Who regulates the Insurance Licensing Exam in Pennsylvania?
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement
1209 Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone (717) 787-3840, option 3
Fax (717) 787-8553
www.insurance.pa.gov
What testing center does the Pennsylvania Insurance Department use to administer insurance pre-licensing exams?
Effective July 1, 2015, PSI Services LLC (PSI) will begin administration of the licensing exam services as well as the pre-licensing and continuing education services for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Prometric will no longer administer the licensing exam service or pre-licensing and continuing education services for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department as of June 30, 2015.
Prometric will continue to administer the licensing exams for individuals registered on or before June 30, 2015.
PSI exam registration service became available on June 1, 2015 either through their website, https://candidate.psiexams.com or by calling 1-800-733-9267. Applicants are able to schedule their examinations for test dates on or after July 1, 2015.
Continuing education and pre-licensing education course completions as well as classroom offerings should continue to be processed without interruption.
Where are the PSI Testing center locations? Which one is closest to me?
Here is a list of all PSI testing centers in Pennsylvania:
Allentown 1620 Pond Road, Suite 50 Allentown, PA 18104
Bristol 1200 Veteran's Highway, Suite B4 Bristol, PA 19007
Cranberry Township Cranberry Corporate Business Center 213 Executive Dr., Suite 150 Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Erie 2700 W. 21st Street, Suite 21 & 22 Erie, PA 16506
Greensburg DiCesare Building 116 E. Pittsburgh St., Suite 101 Greensburg, PA 15601
Harrisburg 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 245 Harrisburg, PA 17110
King of Prussia 601 South Henderson Road, Suite 205 King of Prussia, PA 19406
Philadelphia (Bala Cynwyd) One Bala Avenue, Suite 315 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Pittsburgh Towne Center 1789 South Braddock Avenue, Suite 296 Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Scranton 1125 Lackawanna Trail, Routes 6 & 11 Clarks Summit, PA 18411
As far as which one is closest to you...How would we know? We know exactly what is on the Pennsylvania insurance licensing exam, but we don't know where you live. Try Google maps.
How do I schedule my Pennsylvania Insurance Licensing exam?
Please visit PSI’s web site at www.psiexams.com or call 800-733-9267 for information on scheduling your exam.
What days can I schedule the exam?
Computer based exams are proctored at PSI Testing Centers Monday-Saturday and on Sunday at select locations.
Does the State of Pennsylvania require that I attend a class prior to taking my insurance license exam?
No. The TESTivity Virtual Learning Experience is all you need. No classroom requirement!
What is required to get an insurance license in Pennsylvania?
First--Pre-license Education
The very first step in the licensing process is to complete 24 hours of pre-licensing education credits. As mentioned above, We are an approved insurance pre-licensing provider in Pennsylvania and you will receive a course completion certificate when your finish the online course.
Second--Examination and Fingerprinting
Register for the examination by contacting PSI Services LLC (PSI) at www.psiexams.com or 1-800-733-9267.
Once your examination has been scheduled, you must bring a copy of your pre-licensing education certificate of completion and a valid form of identification with you to the testing center. Examples of acceptable identification would be a U.S. government-issued document such as a passport, state-issued driver’s license or identification card or military identification. The document must have a current photo and your signature and the name on the identification must be the same as the name used to register for the examination. It is also strongly recommended that you bring a credit card with you (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) since you will be able to apply for your license at the testing center through Sircon once you pass your exam.
Fingerprinting is required of all initial applicants for a resident producer license and must be done in any of the Pennsylvania PSI testing centers. You will be supplied with detailed fingerprinting instructions at the PSI testing center after passing your exam.
Revised 07/2015
Third--Apply for Your Pennsylvania Insurance License
Once you have passed your exam, you are now eligible to apply for your producer license. You should apply electronically through Sircon at http://www.sircon.com/pennsylvania to expedite the licensing process. You will be given the opportunity to submit an electronic application at the testing center. During the electronic application process, you will also pay the fingerprinting fee which will enable you to submit your fingerprints before leaving the exam testing center. Fingerprinting must be done in any of the Pennsylvania PSI testing centers.
