Key Takeaways

  • Washington no longer requires pre-licensing education (effective July 23, 2023)
  • The Life, Accident and Health exam has 150 questions with 3 hours 55 minutes and 70% passing score
  • PSI administers Washington insurance licensing exams
  • Washington calls health insurance "disability" - you need a Life and Disability license
  • Fingerprinting required at exam site or after passing
Last updated: January 2026

Washington Life & Health Insurance Exam

Welcome to the Washington Life & Health Insurance Exam study guide. This comprehensive resource covers Washington-specific insurance laws, regulations, and practices required for your state licensing exam.

About Washington's Life & Health License

Washington requires insurance producers to pass the Life, Accident and Health Insurance examination to sell life and health insurance products in the state. The license is regulated by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), which oversees all insurance activities in Washington.

Important Terminology

Note: Unlike most states where the license is called "Life & Health," in Washington, health insurance is covered under disability. You will be seeking a Life and Disability insurance license.

What This Exam Covers

This guide focuses exclusively on Washington state law and regulations:

  • Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner structure and authority
  • State licensing requirements and procedures
  • Revised Code of Washington Title 48 provisions
  • Life insurance laws and policy requirements in Washington
  • Health/Disability insurance regulations specific to Washington
  • State consumer protections and disclosures
  • Washington-specific policy provisions and endorsements
  • Ethics and professional conduct under Washington law
national Life & Health exam preparationFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor

Exam Structure

Life, Accident and Health Insurance Exam

Exam DetailRequirement
Total Questions150
Passing Score70%
Time Limit3 hours 55 minutes (235 minutes)
Test ProviderPSI Services LLC
FormatMultiple choice, computer-based

Exam Fees

Exam TypeFee
Single Line (Life or Health)$35
Combined Lines$52

Pre-License Education Requirements

Effective July 23, 2023, Washington no longer requires pre-licensing education to take your insurance exam:

  • No required classroom hours
  • No mandated online courses
  • No certificate of completion needed

Recommended Preparation

Although not required, the Washington OIC recommends:

  • 20 hours of study for each line of authority
  • Curriculum based on exam content outlines
  • Completing a voluntary pre-licensing course

Note: Pre-licensing education (PLE) is no longer required, but it is highly recommended to prepare for the state insurance exam.

Exam Registration

Schedule your exam with PSI:

  • Options: Physical PSI testing center or remote online proctored exam

Exam Day Requirements

On exam day, you must bring:

  • Two valid forms of government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
  • One ID must contain your name and photograph

You will NOT be able to take the exam without these requirements.

Fingerprinting Requirements

Washington requires fingerprinting and background checks:

RequirementDetails
TimingMay be completed at exam site at time of appointment or after
PurposeBackground check required by OIC
ForAll insurance licensing candidates

License Application Process

After passing the exam:

  1. Complete Fingerprinting: At exam site or schedule separately
  2. Submit Application: Through NIPR or state system
  3. Pay License Fee: Application fee required
  4. Background Check: OIC reviews results
  5. License Issued: Valid for 2 years

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your Washington Life & Health license:

RequirementDetails
Total Hours24 hours every 2 years
Ethics Hours3 hours in ethics (required)
Renewal CycleEvery 2 years

Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner

The OIC regulates insurance in Washington:

Contact Information

  • Website: insurance.wa.gov
  • Phone: (360) 725-7000 or (800) 562-6900
  • Address: P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255

What This Study Guide Covers

This guide is organized into the following chapters:

  1. Chapter 1: Washington Insurance Regulation & Licensing
  2. Chapter 2: Washington Life Insurance Laws
  3. Chapter 3: Washington Health/Disability Insurance Laws
  4. Chapter 4: Washington Policy Provisions & Consumer Protections
  5. Chapter 5: Ethics & Professional Conduct
  6. Chapter 6: Washington Guaranty Associations & Special Programs

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 Washington insurance law and RCW Title 48
  • Review national Life & Health concepts
  • Take diagnostic practice tests

4 Weeks Before Exam:

  • Focus on weak areas identified
  • Complete practice quizzes daily
  • Memorize key Washington requirements

2 Weeks Before Exam:

  • Take full-length practice exams
  • Review Washington-specific regulations
  • Schedule your exam with PSI

1 Week Before Exam:

  • Final review of key topics
  • Focus on Washington laws and rules
  • Get adequate rest

Test-Taking Tips

Before the Exam

  1. Schedule exam with PSI
  2. Choose in-person or remote testing
  3. If in-person, arrive early at the test center
  4. Bring TWO valid forms of government-issued ID
  5. Plan for fingerprinting at exam site

During the Exam

  1. Read carefully: Every word matters
  2. Watch for negatives: "NOT", "EXCEPT", "LEAST"
  3. Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow choices
  4. Flag difficult questions: Return later
  5. Manage time: You have nearly 4 hours for 150 questions
  6. Don't overthink: Trust your preparation

After the Exam

  • Results provided immediately
  • Complete fingerprinting if not done at exam site
  • Apply for license through NIPR

Disclaimer: This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam success. Always verify current regulations with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner, as laws and requirements may change.

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Washington Life & Health Licensing Path
Test Your Knowledge

Does Washington require pre-licensing education before taking the Life & Health insurance exam?

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What is unique about Washington's insurance licensing terminology?

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How many questions are on the Washington Life, Accident and Health Insurance exam?

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What is the passing score for Washington insurance licensing exams?

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How many hours of continuing education does Washington require for license renewal?

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