Key Takeaways
- P&C exam typically has 100-170 multiple-choice questions depending on your state
- Passing score is usually 70% (some states require 75%)
- Exam covers both national content (70-80%) and state-specific laws (20-30%)
- Study time: 40-80 hours recommended for most candidates
- Two main areas: Property insurance and Casualty (liability) insurance
About the Property & Casualty Exam
Quick Answer: The Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance exam is a state-administered licensing test with 100-170 multiple-choice questions and a 70-75% passing score. It covers property insurance (homeowners, dwelling, commercial property) and casualty/liability insurance (auto, general liability, workers comp). Each state adds 20-30% of questions on state-specific laws and regulations.
The Property & Casualty (P&C) Insurance Exam is required to sell property and casualty insurance products in all U.S. states. After passing, you'll be licensed to sell homeowners, auto, commercial, and liability insurance policies.
Who Should Take the P&C Exam?
The P&C exam is for anyone wanting to become a licensed insurance producer (agent) who sells:
- Homeowners and dwelling fire insurance
- Personal auto insurance
- Commercial property and liability insurance
- Workers compensation insurance
- Inland and ocean marine insurance
- Professional liability and umbrella policies
Most states require you to be at least 18 years old and complete a pre-licensing education course (typically 20-40 hours) before taking the exam.
Exam Format by State
| State Type | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most States | 100-150 questions | 2-3 hours | 70% |
| California | 100 questions | 2.5 hours | 60% |
| Florida | 200 questions | 4 hours | 70% |
| Texas | 150 questions | 3 hours | 70% |
| New York | 100 questions | 2 hours | 70% |
Note: Check with your state's Department of Insurance for exact requirements.
The Two Main Content Areas
The P&C exam divides into two major categories:
Property Insurance (Approximately 50% of Exam)
Covers protection for physical assets against damage or loss:
- Dwelling and homeowners policies — Personal residence coverage
- Commercial property — Buildings, equipment, business personal property
- Inland marine — Property in transit, contractors' equipment
- Ocean marine — Ships, cargo, freight
Casualty (Liability) Insurance (Approximately 50% of Exam)
Covers legal liability for injuries or damage to others:
- Personal auto liability — Bodily injury and property damage from auto accidents
- General liability — Premises, operations, products liability
- Workers compensation — Employee work-related injuries
- Professional liability — Errors and omissions, malpractice
- Umbrella and excess liability — High-limit excess coverage
Key Topics by Question Frequency
Based on exam analysis, focus your study on these high-frequency topics:
| Topic | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| Homeowners Policies (HO-2, HO-3, HO-5) | 10-15% |
| Personal Auto Policy (PAP) | 10-15% |
| General Insurance Concepts | 10-12% |
| Commercial General Liability (CGL) | 8-10% |
| Commercial Property | 8-10% |
| Workers Compensation | 5-8% |
| State-Specific Laws | 20-30% |
| Ethics and Regulations | 5-8% |
Exam Day: What to Expect
- Arrive early — Allow 30 minutes before your scheduled time
- Bring valid ID — Government-issued photo ID required
- Leave electronics outside — No phones, smart watches, or electronic devices
- Basic calculator — Provided by the testing center (not your own)
- Scratch paper — Provided and collected after the exam
After You Pass
Once you pass the P&C exam, you'll need to:
- Complete background check — Fingerprinting in most states
- Pay licensing fee — Typically $50-$150 depending on state
- Apply for license — Through your state's Department of Insurance
- Appoint with carriers — Insurance companies must "appoint" you to sell their products
Tips for Success
- Focus on homeowners and auto — These make up 20-30% of most exams
- Understand coverage differences — Know HO-2 vs HO-3 vs HO-5, Coverage A vs B vs C
- Learn the numbers — Deductibles, limits, and percentages appear frequently
- Master exclusions — What's NOT covered is often tested
- Study state-specific content — Don't neglect the 20-30% state portion
Official Resources
For state-specific exam information:
- NAIC State Insurance Department Directory — Find your state's insurance department
- Prometric Testing — Many states use Prometric for exam administration
- PSI Testing — Other states use PSI for exam administration
What percentage of most P&C state exams covers state-specific laws and regulations?
Which two coverage types make up the largest portion of most P&C exams?
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