Key Takeaways
- South Carolina has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement (but 40 hours is recommended)
- Each exam has 85 questions (75 scored + 10 pretest) with a 70% passing score
- Pearson VUE administers South Carolina insurance licensing exams
- All resident applicants must complete fingerprint background check after passing exam
- South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) regulates all insurance activities
South Carolina Life & Health Insurance Exam
Welcome to the South Carolina Life & Health Insurance Exam study guide. This comprehensive resource covers South Carolina-specific insurance laws, regulations, and practices required for your state licensing exam.
About South Carolina's Life & Health License
South Carolina requires insurance producers to pass the Life and/or Accident & Health (Sickness/Disability) examinations to sell these products in the state. The license is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI), which oversees all insurance activities in South Carolina.
What This Exam Covers
This guide focuses exclusively on South Carolina state law and regulations:
- South Carolina Department of Insurance structure and authority
- State licensing requirements and procedures
- South Carolina life insurance laws and policy requirements
- Health insurance regulations specific to South Carolina
- State consumer protections and disclosures
- South Carolina-specific policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct under South Carolina law
national Life & Health exam preparationFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Exam Structure
Life Insurance Exam
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 85 (75 scored + 10 pretest) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Test Provider | Pearson VUE |
Accident & Health (Sickness) Exam
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 85 (75 scored + 10 pretest) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Test Provider | Pearson VUE |
Pre-License Education Requirements
South Carolina has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement:
- No required classroom hours
- No mandated online courses
- No approved education providers needed
Recommended Course Hours
Although not required, individuals are encouraged to complete a pre-licensing course:
| License Type | Recommended Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Combined Life & Health | 40 hours |
Why Take a Pre-License Course?
Even though it's optional, completing a pre-licensing course:
- Significantly improves your chances of passing
- Provides structured learning of complex concepts
- Includes practice exams similar to the actual test
- Covers both national and state-specific content
Exam Registration
Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE:
- Online: pearsonvue.com
- Phone: (877) 759-5226
- Options: Physical testing center or remote online proctored exam
Exam Day Requirements
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Arrive 30 minutes early for in-person testing
- No personal items allowed in testing room
Fingerprinting Requirements
Effective January 1, 2017, all individual resident applicants must complete fingerprinting:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | After passing the state exam and applying for license |
| Purpose | Background check required by South Carolina law |
| For | All resident producers or licensees holding a resident producer's license |
License Application Process
After passing the exam:
- Pass Exam: Receive score report from Pearson VUE
- Submit Application: Through NIPR or SC DOI
- Complete Fingerprinting: Required for background check
- Pay License Fee: Application fee required
- License Issued: After DOI review
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your South Carolina Life & Health license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | Required (included in total) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
South Carolina Department of Insurance
The DOI regulates insurance in South Carolina:
Contact Information
- Website: www.doi.sc.gov
- Phone: (803) 737-6095
- Email: agentlicensing@doi.sc.gov
- Address: 1201 Main Street, Suite 1000, Columbia, SC 29201
What This Study Guide Covers
This guide is organized into the following chapters:
- Chapter 1: South Carolina Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Chapter 2: South Carolina Life Insurance Laws
- Chapter 3: South Carolina Health Insurance Laws
- Chapter 4: South Carolina Policy Provisions & Consumer Protections
Work through each chapter systematically, complete all practice questions, and review key takeaways until you can recall them confidently.
Study Recommendations
Timeline
6-8 Weeks Before Exam:
- Begin studying South Carolina insurance law
- Review national Life & Health concepts
- Consider taking a recommended pre-licensing course
4 Weeks Before Exam:
- Focus on weak areas identified
- Complete practice quizzes daily
- Memorize key South Carolina requirements
2 Weeks Before Exam:
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review South Carolina-specific regulations
- Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE
1 Week Before Exam:
- Final review of key topics
- Focus on South Carolina laws and rules
- Get adequate rest
Test-Taking Tips
Before the Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online or by phone
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the test center (if in-person)
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- No materials allowed in testing room
During the Exam
- Read carefully: Every word matters
- Watch for negatives: "NOT", "EXCEPT", "LEAST"
- Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow choices
- Flag difficult questions: Return later
- Manage time: ~1.5 minutes per question
- Don't overthink: Trust your preparation
After the Exam
- Results provided immediately
- Passing: Complete fingerprinting and apply for license
- Failing: Reschedule and pay new exam fee
Disclaimer: This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam success. Always verify current regulations with the South Carolina Department of Insurance, as laws and requirements may change.
Does South Carolina require pre-licensing education before taking the Life & Health insurance exam?
How many questions are on each South Carolina insurance licensing exam?
What is the passing score for South Carolina insurance licensing exams?
What is the exam fee for each South Carolina insurance licensing exam?
When must South Carolina resident applicants complete fingerprinting?