Montana Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Key Takeaways
Montana requires NO pre-licensing education - you can take the exam without completing any courses
TWO separate exams required: Property (99 questions, 2 hours) AND Casualty (105 questions, 2 hours)
You must pass BOTH the national section AND Montana state section with 75% on EACH
Exam fee is $59 per exam ($118 total for both) through Pearson VUE
If selling flood insurance, a separate 3-hour NFIP course is mandatory
Montana auto insurance minimums are 25/50/20 (lower property damage than most states)
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Montana Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Montana-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026 and begin your career as a licensed P&C producer in the Treasure State.
About the Montana P&C Exam
The Montana Property & Casualty insurance examinations are administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI). Unlike many states that offer a combined exam, Montana requires TWO separate exams:
- Montana insurance law and regulations (MCA Title 33)
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- Policy provisions, conditions, and exclusions
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Claims handling and Montana consumer protections
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Property Exam | Casualty Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
| Number of Questions | 99 questions | 105 questions |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 75% on EACH section | 75% on EACH section |
| Sections | National + Montana State | National + Montana State |
| Exam Fee | $59 | $59 |
| Results | Immediate | Immediate |
Critical: Montana requires you to pass BOTH the national content AND Montana state law sections with 75% on EACH. This is higher than many states that require only 70%. You must pass both the Property AND Casualty exams to obtain a full P&C license.
Exam Options
| License Type | Exams Required | Total Questions | Total Time | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Only | Property exam only | 99 | 2 hours | $59 |
| Casualty Only | Casualty exam only | 105 | 2 hours | $59 |
| Property & Casualty | Both exams | 204 | 4 hours | $118 |
Recommendation: Most candidates take both exams to obtain a full P&C license. You can take them on the same day or schedule them separately.
Major Advantage: No Pre-Licensing Education Required
Montana is one of the most accessible states for insurance licensing because it does NOT require any pre-licensing education. You can schedule and take the exam without completing any courses.
Montana Pre-Licensing Requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Montana | Typical State |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 0 hours (NONE) | 20-40 hours |
| Approved Course | Not required | Usually required |
| Certificate | Not needed | Usually required |
| Education Cost | $0 | $150-400 |
What This Means for You
- Schedule immediately - No waiting for course completion
- Start when ready - Begin studying and take the exam on your timeline
- Lower upfront cost - No mandatory education fees
- Self-paced preparation - Use free resources like OpenExamPrep
Exam Tip: While Montana doesn't require pre-licensing education, the 75% passing score is challenging. We strongly recommend 40-60 hours of self-study using this FREE guide and practice exams before attempting the exam.
Montana Auto Insurance Requirements
Montana is a tort (fault) state for auto accidents. Here are the mandatory minimum liability limits:
Montana Minimum Auto Insurance (25/50/20)
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 | Injury to one person |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 | Total injury per accident |
| Property Damage | $20,000 | Damage to others' property |
Exam Note: Montana's $20,000 property damage minimum is LOWER than most states (typically $25,000). This is frequently tested - memorize 25/50/20.
Additional Montana Auto Coverage Rules
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Offered but not mandatory |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | Offered but not mandatory |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Not required (tort state) |
| Medical Payments | Optional |
Flood Insurance Special Requirement
If you plan to sell flood insurance in Montana, there is ONE additional requirement:
NFIP Course Requirement
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 3 hours |
| Topic | National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) |
| When Required | Before selling flood insurance |
| Who Needs It | Only agents selling flood policies |
| Exam Required | No separate exam |
Important: This 3-hour NFIP course is ONLY required if you will sell flood insurance. It is not part of the standard P&C licensing requirement.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Study and Prepare (Recommended 4-6 weeks)
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Take practice quizzes
- Aim for 85%+ on practice tests before scheduling
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for all license applicants
- Cost: $54 (includes state and FBI background check)
- Use Montana CSI's approved vendor
- Background check must clear before license issuance
-
Register and Schedule Exams
- Create account at Pearson VUE
- Schedule Property exam ($59)
- Schedule Casualty exam ($59)
- Choose testing center or online proctored
- Can take both exams same day or separately
-
Pass Both Exams
- Property: 99 questions, 2 hours, 75% required
- Casualty: 105 questions, 2 hours, 75% required
- Must pass both national AND state sections on each
- Receive immediate results
-
Apply for License
- Apply through NIPR or directly to Montana CSI
- Submit within 1 year of passing exams
- Pay application fee ($50 resident / $100 non-resident)
- Provide all required documentation
-
Receive License
- CSI reviews application
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years (expires on birth month)
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Montana
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed Exam | Can retake after waiting period |
| Retake Fee | $59 per exam |
| Exam Validity | Passed exams valid for 1 year |
| No Limit | No maximum number of attempts |
Important: Passing exam scores are only valid for 1 year. You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing or you'll need to retake the exam.
