Key Takeaways
- West Virginia requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education for a P&C license
- The West Virginia P&C exam consists of 150 scored questions with 70% passing score required
- Background check and fingerprinting required before licensure
- Licenses are valid for 2 years and renewed biennially
- Continuing education requirements: 24 hours every 2 years including 3 hours ethics
Last updated: January 2026
West Virginia P&C Producer Licensing Requirements
Pre-License Education
Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 40 hours |
| Property Content | Minimum 20 hours |
| Casualty Content | Minimum 20 hours |
| Provider | Must be OIC-approved education provider |
| Format | Classroom or online courses accepted |
| Certificate | Must receive completion certificate |
| Validity | Certificate typically valid for 12 months |
Required Education Topics
Property Insurance Topics:
- Basic property insurance concepts
- Homeowners insurance forms (HO-2, HO-3, HO-5, HO-6, HO-8)
- Dwelling policies (DP-1, DP-2, DP-3)
- Commercial property insurance
- Business income coverage
- Inland marine insurance
- Fire and allied lines
- Policy conditions and provisions
Casualty Insurance Topics:
- Basic casualty and liability concepts
- Personal auto insurance (PAP)
- Commercial auto insurance
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation
- Professional liability
- Umbrella and excess liability
- Claims handling procedures
West Virginia Specific Topics:
- State insurance regulations
- Licensing requirements
- Consumer protection laws
- Mine subsidence coverage requirements
- Mandatory auto insurance coverages
Background Check Requirements
Fingerprinting
West Virginia requires fingerprint-based background checks:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting | Required through approved vendor |
| Processing Agency | West Virginia State Police |
| FBI Check | National criminal history check included |
| Cost | Approximately $25-$50 |
| Timing | Complete before license application |
| Validity | Results valid for limited time |
Background Check Considerations
The OIC reviews criminal history for:
- Felony convictions (especially financial crimes)
- Misdemeanor convictions involving dishonesty
- Insurance-related violations in other states
- Outstanding warrants or pending charges
- Regulatory actions by other states
Disclosure Requirements
Applicants must disclose:
| Must Disclose | Details |
|---|---|
| Criminal History | All felonies and relevant misdemeanors |
| Administrative Actions | Any regulatory discipline |
| Civil Judgments | Fraud or misrepresentation cases |
| License Denials | Rejections from other states |
| Bankruptcy | Recent bankruptcy filings |
Important: Failure to disclose required information is grounds for license denial or revocation. When in doubt, disclose and explain.
Examination Requirements
Exam Details
| Exam Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Questions | 150 scored + pretest questions |
| Passing Score | 70% on each section |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple choice |
| Sections | National concepts + West Virginia state law |
| Testing Provider | PSI Services or Pearson VUE |
Scheduling the Exam
- Complete Pre-License Education - Obtain certificate
- Register with Testing Provider - Create account online
- Pay Exam Fee - Typically $45-$65
- Schedule Appointment - Select date, time, and location
- Receive Confirmation - Keep confirmation number
Exam Day Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival | 30 minutes before appointment |
| IDs Required | Two forms of identification |
| Primary ID | Government-issued photo ID |
| Secondary ID | Signature ID (credit card, etc.) |
| Prohibited Items | No phones, calculators, notes |
| Breaks | Limited, time continues running |
After the Exam
| Outcome | Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Pass | Receive preliminary results immediately |
| Fail | May reschedule after waiting period |
| Retake | Pay additional exam fee |
| Score Report | Detailed report available |
License Application
Application Process
After passing the exam:
-
Submit Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) or
- Apply directly to West Virginia OIC
- Complete all required forms
-
Pay Fees
- Initial license fee
- Any applicable processing fees
-
Obtain Appointment
- Must be appointed by at least one insurance company
- Appointment filed with OIC
-
Receive License
- Electronic license issued
- May request printed license
License Types
| License Type | Authority |
|---|---|
| Property | Sell property insurance only |
| Casualty | Sell casualty insurance only |
| Property & Casualty | Sell both property and casualty |
| Personal Lines | Personal auto and homeowners only |
License Term
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Expiration | Based on birth month or set date |
| Grace Period | Limited grace period available |
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Requirement | 3 hours must be in ethics |
| Timing | Must complete before license renewal |
| Providers | OIC-approved CE providers only |
| Reporting | Providers report completion to OIC |
Acceptable CE Topics
- Insurance law and regulations
- Policy analysis and coverage
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Risk management
- Emerging insurance topics
- West Virginia-specific regulations
CE Exemptions
Limited exemptions may be available for:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First-Term Licensees | May have reduced requirement first term |
| Military Deployment | Extension available for active duty |
| Hardship | Case-by-case consideration |
| Instructors | May receive credit for teaching approved courses |
License Maintenance
Renewal Process
- Complete CE - All required hours before expiration
- Receive Renewal Notice - OIC sends notice before expiration
- Pay Renewal Fee - Submit fee with application
- Update Information - Correct any changes to address, etc.
- Renew License - Submit through NIPR or OIC
Address Changes
Producers must notify OIC of address changes within 30 days:
- Home address
- Business address
- Email address
- Phone numbers
Lapsed License
If license lapses:
| Lapse Duration | Reinstatement Process |
|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | Pay fees, complete CE, may reinstate |
| 12-24 months | Additional requirements may apply |
| Over 24 months | May need to re-qualify (exam, education) |
Producer Appointments
Appointment Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Appointment | Must be appointed by each insurer represented |
| Filing | Insurer files appointment with OIC |
| Fee | Appointment fee per company |
| Termination | Must be reported within 30 days |
Types of Appointments
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct | Appointed directly by insurer |
| Through MGA | Appointed through Managing General Agent |
| Broker | May place business without appointment in some cases |
Exam Tip: West Virginia requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours in ethics. This is a commonly tested requirement.
Test Your Knowledge
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Test Your Knowledge
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Test Your Knowledge
How long is a West Virginia P&C producer license valid before renewal?
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