Key Takeaways
- New York requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education for combined Life & Health (20 hours per line)
- The exam is administered by PSI with 150 questions and a 70% passing score required
- Pre-licensing students must pass a Certification Exam with 70% before receiving Certificate of Completion
- License renewal requires 15-30 hours of CE every 2 years depending on lines held
- The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) regulates all insurance activities in the state
New York Life & Health Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE New York Life & Health Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers New York-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 New York L&H Exam
The New York Life & Health insurance examination is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- New York Insurance Law
- 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 | PSI Services |
| Total Questions | 150 questions |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $33 |
| Question Format | Multiple choice, proctored |
Note: The exam covers both general insurance knowledge and New York-specific laws and regulations.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
Required Pre-License Education
New York requires pre-licensing education before taking the state exam:
| License Type | Required Hours | Classroom Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Life Only | 20 hours | 10 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours | 10 hours |
| Combined Life & Health | 40 hours | 20 hours |
Important: For classroom pre-licensing courses, at least 50% of required hours must be spent in an actual classroom. Online pre-licensing courses require forced progression—you must complete each section before moving on.
Certification Exam Requirement
New York requires students to pass a Certification Exam to receive their Certificate of Completion:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Attempts | Must pass in one sitting |
| Result | Certificate of Completion issued |
Critical: You must pass the certification exam to receive your Certificate of Completion, which is required before you can schedule the state licensing exam.
Certificate Validity
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity Period | 2 years from application date |
| Exam Deadline | Must pass licensing exam within 2 years |
Basic Qualifications
To obtain a New York insurance license, you must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Residency | New York resident for resident license |
| Pre-License Education | Complete required hours with certification exam |
| Exam | Pass state licensing exam with 70%+ |
Exemptions from Pre-Licensing
Certain designations provide exemptions:
| Exemption | Benefit |
|---|---|
| CLU Designees | Exempt from pre-licensing AND Part 1 of exam |
| Only need to take Life & Health Laws and Regulations exam | |
| Other Designations | Check with DFS for applicable exemptions |
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Complete Pre-Licensing Education
- Complete 20-40 hours from DFS-approved provider
- Pass Certification Exam with 70%+ in 90 minutes
- Receive Certificate of Completion
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with PSI online or call (855) 579-4637
- Pay $33 exam fee
- Schedule within 2 years of certificate
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive with valid government-issued photo ID
- Pass with 70% or higher
- Results available immediately
-
Apply for License
- Apply online through DFS
- Pay application fee ($80 full fee, $40 half fee for residents)
- Receive license from NY DFS
Total Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $200 - $500 |
| Exam Fee | $33 |
| Application Fee (Resident) | $80 (full) or $40 (half) |
| TOTAL | ~$315 - $615 |
License Maintenance & Continuing Education
CE Requirements
New York has different requirements based on lines of authority:
| License Type | CE Hours | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Single Line (Life or Health only) | 15 hours | 2 years |
| Combined Lines | 30 hours total OR 15 hours Bridge Course | 2 years |
Mandatory CE Topics
Every renewal period, you MUST complete courses on:
| Topic | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Insurance Law | 1 hour |
| Ethics/Professionalism | 1 hour |
| Diversity, Inclusion, Elimination of Bias | 1 hour |
| Flood Insurance (if licensed for P&C) | 1-3 hours |
CE Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Carryover | NOT allowed |
| Repeat Courses | Cannot retake previously completed courses |
| Passing Score | 70% on course final exam |
| Deadline | 60 days before license expiration |
| When Required | After license in effect for 2+ years |
Renewal Schedule
| Renewal Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Agents/Brokers | Birthday, every 2 years |
| Public Adjusters | December 31 of even-numbered years |
CE Exemptions
| Exemption | Details |
|---|---|
| New Licensees | License in effect less than 2 years |
| Active Military | Called to duty during license term |
| Certain License Types | Independent Adjuster, Bail Bond, Mortgage Guarantee, Reinsurance Intermediary |
New York Department of Financial Services Contact
Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.dfs.ny.gov |
| Licensing Questions | (518) 474-6630 |
| Address | One Commerce Plaza, Suite 2003<br/>Albany, NY 12257 |
Testing Information
PSI Services LLC
- Website: www.psiexams.com
- Phone: (855) 579-4637
- Address: 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121
- Exam Fee: $33
- Online scheduling available 24/7
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on New York state-specific content:
Chapter 1: New York Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- NY Department of Financial Services structure
- Producer licensing requirements
- Pre-licensing education and certification exam
- Disciplinary actions and prohibited practices
Chapter 2: New York Life Insurance Regulations
- Life insurance policy requirements under NY Insurance Law
- Standard policy provisions
- New York Life Insurance Company Guaranty Corporation
- Replacement regulations
Chapter 3: New York Health Insurance Regulations
- Health insurance requirements
- Individual and group health coverage
- New York State of Health (marketplace)
- Long-term care insurance
Chapter 4: New York 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 | Pre-license education course | 20-40 hours |
| Week 3 | NY Insurance Law (this guide) | 15-20 hours |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review | 15-20 hours |
| TOTAL | 65-100 hours |
Key New York Facts to Remember
- Passing Score: 70% (both certification and state exam)
- Pre-License Education: 20 hours (single) or 40 hours (combined)
- Classroom Minimum: 50% of hours in classroom
- Certification Exam: Required with 70% passing score
- Testing Provider: PSI Services
- Application Fee: $80 (resident)
- CE: 15-30 hours/2 years
- Mandatory Topics: Insurance Law, Ethics, Diversity, Flood (if P&C)
Good luck on your exam!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does New York require for a combined Life & Health license?
What score is required to pass the New York pre-licensing Certification Exam?
What percentage of New York pre-licensing education hours must be completed in a classroom?
How many hours of CE does New York require for agents licensed in a single line (Life or Health only)?
Which of the following is a MANDATORY CE topic in New York?