Key Takeaways
- New York requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education for full P&C license (40 hours for Personal Lines only)
- The exam (Series 17-56) has 150 questions with a 2.5-hour time limit and 70% passing score
- Exam administered by PSI Services - both in-person and online proctoring available
- CPCU designation holders can waive education and take Laws & Regulations exam only
- NFIP flood course required before selling flood insurance (counts toward CE)
New York Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE New York Property & Casualty 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 in 2026.
About the New York P&C Exam
The New York Property and Casualty Insurance Agent/Broker exam (Series 17-56) is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS). New York is the fourth-largest state and has one of the most heavily regulated insurance markets in the nation.
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI Services |
| Regulatory Authority | NY Department of Financial Services (DFS) |
| Exam Series | 17-56 (Property and Casualty) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Total Questions | 150 questions |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Test Delivery | In-person or online proctored |
| Results | Immediate |
| Application Deadline | Within 2 years of passing |
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Property and Casualty (Full) | 90 hours |
| Personal Lines Only | 40 hours |
Course Content
The 90-hour pre-licensing course covers:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Insurance | Dwelling, homeowners, commercial |
| Casualty Insurance | Auto, liability, workers' comp |
| NY Insurance Law | Article 21, Regulation 60 |
| Ethics | Professional conduct |
License Types
New York offers Agent and Broker licenses:
| License | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Agent | Appointed by insurers, acts on insurer's behalf |
| Broker | Independent, acts on behalf of insured |
Exam Waivers
CPCU Designation
Candidates holding the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation:
- Waive pre-licensing education requirement
- Take only the Property Casualty Laws and Regulations exam
Work Experience Waiver
Broker candidates may waive education if:
- Regularly employed by insurer, broker, or agent for at least 1 year
- Within the last 3 years
- In responsible underwriting or adjusting duties
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 90 hours of DFS-approved education:
- Enroll in approved course
- Complete all required hours
- Receive certificate of completion
Step 2: Register for the Exam
Register with PSI Services:
- Visit PSI Exams Online
- Create an account
- Select Property and Casualty exam (Series 17-56)
- Choose in-person or online proctored
- Pay exam fee
Step 3: Pass the Exam
On exam day:
- Complete 150 questions in 2.5 hours
- 70% required to pass
- Receive immediate results
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for all applicants
- Complete background check
- State and federal criminal history review
Step 5: Submit Application
Apply to DFS within 2 years of passing:
- Complete comprehensive application
- Submit all required documentation
- Pay application fees
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education (90 hrs) | $200-400 |
| Exam Fee | ~$50 |
| Fingerprinting | ~$100 |
| License Application | ~$50 |
| TOTAL | ~$400-600 |
New York Auto Insurance
New York has unique auto insurance requirements:
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | 25/50 ($25K person/$50K accident) |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 minimum |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $50,000 (No-Fault) |
| Uninsured Motorist | 25/50 required |
| Formula | 25/50/10 + $50K PIP |
Note: New York is a No-Fault state with mandatory PIP coverage.
NFIP Flood Insurance Requirement
New York requires special flood insurance training:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Flood Course | Required for all P&C licensees selling flood |
| Enhanced NFIP Course | 3 hours, required by first renewal |
| Credit | Counts toward CE requirement |
Continuing Education Requirements
| License Type | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Single Line (P&C only) | 15 hours every 2 years |
| Dual Line | 30 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics | 3 hours (included in total) |
DFS Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | dfs.ny.gov |
| Phone | (518) 474-6630 |
| licensing@dfs.ny.gov | |
| PSI Services | (855) 579-4637 |
What This Guide Covers
Chapter 1: New York Insurance Regulation
- DFS structure and authority
- Insurance Law Article 21
- Regulation 60
- Licensing requirements
Chapter 2: New York Property Insurance
- Homeowners requirements
- Commercial property
- Excess line coverage
- NY-specific disclosures
Chapter 3: New York Casualty Insurance
- No-Fault auto (PIP)
- 25/50/10 minimums
- Workers' compensation
- Commercial liability
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling
- NY Insurance Fund
- Producer conduct
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 90 hours |
| Personal lines hours | 40 hours |
| Exam questions | 150 |
| Exam time | 2.5 hours |
| Passing score | 70% |
| BI liability | 25/50 |
| PD liability | $10,000 |
| PIP (No-Fault) | $50,000 |
| UM coverage | 25/50 |
| CE (single line) | 15 hours |
| CE (dual line) | 30 hours |
Next Steps
- Enroll in 90-hour course - DFS-approved provider
- Complete this FREE study guide - NY-specific content
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Schedule exam - PSI Services
- Pass exam - 70%+ score
- Complete fingerprinting
- Apply for license - Within 2 years
Let's get started with Chapter 1: New York Insurance Regulation!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does New York require for a full Property & Casualty license?
What is the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP/No-Fault) coverage required in New York?
Within how many years of passing the exam must you apply for your New York license?
What designation allows waiver of pre-licensing education in New York?
How many CE hours are required every 2 years for a dual-line agent in New York?