Key Takeaways
- Tennessee has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement for Property & Casualty insurance
- Exams are administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required
- Back-to-back exam discount available: save $30 when taking both exams together
- After passing, candidates must wait 48 hours before applying for a license through TDCI
- Retake policy: 10-day wait for first retake, then 30 days after each subsequent attempt
- Tennessee auto insurance minimums are 25/50/15 for liability coverage
Tennessee Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Tennessee Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Tennessee-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the Tennessee P&C Exam
The Tennessee Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Tennessee Insurance Code and regulations
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- Tennessee-specific policy requirements
- Severe weather and natural disaster coverage
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Consumer protection laws
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Regulatory Authority | Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice |
| Test Delivery | Computer-based at testing centers or OnVUE online |
| Results | Immediate upon completion |
Exam Options and Fees
| Exam Type | Questions | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Only | 68 scored | 105 minutes | $50 |
| Casualty Only | 68 scored | 105 minutes | $50 |
| Combined P&C | 136 scored | 210 minutes | $100 |
| Back-to-Back Discount | Both exams | Same day | $70 (save $30) |
Money-Saving Tip: Take both Property and Casualty exams back-to-back on the same day and save $30! This discount makes Tennessee one of the most affordable states for P&C licensing.
Question Breakdown
Each exam includes both national and Tennessee-specific questions:
| Question Type | Property | Casualty |
|---|---|---|
| General Insurance | 50 questions | 50 questions |
| Tennessee-Specific | 18 questions | 18 questions |
| Total Scored | 68 questions | 68 questions |
Exam Tip: Approximately 26% of questions are Tennessee-specific. Master state law to maximize your score.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
No Education Required!
Tennessee has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement:
| Requirement | Tennessee | Typical State |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Hours | 0 hours | 20-40 hours |
| Classroom Time | None required | Often required |
| Online Courses | Not mandated | Usually required |
| Certificate | Not needed | Usually required |
What This Means for You
- Start studying immediately - No waiting for course completion
- Self-study permitted - Use this FREE guide and practice exams
- Cost savings - No mandatory pre-license course fees
- Flexible timeline - Schedule exams when you're ready
Study Tip: Although Tennessee doesn't require pre-licensing education, successful candidates typically spend 40-60 hours studying. The 70% passing requirement and Tennessee-specific questions require solid preparation.
Tennessee Insurance Market Context
Why Tennessee Is Unique
Tennessee has a growing insurance market with distinctive characteristics:
-
Natural Disaster Risk
- Tornadoes: Tennessee is in Dixie Alley for severe tornadoes
- Severe Storms: Hail, wind, and thunderstorm damage common
- Flooding: Flash floods in many areas, especially Middle Tennessee
- Winter Storms: Ice storms can cause significant damage
-
Market Characteristics
- Fast-growing population centers (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville)
- Strong healthcare industry requiring commercial coverage
- Music and entertainment industry with unique insurance needs
- Agricultural sector with specialized needs
- No state income tax makes Tennessee attractive for business
-
Regulatory Environment
- File-and-use rate system for most lines
- TDCI consumer protection oversight
- Reasonable licensing requirements
- Business-friendly regulations
Tennessee Auto Insurance Requirements
All Tennessee drivers must maintain minimum liability coverage:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $15,000 |
Exam Tip: Tennessee's auto minimums are 25/50/15. Note the $15,000 property damage limit - lower than many states. This is frequently tested!