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Fingerprinting | $54 |
| Property Exam Fee | $59 |
| Casualty Exam Fee | $59 |
| License Application (Resident) | $50 |
| License Application (Non-Resident) | $100 |
| TOTAL (Resident) | $222 |
| TOTAL (Non-Resident) | $272 |
Cost Advantage: Montana's total licensing cost is among the lowest in the nation because there's no mandatory pre-licensing education.
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Expiration | Birth month every 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | Same as initial application |
Continuing Education Topics
Montana requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years in:
- Property insurance updates
- Casualty insurance updates
- Montana insurance law changes
- Ethics and professional conduct (3 hours minimum)
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) |
| Website | csimt.gov |
| Address | 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 |
| Phone | (406) 444-2040 |
| Toll-Free | (800) 332-6148 |
| csi@mt.gov | |
| Pearson VUE | pearsonvue.com/mt/insurance |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Montana state-specific content for the P&C exam:
Chapter 1: Montana Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) structure
- Montana Insurance Code (MCA Title 33)
- Producer licensing requirements and CE
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
Chapter 2: Montana Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance requirements
- Commercial property coverage
- Wildfire considerations (significant for Montana)
- Agricultural and ranch property coverage
- Montana FAIR Plan equivalent
Chapter 3: Montana Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/20)
- Tort system and liability rules
- Workers' compensation requirements
- Commercial liability coverage
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling requirements
- Montana Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct standards
Note: This guide covers ONLY Montana state law. Complete the national Property & Casualty exam prep first for foundational insurance knowledge.
Study Tips for Success
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 0 (none required) |
| Property exam questions | 99 |
| Casualty exam questions | 105 |
| Time limit per exam | 2 hours |
| Passing score (each section) | 75% |
| Exam fee per test | $59 |
| Fingerprinting fee | $54 |
| Exam validity period | 1 year |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/20 |
| NFIP course (if selling flood) | 3 hours |
Montana-Specific Study Focus
- Two Separate Exams - Know you need to pass BOTH Property AND Casualty
- 75% on Each Section - Must pass national AND state on each exam
- Auto Minimums 25/50/20 - Property damage is $20K (lower than most states)
- Tort State - Montana uses fault-based auto insurance system
- Wildfire Risk - Understand coverage for Montana's fire exposure
- Agricultural Coverage - Farm and ranch policies are common
Montana-Specific Insurance Considerations
Geographic and Climate Factors
Montana's unique environment creates specific insurance needs:
| Factor | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|
| Wildfire Risk | Extended coverage, defensible space |
| Severe Winters | Frozen pipe coverage, roof collapse |
| Rural Properties | Distance to fire protection |
| Ranch Operations | Farm/ranch policies, livestock |
| Hail and Wind | Crop insurance, property deductibles |
Key Montana Insurance Facts
- Montana is a tort (at-fault) state for auto accidents
- Auto liability minimums: 25/50/20 (memorize this!)
- UM/UIM coverage is offered but not mandatory
- Workers' compensation required for most employers
- No mandatory PIP requirement
- Property damage minimum ($20K) is lower than typical
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Complete fingerprinting - $54 through approved vendor
- Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule both exams
- Pass both exams - 75% on national AND state sections
- Apply for license - Within 1 year of passing
Remember: Montana has no pre-licensing requirement, so you can start studying today and schedule your exam whenever you're ready. Use this guide and practice until you consistently score 85%+ on practice tests.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Montana Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Montana require for a Property & Casualty license?
12 hours
20 hours
40 hours
0 hours (none required)
How many separate exams must you pass to obtain a full Montana Property & Casualty license?
One combined P&C exam
Two separate exams (Property and Casualty)
Three exams (Property, Casualty, and Ethics)
Four exams (National Property, State Property, National Casualty, State Casualty)
What are Montana's minimum auto insurance liability limits?
15/30/5
25/50/25
25/50/20
30/60/25
What is the passing score required for EACH section of the Montana P&C exams?
60%
65%
70%
75%
How long are passing exam scores valid for license application in Montana?
6 months
1 year
2 years
No expiration
What additional course is required ONLY for Montana agents who want to sell flood insurance?
No additional course required
3-hour NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) course
12-hour flood specialist certification
20-hour catastrophe insurance course
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.