Key Takeaways
- Washington does NOT require pre-licensing education (eliminated July 24, 2023)
- The combined exam has 150 questions with a 3 hour 15 minute time limit and 70% passing score
- Exam administered by PSI with remote (PSI Bridge) option available
- License application must be submitted within 180 days of passing exam
- Washington OIC is one of the most consumer-focused regulators in the nation
Washington Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Washington Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Washington-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the Washington P&C Exam
The Washington Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Washington is the 13th-largest state with a growing insurance market.
Key Change: No Pre-Licensing Required (Since July 2023)
As of July 24, 2023, Washington eliminated pre-licensing education requirements. You can now schedule and take the exam immediately without completing any courses.
Recommendation: Although not required, completing a prep course is highly recommended to help you pass on your first attempt.
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI Services |
| Regulatory Authority | Washington OIC |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Total Questions | 150 questions |
| Time Limit | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Test Delivery | In-person ($52) or PSI Bridge remote |
| Results | Immediate |
Exam Options
| Exam Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Line (P or C) | $35 |
| Combined P&C | $52 |
Recommendation: Take the Combined P&C exam for full licensing in one sitting.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Step 1: Study and Prepare
Although no longer required, preparation is essential:
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Take practice exams
- Consider optional prep course
Step 2: Register for the Exam
Register with PSI Services:
- Visit psiexams.com
- Create an account
- Select Washington P&C exam
- Pay $52 (combined) or $35 (single line)
- Choose in-person or PSI Bridge remote
Step 3: Pass the Exam
On exam day:
- Complete 150 questions in 3 hours 15 minutes
- 70% required to pass
- Receive immediate results
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting
Required for all applicants:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $49.25 |
| Purpose | Criminal history records check |
| Submission | Sent to Washington OIC |
Step 5: Apply for License
Apply through Washington OIC Online Services or NIPR:
- Application fee: $60
- Transaction fee: $5.60 (NIPR only)
- Must submit within 180 days of passing exam
Step 6: Receive License
- OIC reviews application
- Background check completed
- License valid for 2 years
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Combined Exam Fee (PSI) | $52 |
| Fingerprinting | $49.25 |
| License Application | $60 + $5.60 |
| TOTAL | ~$167 |
Note: Washington has one of the lowest licensing costs because no pre-licensing education is required.
Washington Auto Insurance
Washington requires the following minimums:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
| Formula | 25/50/10 |
Additional Requirements
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| PIP | $10,000 required (can reject in writing) |
| Underinsured Motorist | Must be offered; can reject |
Washington OIC - Consumer Focus
The Washington OIC is known for strong consumer protection:
- Rate review and approval process
- Consumer complaint handling
- Market conduct examinations
- Insurance fraud investigation
Important Deadline
| Deadline | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application after exam | 180 days |
| If deadline missed | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics | Included in total |
| Renewal | By license expiration |
Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Washington OIC | insurance.wa.gov |
| Phone | (360) 725-7000 |
| PSI Exams | psiexams.com |
| NIPR | nipr.com |
What This Guide Covers
Chapter 1: Washington Insurance Regulation
- OIC structure and authority
- Washington Insurance Code (RCW 48)
- Licensing requirements
- Producer responsibilities
Chapter 2: Washington Property Insurance
- Homeowners requirements
- Washington FAIR Plan
- Earthquake coverage
- Wildfire considerations
Chapter 3: Washington Casualty Insurance
- Auto minimums (25/50/10)
- PIP requirements
- Workers' compensation
- Liability insurance
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling
- Washington Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 0 (not required since 7/24/23) |
| Exam questions | 150 |
| Exam time | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Combined exam fee | $52 |
| Single line fee | $35 |
| Fingerprinting | $49.25 |
| Application fee | $60 + $5.60 |
| Application deadline | 180 days |
| BI liability | 25/50 |
| PD liability | $10,000 |
| PIP | $10,000 |
| CE hours | 24 every 2 years |
Next Steps
- Complete this FREE study guide - WA-specific content
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Take practice quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Register with PSI - Schedule exam
- Pass exam - 70%+ score
- Complete fingerprinting - $49.25
- Apply for license - Within 180 days!
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Washington Insurance Regulation!
When did Washington eliminate pre-licensing education requirements?
How long is the Washington combined P&C exam?
How long do you have to apply for your Washington license after passing the exam?
What is the minimum PIP coverage required in Washington?
What are the minimum auto liability limits in Washington?