100+ Free Washington Surplus Lines Practice Questions

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What is the purpose of the NAIC's Surplus Lines (C) Task Force?

To directly supervise surplus lines brokers

To develop uniform standards and model legislation for surplus lines regulation across states

To underwrite surplus lines risks

To collect surplus lines taxes on behalf of all states

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Free Surplus Lines Insurance Practice Test by State 2026: 2,300+ Questions22 min read

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Washington Surplus Lines Exam

65-75%

First-Time Pass Rate

Industry Data

70%

Passing Score

WAOIC

100

Exam Questions

Pearson VUE

2.5 hrs

Exam Duration

Pearson VUE

$96

Exam Fee

Pearson VUE

P&C Required

Prerequisite

WAOIC

Washington's surplus lines broker exam has 100 scored questions with a 2.5-hour time limit and 70% passing score. Candidates must hold an active WA P&C license. The exam fee is approximately $96 through Pearson VUE, and the SLA of WA offers a 6-hour preparatory course for about $150.

Sample Washington Surplus Lines Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Washington Surplus Lines exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of surplus lines insurance?

A.To replace standard homeowners insurance

B.To provide coverage for risks that admitted carriers are unwilling or unable to insure

C.To offer lower premiums than the admitted market

D.To insure only commercial properties

Explanation: Surplus lines insurance exists to provide coverage for risks that the admitted (standard) market is unwilling or unable to insure. These are typically unusual, hard-to-place, or high-risk exposures. Surplus lines does not aim to offer lower premiums, and it covers both personal and commercial risks, not just commercial properties.

2In Washington, who regulates surplus lines insurance transactions?

A.The National Association of Insurance Commissioners

B.The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (WAOIC)

C.The Federal Insurance Office

D.Lloyd's of London

Explanation: In Washington State, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (WAOIC) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing surplus lines insurance transactions. The NAIC is a national advisory organization, the Federal Insurance Office monitors insurance but does not directly regulate state markets, and Lloyd's is an insurance marketplace, not a regulator.

3What is the minimum passing score for the Washington surplus lines broker exam?

A.60%

B.65%

C.70%

D.75%

Explanation: The Washington surplus lines broker exam requires a minimum passing score of 70%. This means candidates must correctly answer at least 70 out of 100 scored questions to pass. This passing threshold is consistent with many state insurance licensing exams across the country.

4How many scored questions are on the Washington surplus lines broker exam?

A.50 questions

B.75 questions

C.100 questions

D.125 questions

Explanation: The Washington surplus lines broker exam contains 100 scored questions, making it one of the most comprehensive surplus lines exams in the country. Candidates have 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete the exam. The large question count means Washington tests a broad range of surplus lines knowledge.

5What prerequisite license must a candidate hold before applying for a Washington surplus lines broker license?

A.A life insurance license

B.A health insurance license

C.A property and casualty (P&C) insurance license

D.A title insurance license

Explanation: Washington requires surplus lines broker candidates to hold an active Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance license before they can apply for a surplus lines broker license. This requirement ensures that brokers have foundational knowledge of insurance principles before handling non-admitted placements.

6What is Lloyd's of London?

A.A British insurance company that writes all types of insurance

B.An insurance marketplace where syndicates underwrite risks

C.A surplus lines regulatory body in the United Kingdom

D.A reinsurance company that only serves European markets

Explanation: Lloyd's of London is not an insurance company but rather an insurance marketplace where individual syndicates (groups of underwriters) accept and underwrite risks. Each syndicate operates independently, taking on portions of risk. Lloyd's is a major source of surplus lines coverage in the United States and is often eligible as a non-admitted insurer in most states.

7Which entity administers the Washington surplus lines broker exam?

A.Prometric

B.PSI Services

C.Pearson VUE

D.Castle Worldwide

Explanation: The Washington surplus lines broker exam is administered by Pearson VUE in coordination with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Pearson VUE operates testing centers throughout Washington and offers the exam on a computer-based format. Other testing vendors like PSI and Prometric administer exams in other states.

8What is a diligent search in the context of surplus lines insurance?

A.A background check on the insurance applicant

B.A thorough search of admitted carriers to confirm the coverage is unavailable in the standard market

C.A review of the insured's claims history

D.An investigation of the surplus lines broker's credentials

Explanation: A diligent search is the process a surplus lines broker must complete to demonstrate that the desired coverage was declined by or is unavailable from admitted (licensed) carriers in the state. This is a fundamental requirement before placing coverage with a non-admitted insurer. The search must be documented and typically involves contacting multiple admitted insurers.

