Key Takeaways
- North Carolina requires 20 hours of pre-license education for Life insurance and 20 hours for Accident & Health
- PSI administers North Carolina insurance exams at testing centers statewide and via remote proctoring
- The passing score for North Carolina insurance exams is 70%
- Applications must be submitted within 12 months of passing the exam
- North Carolina licenses are valid for 2 years with 24 hours of CE required for renewal
North Carolina Producer Licensing Requirements
North Carolina has specific requirements for obtaining a Life & Health insurance producer license.
Pre-License Education Requirements
North Carolina requires pre-license education before taking the licensing exam:
| License Type | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Life, Accident & Health (Combined) | 40 hours |
Key Points:
- Courses must be completed at NCDOI-approved providers
- Course completion certificate is valid for 12 months
- Online and classroom options available
- Must complete education before scheduling exam
Examination Requirements
The North Carolina Life & Health examination:
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Time Limit | Varies by exam type |
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Retake Policy | Can retake immediately, pay new fee |
| Results | Immediate upon completion |
Exam Content Areas
| Content Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Insurance Concepts | Risk, contracts, policy provisions |
| Life Insurance | Types, provisions, riders |
| Annuities | Fixed, variable, indexed |
| Health Insurance | Types, provisions, regulations |
| North Carolina Statutes & Rules | Heavily Tested |
Examination Process
- Complete pre-license education at approved provider
- Schedule exam with PSI online or by phone
- Exam options: Physical PSI testing center OR remote proctored exam
- Bring valid ID with photo (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Receive results immediately after exam
Background Check Requirements
North Carolina requires background checks for insurance license applicants:
Process
- Fingerprinting may be required
- Criminal history check conducted
- Must disclose all criminal history on application
- NCDOI reviews criminal history for suitability
Disqualifying Factors
NCDOI may deny a license for:
- Felony convictions
- Crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust
- Prior insurance license revocations
- Misrepresentation on application
- Outstanding child support obligations
Note: A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant. NCDOI considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
License Application
After passing the exam:
- Submit application through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Pay license fee ($50 resident license fee)
- Complete background check if required
- Receive license after NCDOI review
Application Timeline
- Must apply within 12 months of passing exam
- If you wait longer, you must retake and pass the exam
- NCDOI typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks
License Types and Authority
| License Type | What You Can Sell |
|---|---|
| Life | Life insurance and annuities |
| Accident & Health (Sickness) | Health, disability, LTC insurance |
| Life, Accident & Health | All life and health products |
Resident vs. Non-Resident
- Resident License: For producers who live in North Carolina
- Non-Resident License: For producers licensed in another state
- Non-residents can apply via reciprocity without retaking exam
What is the passing score for the North Carolina Life & Health insurance exam?
How many hours of pre-license education does North Carolina require for a Life insurance license?
Who administers insurance licensing exams in North Carolina?