Key Takeaways
- Montana requires NO pre-licensing education - you can take the exam without completing any courses
- TWO separate exams required: Property (99 questions, 2 hours) AND Casualty (105 questions, 2 hours)
- You must pass BOTH the national section AND Montana state section with 75% on EACH
- Exam fee is $59 per exam ($118 total for both) through Pearson VUE
- If selling flood insurance, a separate 3-hour NFIP course is mandatory
- Montana auto insurance minimums are 25/50/20 (lower property damage than most states)
Montana Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Montana Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Montana-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026 and begin your career as a licensed P&C producer in the Treasure State.
About the Montana P&C Exam
The Montana Property & Casualty insurance examinations are administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI). Unlike many states that offer a combined exam, Montana requires TWO separate exams:
- Montana insurance law and regulations (MCA Title 33)
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- Policy provisions, conditions, and exclusions
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Claims handling and Montana consumer protections
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Property Exam | Casualty Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Number of Questions | 99 questions | 105 questions |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 75% on EACH section | 75% on EACH section |
| Sections | National + Montana State | National + Montana State |
| Exam Fee | $59 | $59 |
| Results | Immediate | Immediate |
Critical: Montana requires you to pass BOTH the national content AND Montana state law sections with 75% on EACH. This is higher than many states that require only 70%. You must pass both the Property AND Casualty exams to obtain a full P&C license.
Exam Options
| License Type | Exams Required | Total Questions | Total Time | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Only | Property exam only | 99 | 2 hours | $59 |
| Casualty Only | Casualty exam only | 105 | 2 hours | $59 |
| Property & Casualty | Both exams | 204 | 4 hours | $118 |
Recommendation: Most candidates take both exams to obtain a full P&C license. You can take them on the same day or schedule them separately.
Major Advantage: No Pre-Licensing Education Required
Montana is one of the most accessible states for insurance licensing because it does NOT require any pre-licensing education. You can schedule and take the exam without completing any courses.
Montana Pre-Licensing Requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Montana | Typical State |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 0 hours (NONE) | 20-40 hours |
| Approved Course | Not required | Usually required |
| Certificate | Not needed | Usually required |
| Education Cost | $0 | $150-400 |
What This Means for You
- Schedule immediately - No waiting for course completion
- Start when ready - Begin studying and take the exam on your timeline
- Lower upfront cost - No mandatory education fees
- Self-paced preparation - Use free resources like OpenExamPrep
Exam Tip: While Montana doesn't require pre-licensing education, the 75% passing score is challenging. We strongly recommend 40-60 hours of self-study using this FREE guide and practice exams before attempting the exam.
Montana Auto Insurance Requirements
Montana is a tort (fault) state for auto accidents. Here are the mandatory minimum liability limits:
Montana Minimum Auto Insurance (25/50/20)
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 | Injury to one person |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 | Total injury per accident |
| Property Damage | $20,000 | Damage to others' property |
Exam Note: Montana's $20,000 property damage minimum is LOWER than most states (typically $25,000). This is frequently tested - memorize 25/50/20.
Additional Montana Auto Coverage Rules
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Offered but not mandatory |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | Offered but not mandatory |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Not required (tort state) |
| Medical Payments | Optional |
Flood Insurance Special Requirement
If you plan to sell flood insurance in Montana, there is ONE additional requirement:
NFIP Course Requirement
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 3 hours |
| Topic | National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) |
| When Required | Before selling flood insurance |
| Who Needs It | Only agents selling flood policies |
| Exam Required | No separate exam |
Important: This 3-hour NFIP course is ONLY required if you will sell flood insurance. It is not part of the standard P&C licensing requirement.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Study and Prepare (Recommended 4-6 weeks)
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Take practice quizzes
- Aim for 85%+ on practice tests before scheduling
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for all license applicants
- Cost: $54 (includes state and FBI background check)
- Use Montana CSI's approved vendor
- Background check must clear before license issuance
-
Register and Schedule Exams
- Create account at Pearson VUE
- Schedule Property exam ($59)
- Schedule Casualty exam ($59)
- Choose testing center or online proctored
- Can take both exams same day or separately
-
Pass Both Exams
- Property: 99 questions, 2 hours, 75% required
- Casualty: 105 questions, 2 hours, 75% required
- Must pass both national AND state sections on each
- Receive immediate results
-
Apply for License
- Apply through NIPR or directly to Montana CSI
- Submit within 1 year of passing exams
- Pay application fee ($50 resident / $100 non-resident)
- Provide all required documentation
-
Receive License
- CSI reviews application
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years (expires on birth month)
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Montana
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed Exam | Can retake after waiting period |
| Retake Fee | $59 per exam |
| Exam Validity | Passed exams valid for 1 year |
| No Limit | No maximum number of attempts |
Important: Passing exam scores are only valid for 1 year. You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing or you'll need to retake the exam.