9What is the approximate exam fee for the Washington surplus lines broker exam?

A.$55

B.$72

C.$96

D.$125

Explanation: The Washington surplus lines broker exam fee is approximately $96, paid to Pearson VUE at the time of scheduling. This fee covers the testing administration and is generally non-refundable if the candidate fails to appear. Candidates should verify the current fee with Pearson VUE or the WAOIC before scheduling.

10What does the term 'non-admitted insurer' mean?

A.An insurer that has been denied a license permanently

B.An insurer not licensed in the state where the risk is located but authorized to write surplus lines

C.An insurer that only writes reinsurance

D.An insurer operating illegally without any license

Explanation: A non-admitted insurer is one that is not licensed (admitted) in the state where the insured risk is located but is authorized under the state's surplus lines laws to write coverage through a licensed surplus lines broker. Non-admitted insurers are not illegal; they simply operate outside the admitted market and are not backed by the state guaranty fund.

About the Washington Surplus Lines Exam

The Washington surplus lines broker exam is the most comprehensive in the country with 100 scored questions covering surplus lines markets, Washington surplus lines law (RCW 48.15), diligent search requirements, SLA of WA procedures, the 2% premium tax, eligible insurer standards, NRRA compliance, and E&S coverages.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$96 (Pearson VUE / WAOIC)

Washington Surplus Lines Exam Content Outline

30%

Surplus Lines Markets

Lloyd's of London, London market, alien insurers, MGAs, binding authority, market cycles, distribution chain, and reinsurance operations

25%

Washington Surplus Lines Law

RCW 48.15, WAOIC regulations, SLA of WA stamping office, licensing requirements, broker obligations, and penalties for violations

20%

Diligent Search & Eligibility

Diligent search requirements, documentation standards, eligible insurer list, financial requirements, and exempt commercial purchasers

25%

Taxation & Compliance

Washington 2% premium tax, NRRA home state rules, SLA filing requirements, recordkeeping, disclosures, and fiduciary duties

How to Pass the Washington Surplus Lines Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 2.5 hours
Exam fee: $96

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Washington Surplus Lines Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study RCW 48.15 thoroughly — Washington-specific law questions make up a significant portion of the exam

2Understand the SLA of WA's role as a stamping office and its filing requirements and deadlines

3Master the diligent search process, documentation requirements, and when exceptions apply

4Learn the 2% premium tax calculation, collection, and remittance procedures

5Consider taking the SLA of WA's 6-hour prep course ($150) for focused exam preparation

6Practice time management — 100 questions in 150 minutes means about 1.5 minutes per question

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Washington surplus lines broker exam?

The Washington surplus lines broker exam has 100 scored questions, making it the most comprehensive surplus lines exam in the country. You have 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete the exam, giving you about 1.5 minutes per question. A score of 70% (70 correct answers) is required to pass.

What are the prerequisites for the Washington surplus lines broker license?

You must hold an active Washington Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance license before applying for the surplus lines broker license. There is no minimum experience requirement beyond holding the P&C license. You must also pass the 100-question exam and pay all applicable fees.

What is the SLA of WA preparatory course?

The Surplus Line Association of Washington (SLA of WA) offers a 6-hour preparatory course for approximately $150 that covers key exam topics including surplus lines law, diligent search requirements, and market operations. While not required, it is highly recommended for exam preparation.

What is the Washington surplus lines premium tax rate?

Washington imposes a 2% surplus lines premium tax on all surplus lines policies placed in the state. The surplus lines broker is responsible for collecting this tax from the insured and remitting it to the state through the SLA of WA filing process.

How do I schedule the Washington surplus lines exam?

The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. You can schedule online through the Pearson VUE website after receiving approval from the WAOIC. The exam fee is approximately $96 and is taken at a Pearson VUE testing center in Washington.

What topics are covered on the Washington surplus lines exam?

The exam covers four main areas: surplus lines markets and operations (30%), Washington surplus lines law including RCW 48.15 (25%), diligent search and eligibility requirements (20%), and taxation and compliance including the 2% premium tax and NRRA rules (25%). About 30% of questions are Washington-specific.