How to Get a Life Insurance License in Pennsylvania



Thinking of launching a career in life insurance in Pennsylvania? You're not alone. With a growing demand for financial protection and retirement planning, becoming a licensed life insurance agent is a smart move. But before you can start helping clients secure their financial futures, you’ll need to earn your license. Here's everything you need to know to make it happen.

 

Why Get a Life Insurance License? 

Before diving into the process, let’s talk about *why* this license matters. A life insurance license allows you to legally sell life insurance policies in Pennsylvania and earn commissions. It’s also a gateway to a career filled with flexibility, financial growth, and the chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives.

 

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements 

To qualify for a life insurance license in Pennsylvania, you must:

- Be at least 18 years old

- Have a valid Social Security number

- Be a legal U.S. resident or possess a valid work permit

 

You don’t need a college degree or prior insurance experience to apply—just the drive to learn and pass the required exams.

 

Complete A Pre-Licensing Education Course

Pennsylvania doesn’t require life insurance license applicants to complete pre-licensing education, however you will definitely need to study in order to pass your exam. 

 

Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam 

After completing your pre-licensing course, it’s time to schedule the Pennsylvania Life Insurance Exam through PSI, the state’s official testing vendor.

 

Exam Overview:

- Format: Multiple choice

- Length: 2 hours

- Passing Score: 70%

- Topics Covered: Life insurance policies, policy riders, annuities, insurance laws, ethics, and more.

 

The exam fee is typically $43, and you can take it at a PSI test center or via remote proctoring, depending on availability.

 

Study Tip: Don’t underestimate this exam. Even if you feel confident, dedicate time to study thoroughly and take multiple practice exams within our course.

 

Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting 

Pennsylvania requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting for all new applicants. You must schedule your fingerprints through IdentoGO, the state’s authorized vendor.

 

The results are automatically submitted to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

 

Apply for Your License 

Once you’ve passed the exam and completed your fingerprinting, it’s time to officially apply for your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or SBS (State Based Systems).

 

The application fee is $55, and processing usually takes a few business days, assuming your background check clears.

 

Final Thoughts 

Getting your life insurance license in Pennsylvania is a clear, structured process. While it takes effort and preparation, the rewards—both professionally and financially—are worth it. Follow these steps, stay organized, and before you know it, you'll be helping clients build a more secure future.

 

Ready to get started? Your first step is signing up for a pre-licensing course. Your future in life insurance begins today.