Key Takeaways
- Tennessee does NOT require pre-licensing education, but completing a 40-hour course is strongly recommended
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- All resident producer applicants must complete fingerprinting for background check
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance regulates all insurance activities
- After first exam failure, wait 10 days to retake; subsequent failures require 30-day wait
Tennessee Life & Health Insurance Exam
Welcome to the Tennessee Life & Health Insurance Exam study guide. This comprehensive resource covers Tennessee-specific insurance laws, regulations, and practices required for your state licensing exam.
About Tennessee's Life & Health License
Tennessee requires insurance producers to pass the Life and Health examination to sell these products in the state. The license is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, which oversees all insurance activities in Tennessee.
What This Exam Covers
This guide focuses exclusively on Tennessee state law and regulations:
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance structure and authority
- State licensing requirements and procedures
- Tennessee life insurance laws and policy requirements
- Health insurance regulations specific to Tennessee
- State consumer protections and disclosures
- Tennessee-specific policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct under Tennessee law
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Exam Structure
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Format | Multiple choice, computer-based |
| Test Provider | Pearson VUE |
Exam Options
| License Type | Pre-License Hours (Recommended) |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Health Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Life & Health Combined | 40 hours |
Pre-License Education Requirements
Tennessee does NOT require pre-licensing education:
- No required classroom hours
- No mandated online courses
- This step is entirely optional
Recommended Course Hours
Although not required, many providers recommend:
| License Type | Recommended Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Health Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Life & Health Combined | 40 hours |
Why Take a Pre-License Course?
Completing a pre-licensing course:
- Significantly improves your chances of passing
- Can be done in classroom or online format
- Provides structured learning of complex concepts
- Includes practice exams similar to the actual test
Exam Registration
Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE:
- Online: pearsonvue.com
- Phone: (800) 274-4957
- Options: Physical testing center
Exam Day Requirements
On exam day, you must bring:
- Two valid forms of government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.)
- One ID must contain your photograph
You will NOT be able to take the exam without these requirements.
Fingerprinting Requirements
Tennessee requires fingerprinting for all resident producer applicants:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| When | After passing the licensing exam |
| Provider | IdentoGO (www.identogo.com) |
| Purpose | Criminal background check |
| For | All resident producer applicants |
License Application Process
After passing the exam:
- Complete Fingerprinting: Through IdentoGO
- Submit Application: Electronically through NIPR (www.NIPR.com)
- Pay License Fee: Application fee required
- Background Check: Processed with fingerprints
- License Issued: After TDCI review
Retake Policy
Tennessee has specific waiting periods for exam retakes:
| Attempt | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| First Failure | 10 days |
| Subsequent Failures | 30 days |
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your Tennessee Life & Health license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours in ethics/consumer protection |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (last day of birth month, odd/even year) |
| Carryover | Up to 12 hours (ethics hours do not carry) |
Renewal Timing
- Licensees born in odd-numbered years renew in odd-numbered years
- Licensees born in even-numbered years renew in even-numbered years
Product-Specific Training
| Product | Initial Training | Ongoing Training |
|---|---|---|
| Annuity Suitability Best Interest | 4 hours (one-time) | - |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) | 8 hours | 4 hours every 24 months |
| Flood Insurance | 3 hours (one-time, P&C licensees) | - |
CE Exemptions
The following may be exempt from Tennessee CE requirements:
- Limited Lines producers
- Public adjusters licensed less than 1 full year
- Producers continuously licensed since January 1, 1994 (exempt from ongoing LTC training only)
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
The TDCI regulates insurance in Tennessee:
Contact Information
- Website: www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance
- Phone: (615) 741-2693
- Address: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
What This Study Guide Covers
This guide is organized into the following chapters:
- Chapter 1: Tennessee Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Chapter 2: Tennessee Life Insurance Laws
- Chapter 3: Tennessee Health Insurance Laws
- Chapter 4: Tennessee 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:
- Consider taking a recommended pre-licensing course
- Begin studying Tennessee insurance law
- Review national Life & Health concepts
4 Weeks Before Exam:
- Focus on weak areas identified
- Complete practice quizzes daily
- Memorize key Tennessee requirements
2 Weeks Before Exam:
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review Tennessee-specific regulations
- Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE
1 Week Before Exam:
- Final review of key topics
- Focus on Tennessee laws and rules
- Get adequate rest
Test-Taking Tips
Before the Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online or by phone
- Arrive early at the test center
- Bring TWO valid forms of government-issued ID (one with photo)
- 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: Monitor your pace
- Don't overthink: Trust your preparation
After the Exam
- Results provided immediately
- Passing: Complete fingerprinting and apply through NIPR
- Failing: Wait required period (10 days first time, 30 days after), then reschedule
Disclaimer: This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam success. Always verify current regulations with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, as laws and requirements may change.
Does Tennessee require pre-licensing education before taking the Life & Health insurance exam?
How long must you wait to retake the Tennessee insurance exam after your first failure?
What is the passing score for Tennessee insurance licensing exams?
When must Tennessee resident producer applicants complete fingerprinting?
How many hours of continuing education does Tennessee require for license renewal?
What initial training is required before selling annuities in Tennessee?
What is required before selling Long-Term Care insurance in Tennessee?