Key Takeaways
- As of October 1, 2025, North Carolina no longer requires pre-licensing education - but study courses are highly recommended
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- Each Exam Admission Ticket is valid for 90 days and up to 5 exam attempts
- License renewal requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics
- The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) regulates all insurance activities in the state
North Carolina Life & Health Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE North Carolina Life & Health Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers North Carolina-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam and begin your career as a licensed Life & Health producer.
About the North Carolina L&H Exam
The North Carolina Life & Health insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- North Carolina insurance law (General Statutes Chapter 58)
- Life insurance principles and policy types
- Annuities and retirement products
- Health insurance including accident and sickness coverage
- Policy provisions and beneficiary designations
- Ethics and professional conduct
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Total Questions | 60 (55 scored + 5 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 75 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | ~$52 |
| Question Format | Multiple choice |
Important: The exam has two parts that are scored together, not individually. You need an overall passing score of at least 70%, meaning 39 of the 55 scored questions must be answered correctly.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
Recent Change - Effective October 1, 2025
North Carolina NO longer requires pre-licensing education as of October 1, 2025:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Hours | Not required (as of 10/1/2025) |
| Recommendation | Study courses highly recommended |
| Previous Requirements | 20-40 hours depending on license type |
Note: Although pre-licensing education is no longer required, exam prep courses are strongly recommended due to the complexity of insurance concepts and NC-specific regulations.
If You Choose to Complete Pre-License Education
Many candidates still choose to complete educational courses:
| License Type | Recommended Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Combined Life & Health | 40 hours |
| Medicare Supplement/LTC | 10 hours |
Exam Admission Ticket
If you complete a pre-license course:
- Each Exam Admission Ticket is valid for 90 days and up to 5 attempts
- If you don't pass within 90 days or 5 attempts, you must retake the course
- Must pass the course final exam with at least 70%
Basic Qualifications
To obtain a North Carolina insurance license, you must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Residency | NC resident for resident license |
| Exam | Pass the state licensing exam with 70%+ |
| Background | Must disclose any criminal history |
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare for the Exam
- Complete recommended study course (optional but recommended)
- Review NC insurance law (General Statutes Chapter 58)
- Take practice exams
-
Get the Candidate Guide
- Obtain free Insurance Licensing Examination Candidate Guide
- Available at www.pearsonvue.com or call (866) 265-6329
- Contains important exam and licensing information
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online or by phone
- Pay exam fee (~$52)
- Choose testing center or online option
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Pass with 70% or higher
-
Apply for License
- Apply online through NIPR or Sircon
- Pay application fee
- Complete background check if required
- Receive license from NCDOI
Total Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep Course (recommended) | $150 - $400 |
| Exam Fee | ~$52 |
| License Application Fee | Varies by line |
| TOTAL | ~$200 - $500 |
License Maintenance & Continuing Education
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics | 3 hours required |
| Flood Training | 3 hours first period, then every 4 years |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial, based on birth month |
Renewal Schedule
- Licensees born in odd-numbered years renew in odd years
- Licensees born in even-numbered years renew in even years
- Renewal date is last day of birth month
Special Training Requirements
| Training | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Annuity Suitability | One-time 4-hour Best Interest course before selling annuities |
| Long-Term Care Initial | One-time 8-hour training before selling LTC |
| Long-Term Care Ongoing | 4-hour training every 2 years after initial |
| Flood Insurance | 3 hours first period, then every 4 years |
CE Administration
Prometric is the NCDOI's CE Administrator:
- Handles provider and course approval
- Processes course rosters
- Tracks compliance for licensees
- Search courses and view records at Prometric's website
Carryover Hours
- Excess CE hours CAN be carried over to the next renewal period
- However, excess ethics or flood hours carry over as general hours only
Failure to Complete CE
- License expires if minimum CE hours not met
- 4-month grace period to complete requirements
- $75 reinstatement fee required
- If not completed within 4 months, license becomes inactive
North Carolina Department of Insurance Contact
Important Resources
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.ncdoi.gov |
| Phone | (919) 807-6750 |
| Consumer Hotline | (855) 408-1212 |
| Address | 325 N. Salisbury Street<br/>Raleigh, NC 27603 |
Testing Information
Pearson VUE
- Website: www.pearsonvue.com
- Phone: (866) 265-6329
- Online scheduling available 24/7
- Multiple testing centers throughout North Carolina
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on North Carolina state-specific content:
Chapter 1: North Carolina Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- NC Department of Insurance structure
- Producer licensing requirements
- General Statutes Chapter 58 overview
- Disciplinary actions and prohibited practices
Chapter 2: North Carolina Life Insurance Regulations
- Life insurance policy requirements
- Standard policy provisions
- NC Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association
- Replacement regulations
Chapter 3: North Carolina Health Insurance Regulations
- Health insurance requirements
- Individual and group health coverage
- NC Health Insurance Risk Pool
- Long-term care insurance
Chapter 4: North Carolina Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Agent and producer duties
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling standards
- Consumer protection laws
national Life & Health exam preparationFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Study Tips for Success
Recommended Study Timeline
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | National L&H principles (if not completed) | 15-20 hours |
| Week 2 | Exam prep course (recommended) | 20-30 hours |
| Week 3 | NC state law (this guide) | 10-15 hours |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review | 10-15 hours |
| TOTAL | 55-80 hours |
Key North Carolina Facts to Remember
- Passing Score: 70%
- Pre-License Education: NOT required (as of October 2025)
- Exam Attempts: Up to 5 within 90 days (if using admission ticket)
- CE: 24 hours/2 years (including 3 ethics)
- CE Administrator: Prometric
Good luck on your exam!
As of October 2025, does North Carolina require pre-licensing education for Life & Health insurance licenses?
What is the passing score for the North Carolina Life & Health insurance exam?
How many exam attempts are allowed with a North Carolina Exam Admission Ticket?
How many hours of continuing education does North Carolina require every 2 years?
Which agency administers continuing education for North Carolina insurance licensees?