How To Get A Washington Life and Health License

How To Get A Washington Life and Health Insurance License

If you are looking to start a career in insurance, earning your Washington Life and Health insurance license is your first and most important step. This license allows you to legally sell life insurance, health insurance, Medicare products, and related coverage to individuals and families throughout the state of Washington. The process is straightforward, but understanding each step will help you avoid delays and improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt.

Below is a complete, easy-to-follow guide to help you navigate the licensing process from start to finish.

1. Meet License Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for a Washington life and health insurance license, you must meet the state’s basic eligibility standards. The OIC requires that all applicants:

Be at least 18 years old

Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

Be able to pass a background check

While they do not automatically disqualify individuals with past criminal history, all applicants must disclose background information truthfully. The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) reviews each application individually.

2. Choose the Correct License Type

Washington offers separate licenses as well as a combined option. You may apply for:

Life Insurance License: sell life insurance products only

Health Insurance License: sell health, Medicare, and related products only

Life and Health Insurance License (Combined): most popular option; allows you to sell both life and health insurance products

Most new agents choose the Life and Health combination license because it provides maximum flexibility and earning potential.

3. Complete a Study Course (Strongly Recommended)

Washington does not require pre-licensing education by law. However, skipping formal study is one of the biggest reasons candidates fail the state exam.

A structured Washington Life and Health insurance study course will:

Teach you state-specific and national insurance concepts

Prepare you for the format and difficulty of the exam

Help you learn faster and retain information more effectively

Significantly increase your pass rate

If your goal is to pass on the first attempt and start working sooner, a quality online course is a smart investment.

4. Schedule and Pass the Washington Insurance Exam

All Washington Life and Health exams are administered by PSI. You must schedule and pay for your exam in advance.

Key exam details:

Exams are offered in-person and online (remote proctoring)

You must pay the exam fee at the time of scheduling

Payment methods include credit card, debit card, voucher, or electronic check (ACH)

Reservations can be made at least 24 hours in advance (or 5 days if paying by ACH)

The exam is multiple-choice and covers general insurance concepts as well as Washington-specific regulations. Thorough preparation is essential.

5. Apply for Your Washington Insurance License

After passing your exam, you must submit your license application to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC).

This step includes:

Completing the Washington insurance license application

Paying the required application fee

Submitting fingerprints and background check information (often through IdentoGO)

Once approved, your license will be issued and you will be legally authorized to sell insurance in Washington.

6. Get Appointed by an Insurance Company

What Can You Do With a Washington Life and Health Insurance License?

With this license, you can sell and service:

Life insurance

Health insurance plans

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans

Dental, vision, and supplemental health plans

Disability income insurance

This opens the door to careers in:

Independent insurance agencies

Captive agencies

Medicare brokerages

Financial services firms

Remote and work-from-home sales roles

Final Thoughts: Build Your Career on a Strong Foundation

Getting your Washington Life and Health insurance license is more than a formality, it is the foundation of a long-term career in a stable, high-demand industry. While Washington does not require pre-licensing education, successful agents know that preparation is the difference between struggling and thriving.

With the right study tools, disciplined preparation, and a clear understanding of the process, you can pass the exam, get licensed, and begin helping clients protect their health, families, and financial futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be hired by an agency first?
No, you don’t need to be hired or sponsored by an insurance company or agency to go through the process of obtaining your license. In fact, going through the process of being licensed before seeking an agency to work with actually makes you more marketable for opportunities.
Can I use my license in other states?
You can apply for a non-resident license in reciprocal states through the NIPR system, as long as your Washington license is active and in good standing.
How long does it take to get licensed?
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how soon you complete a study course and pass the license exam.