Key Takeaways
- West Virginia REQUIRES 40 hours of pre-licensing education for combined Life & Health (20 per line)
- Pre-licensing course final must be proctored by a disinterested third party
- Certificate of completion is valid for only 6 months
- Life exam has 94 questions, Health exam has 96 questions, each with 2-hour time limit
- Pearson VUE administers West Virginia insurance licensing exams ($88 fee)
West Virginia Life & Health Insurance Exam
Welcome to the West Virginia Life & Health Insurance Exam study guide. This comprehensive resource covers West Virginia-specific insurance laws, regulations, and practices required for your state licensing exam.
About West Virginia's Life & Health License
West Virginia requires insurance producers to pass the Life and/or Accident and Health examination to sell these products in the state. The license is regulated by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, which oversees all insurance activities in West Virginia.
What This Exam Covers
This guide focuses exclusively on West Virginia state law and regulations:
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner structure and authority
- State licensing requirements and procedures
- West Virginia life insurance laws and policy requirements
- Health insurance regulations specific to West Virginia
- State consumer protections and disclosures
- West Virginia-specific policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct under West Virginia law
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Exam Structure
Life Insurance Examination
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 94 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Exam Fee | $88 |
| Test Provider | Pearson VUE |
Accident and Health Examination
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 96 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Exam Fee | $88 |
| Test Provider | Pearson VUE |
Pre-License Education Requirements
West Virginia REQUIRES pre-licensing education before taking the exam:
| License Type | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Combined Life & Health | 40 hours (20 per line) |
Course Completion Requirements
- Complete state-approved pre-licensing course
- Pass closed-book monitored Exam Prep Course Certification Exam
- Must score 70% or greater on course final
- Course final must be proctored by a disinterested third party
Proctoring Requirements
| Proctor Requirements |
|---|
| Must be a disinterested third party |
| Cannot be a relative, friend, or business associate |
| Required for online certification exams |
Certificate of Completion
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 6 months only |
| Bring to Exam | Required - cannot test without it |
| Format | Paper or electronic acceptable |
Important: West Virginia's 6-month certificate validity is shorter than most states. Plan accordingly!
Exam Registration
Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE:
- Online: pearsonvue.com
- Phone: (800) 274-2614
- Fee: $88 per 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 a photograph
- Certificate of Completion from pre-licensing course
You will NOT be able to take the exam without these items.
Fingerprinting Requirements
West Virginia requires fingerprinting for background check:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | After passing the exam (valid only 30 days) |
| Purpose | Background check required by Insurance Commissioner |
| Important | Complete fingerprinting promptly - only valid for 30 days! |
License Application Process
After passing the exam:
- Pass Exam: Score 70% or higher
- Complete Fingerprinting: Within 30 days (fingerprints only valid 30 days)
- Submit Application: Through NIPR or state system
- Pay Application Fee: Fee required
- License Issued: After review
Application Timeline
- Must apply within 1 year of passing exam
- If not licensed within 1 year, must complete pre-licensing again AND retake exam
Basic Qualifications
To obtain an insurance license in West Virginia:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a resident of West Virginia (for resident license)
- Complete pre-licensing education
- Pass the state exam
- Complete fingerprint background check
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your West Virginia Life & Health license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | Required (included in total) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner
The Agent Licensing and Education Division regulates insurance licensing in West Virginia:
Contact Information
- Website: wvinsurance.gov
- Phone: (304) 558-0610
- Email: agent.licensing@wvinsurance.gov
- Address: P.O. Box 50541, Charleston, WV 25305-0541
What This Study Guide Covers
This guide is organized into the following chapters:
- Chapter 1: West Virginia Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Chapter 2: West Virginia Life Insurance Laws
- Chapter 3: West Virginia Health Insurance Laws
- Chapter 4: West Virginia 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
8-10 Weeks Before Exam:
- Begin pre-licensing education course (required)
- This gives buffer time for 6-month certificate expiration
- Review national Life & Health concepts
4 Weeks Before Exam:
- Complete pre-licensing education
- Pass proctored course certification exam
- Obtain Certificate of Completion
- Focus on weak areas identified
2 Weeks Before Exam:
- Schedule your exam with Pearson VUE ($88)
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review West Virginia-specific regulations
1 Week Before Exam:
- Final review of key topics
- Focus on West Virginia laws and rules
- Verify you have Certificate of Completion
- Get adequate rest
Test-Taking Tips
Before the Exam
- Complete all required pre-licensing education
- Pass proctored course certification exam (70% required)
- Obtain Certificate of Completion (valid 6 months only)
- Schedule exam with Pearson VUE
- Bring 2 IDs (one with photo) and Certificate to exam
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: ~1.3 minutes per question
- Don't overthink: Trust your preparation
After the Exam
- Results provided immediately
- Passing: Complete fingerprinting within 30 days, then apply for license
- Failing: Reschedule and pay $88 exam fee
Disclaimer: This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam success. Always verify current regulations with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, as laws and requirements may change.
How many hours of pre-licensing education does West Virginia require for a combined Life & Health license?
How long is a West Virginia pre-licensing education Certificate of Completion valid?
What special requirement applies to West Virginia pre-licensing course final exams?
How long are fingerprints valid for West Virginia insurance license applications?
What is the exam fee for West Virginia insurance licensing exams through Pearson VUE?