Additional Auto Coverage Notes
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): Must be offered; written rejection required to decline
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Must be offered with UM
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Not required (Tennessee is a tort state)
- Financial Responsibility: Required for all registered vehicles
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Study and Prepare (No pre-license course required)
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Focus on Tennessee-specific laws
- Take practice quizzes
-
Schedule and Pass the Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE online
- Consider back-to-back discount ($70 vs $100)
- Choose testing center or OnVUE online option
- Pass with 70%+ score
- Receive immediate results
-
Wait the Required Period
- 48 hours after passing before applying
- Use this time to gather application materials
- Complete fingerprinting if not already done
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for background check
- Schedule through approved vendor
- State and FBI background check
- Cost varies by provider
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR or directly to TDCI
- Pay license application fee
- Provide all required documentation
- Include exam pass documentation
-
Receive License
- TDCI review takes 2-4 weeks
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Tennessee
Exam Retake Policy
Tennessee has a unique graduated retake policy:
| Attempt | Wait Period |
|---|---|
| First Retake | 10 days |
| Second Retake | 30 days |
| Third+ Retakes | 30 days each |
Important: The retake waiting period increases after your first failed attempt. Plan accordingly and study thoroughly before your first attempt to avoid extended delays.
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed Exam | Wait 10 days for first retake |
| Failed Again | Wait 30 days between each subsequent attempt |
| Retake Fee | Full exam fee required |
| No Limit | Tennessee has no limit on total attempts |
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Back-to-Back Exam Fee | $70 (saves $30) |
| Individual Exams | $50 each ($100 total) |
| Fingerprinting | ~$40-50 |
| License Application Fee | ~$50 |
| TOTAL (with discount) | $160-170 |
Budget Tip: Tennessee offers one of the most affordable paths to P&C licensing when you take advantage of the back-to-back discount and the lack of pre-licensing requirements.
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | Varies |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees apply |
Continuing Education Details
- 24 hours required every 2-year license period
- 3 hours must be in ethics/law
- Must be completed before license expiration
- From TDCI-approved CE providers
- Online and classroom options available
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | tn.gov/commerce/insurance |
| Address | 500 James Robertson Parkway<br/>Nashville, TN 37243 |
| Consumer Insurance Line | (800) 342-4029 |
| Phone | (615) 741-2218 |
| Licensing Division | (615) 741-2693 |
| Pearson VUE Registration | pearsonvue.com |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Tennessee state-specific content for the P&C exam:
Chapter 1: Tennessee Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) structure
- Commissioner authority (appointed by Governor)
- Producer licensing requirements and CE
- Prohibited practices and penalties
Chapter 2: Tennessee Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance requirements
- Tornado and severe weather coverage
- Flood insurance considerations
- Claims handling timeframes
Chapter 3: Tennessee Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/15)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist requirements
- Workers' compensation regulations
- Liability insurance requirements
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling requirements
- Tennessee Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct standards
national Property & Casualty exam prepFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Study Tips for Success
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 0 hours (none required) |
| Questions per exam | 68 scored |
| Tennessee-specific questions | 18 per exam (26%) |
| Time per exam | 105 minutes |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Back-to-back fee | $70 |
| Individual exam fee | $50 |
| Post-exam wait | 48 hours |
| First retake wait | 10 days |
| Subsequent retake wait | 30 days |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Ethics CE required | 3 hours |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/15 |
Tennessee-Specific Topics to Master
- TDCI Structure and Authority
- 25/50/15 Auto Liability Minimums
- Tornado/Severe Weather Coverage
- 48-Hour Post-Exam Wait Period
- 10-Day First Retake / 30-Day Subsequent Retakes
- Back-to-Back Exam Discount
- File-and-Use Rate System
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Take practice exams - Aim for 80%+ before real exam
- Register with Pearson VUE - Use back-to-back discount
- Pass both exams - With 70%+ score on each
- Wait 48 hours - Required processing period
- Complete fingerprinting - For background check
- Apply for license - Through NIPR or TDCI
Remember: Take advantage of Tennessee's back-to-back discount and save $30! Schedule both exams for the same day and maintain your study momentum.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Tennessee Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How much can you save by taking Tennessee P&C exams back-to-back on the same day?
What are Tennessee's minimum auto liability insurance limits?
How long must candidates wait after passing the Tennessee P&C exam before applying for a license?
What is Tennessee's retake wait period after your FIRST failed exam attempt?
How many Tennessee-specific questions are on each P&C exam?
Which testing provider administers the Tennessee P&C insurance exam?