 70% required in most states. Plan your study accordingly.
Variable Life and Annuity Exception
Applicants for the Michigan Variable Life and Annuity producer license are only required to pass the state licensing exam and do not have to complete pre-licensing education.
Exam Costs (2026)
- Pre-License Education Course: $150-$400 (varies by provider)
- State Exam Fee: Approximately $65-$85 per exam
- License Application Fee: Via NIPR
- Total Initial Investment: Approximately $300-$600
Application Process
Steps to Get Licensed
- Enroll in Pre-License Course: State-approved 40-hour course for combined L&H
- Complete All Lessons Sequentially: Required by Michigan PLE requirements
- Pass Certification Exam: Score 70% or higher
- Receive Certificate: Valid for 12 months
- Schedule State Exam: Book with Pearson VUE
- Pass State Exam: Score 76% or higher
- Submit Application: Apply through NIPR
- Receive License: Michigan DIFS issues license
Application Timeline
- Pre-licensing certificate valid for 12 months
- Must pass state exam within 12 months of completing pre-licensing
- Apply for license through NIPR after passing exam
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 (Accident & Health)
-
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
Michigan State Content
The Michigan-specific portion covers:
-
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
- Department structure and authority
- Director of DIFS powers
- Michigan Insurance Code (Chapter 500)
- Regulatory oversight and enforcement
-
Michigan Producer Licensing
- Pre-licensing education requirements (40 hours for L&H)
- Licensing requirements and process
- Lines of authority
- Continuing education requirements (24 hours every 2 years)
- License renewal procedures
-
Michigan Life Insurance Laws
- Policy delivery requirements
- Free look period requirements
- Beneficiary designation rules
- Policy replacement regulations
- Standard policy provisions
-
Michigan Health Insurance Laws
- State health insurance mandates
- Michigan continuation rights
- Individual and group market rules
- Medicare supplement regulations
- Essential health benefits
-
Michigan 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 sequentially
- Pass chapter 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: Michigan-Specific Content
- Complete 6 hours of ethics and Michigan law
- Study Michigan Insurance Code
- Review DIFS regulations
Week 6-7: Practice & Certification
- Pass pre-license certification exam (70%+)
- Receive certificate
- Begin state exam preparation
Week 8: State Exam Preparation
- Focus on 76% passing score requirement
- Take practice state exams
- Schedule and take state exam
Key Numbers to Memorize
Pre-License Education
- Total Hours: 40 hours for combined L&H
- Ethics/MI Law: 6 hours included
- Certification Exam Pass Score: 70%
- Certificate Valid: 12 months
State Exam Requirements
- Passing Score: 76% (higher than most states)
- Life Exam: 100 questions in 120 minutes
- Combined L,A&H: 150 questions in 150 minutes
Continuing Education
- CE Hours: 24 hours every 2 years
- Ethics Hours: 3 hours required
Michigan Insurance Resources
Official Resources
- Michigan DIFS: michigan.gov/difs
- Insurance Prelicensing Education: michigan.gov/difs/industry/licensing-ins/education
- Michigan Insurance Code: legislature.mi.gov
- Pearson VUE Exam Information: pearsonvue.com
- NIPR Licensing Portal: nipr.com
Important Contacts
Michigan DIFS
- Address: 530 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933
- Phone: (517) 284-8800
- Toll-Free: (877) 999-6442
- Website: michigan.gov/difs
Pearson VUE Testing
- Website: pearsonvue.com
- Phone: (800) 274-2609
Getting Started
This study guide is organized into chapters covering Michigan-specific requirements:
Chapter 1: Michigan L&H Regulation & Licensing
- Michigan DIFS structure
- Pre-license education requirements
- Producer licensing process
- Continuing education requirements
Chapter 2: Michigan Life Insurance
- State policy requirements
- Free look and replacement rules
- Beneficiary provisions
- Group life insurance
Chapter 3: Michigan Health Insurance
- State health mandates
- Michigan continuation rights
- Medicare supplement regulations
- Long-term care requirements
Chapter 4: Michigan 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 Michigan's regulatory structure and licensing requirements.
Disclaimer
This study guide is for educational purposes only and reflects Michigan insurance laws and regulations as of January 2026. Insurance laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Michigan DIFS before relying on any information for licensing or business decisions.
Good luck on your Michigan Life & Health insurance exam!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Michigan require for a combined Life, Accident & Health license?
What is the passing score required for the Michigan state licensing exam?
What happens if you take the Michigan state exam BEFORE completing pre-licensing education?
How long is a Michigan pre-licensing certificate valid?
Which line of authority does NOT require pre-licensing education in Michigan?