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Fingerprinting | $54 |
| Property Exam Fee | $59 |
| Casualty Exam Fee | $59 |
| License Application (Resident) | $50 |
| License Application (Non-Resident) | $100 |
| TOTAL (Resident) | $222 |
| TOTAL (Non-Resident) | $272 |
Cost Advantage: Montana's total licensing cost is among the lowest in the nation because there's no mandatory pre-licensing education.
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Expiration | Birth month every 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | Same as initial application |
Continuing Education Topics
Montana requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years in:
- Property insurance updates
- Casualty insurance updates
- Montana insurance law changes
- Ethics and professional conduct (3 hours minimum)
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) |
| Website | csimt.gov |
| Address | 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 |
| Phone | (406) 444-2040 |
| Toll-Free | (800) 332-6148 |
| csi@mt.gov | |
| Pearson VUE | pearsonvue.com/mt/insurance |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Montana state-specific content for the P&C exam:
Chapter 1: Montana Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) structure
- Montana Insurance Code (MCA Title 33)
- Producer licensing requirements and CE
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
Chapter 2: Montana Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance requirements
- Commercial property coverage
- Wildfire considerations (significant for Montana)
- Agricultural and ranch property coverage
- Montana FAIR Plan equivalent
Chapter 3: Montana Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/20)
- Tort system and liability rules
- Workers' compensation requirements
- Commercial liability coverage
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling requirements
- Montana 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 (none required) |
| Property exam questions | 99 |
| Casualty exam questions | 105 |
| Time limit per exam | 2 hours |
| Passing score (each section) | 75% |
| Exam fee per test | $59 |
| Fingerprinting fee | $54 |
| Exam validity period | 1 year |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/20 |
| NFIP course (if selling flood) | 3 hours |
Montana-Specific Study Focus
- Two Separate Exams - Know you need to pass BOTH Property AND Casualty
- 75% on Each Section - Must pass national AND state on each exam
- Auto Minimums 25/50/20 - Property damage is $20K (lower than most states)
- Tort State - Montana uses fault-based auto insurance system
- Wildfire Risk - Understand coverage for Montana's fire exposure
- Agricultural Coverage - Farm and ranch policies are common
Montana-Specific Insurance Considerations
Geographic and Climate Factors
Montana's unique environment creates specific insurance needs:
| Factor | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|
| Wildfire Risk | Extended coverage, defensible space |
| Severe Winters | Frozen pipe coverage, roof collapse |
| Rural Properties | Distance to fire protection |
| Ranch Operations | Farm/ranch policies, livestock |
| Hail and Wind | Crop insurance, property deductibles |
Key Montana Insurance Facts
- Montana is a tort (at-fault) state for auto accidents
- Auto liability minimums: 25/50/20 (memorize this!)
- UM/UIM coverage is offered but not mandatory
- Workers' compensation required for most employers
- No mandatory PIP requirement
- Property damage minimum ($20K) is lower than typical
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
- Complete fingerprinting - $54 through approved vendor
- Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule both exams
- Pass both exams - 75% on national AND state sections
- Apply for license - Within 1 year of passing
Remember: Montana has no pre-licensing requirement, so you can start studying today and schedule your exam whenever you're ready. Use this guide and practice until you consistently score 85%+ on practice tests.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Montana Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Montana require for a Property & Casualty license?
How many separate exams must you pass to obtain a full Montana Property & Casualty license?
What are Montana's minimum auto insurance liability limits?
What is the passing score required for EACH section of the Montana P&C exams?
How long are passing exam scores valid for license application in Montana?
What additional course is required ONLY for Montana agents who want to sell flood insurance?