The option to apply using a paper application is available only if you are unable to apply online. Be advised that the paper licensing process will be less convenient and may take considerably longer than the electronic method. If you must apply via paper, an application can be obtained from our web site at www.insurance.pa.gov. You must include a cover letter explaining why you are unable to apply online; otherwise, the application will be returned along with a letter telling you to apply online. You will need to include the application fee and fingerprinting fee with your application ($55 application fee and $27.75 fingerprinting fee for a total of $82.75). Once we receive your application and the correct fee(s), we will mail you a receipt for the $27.75 fingerprinting fee. You will then have to submit your fingerprints at a PSI testing center in Pennsylvania. A listing of testing center locations can be found on PSI’s web site at www.psiexams.com in the Candidate Information Booklet. You must take the receipt showing you paid the $27.75 fingerprinting fee with you to the PSI testing center in order to be fingerprinted.
You may view the status of your license application on the Pennsylvania Insurance Department web site at www.insurance.pa.gov. Once your license has been issued, you may print your license from their web site...the Department no longer issues/mails physical licenses.
Do I need an Insurance company endorsement or notary seal on my license application?
No. When Pennsylvania implemented the Act 147 of 2002 (which became effective June 4, 2003) some of the barriers to filing an application for a Pennsylvania insurance producer license were removed. An applicant no longer needs an insurance company endorsement or notary seal on the application; therefore, we encourage you to file electronically through the State of Pennsylvania Insurance Regulatory Connection (Sircon).
Is an appointment with an insurer or designation with an agency required in order to obtain/hold a license?
No. Appointments and/or designations are not required to obtain or maintain an insurance license. However, the producer is not able to sell, solicit, negotiate or bind insurance without either an appointment or designation.
How many questions are going to be on my exam and what is the passing score?
Pennsylvania Life Insurance Exam:
Total questions: 100 questions
Total time allowed: 120 minutes
Passing score: 70%
Pennsylvania Accident and Health Insurance Exam:
Total questions: 100 questions
Total time allowed: 120 minutes
Passing score: 70%
Pennsylvania Life, Accident and Health Insurance Exam:
Total questions: 150 questions
Total time allowed: 150 minutes
Passing score: 70%
Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance Exam:
Total questions: 150 questions
Total time allowed: 150 minutes
Passing score: 70%
How much is all of this going to cost?
Approximate Overview of Fees
Pre-license education = $134 (unless you have a coupon code...Click here to get one!)
Resident insurance producer application fee = $55
Fingerprinting processing fee = $27.75 ($12.75 for the FBI and $15 for PA State)
Live Scan fingerprinting service fee (charged by PSI) = $15
Sircon application service fees (if applying electronically) = $12.50
Does the Pennsylvania Insurance Department require continuing education?
As an additional protection to Pennsylvania’s Insurance consumers, Continuing education (CE) is one tool the Department uses to ensure ongoing technical competency of its licensed insurance professionals. The Insurance Department has developed partnerships with professional firms to monitor and approve courses and instructors to maintain your education credit history.
Act 147 of 2002, effective June 4, 2003, requires licensed Insurance Producers to complete continuing education credits to maintain their license. Failure to complete the minimum 24-hour requirement during your two-year licensing cycle will result in the termination of your license.
Effective June 4, 2003, Act 147 of 2002 (Act 147) will amend the prior continuing education requirements for insurance producers. All insurance producers that will renew their existing license on or after June 4, 2003 will be required to complete 24 hours of continuing education. For any insurance producer that is in their initial or second biennial license cycle and was required to complete 48 hours, Act 147 reduces this requirement as of June 4, 2003 to a 24 hour requirement per biennial license cycle. Act 147 also provides for a maximum carry over of 24 continuing education hours to the next immediate license period.
When does my continuing education need to be complete?
All CE should be completed before submitting the renewal application. The required CE hours must be completed prior to renewing the license. A license renewal application will be rejected if the CE requirement has not been met.All CE must be posted by the provider before a renewal will be processed. Time must be allowed for this process, therefore we recommend not waiting until the last minute to renew the license.Are there any exceptions to the Pennsylvania Insurance License continuing education requirements?
Act 147 of 2002 gives the Department limited authority to waive CE requirements on an individual basis. Typically these waivers are a result of military service or other well-documented extenuating circumstances.
Is a Pennsylvania resident producer required to complete continuing education if they are ONLY licensed in Pennsylvania?
Yes.
Is a Pennsylvania insurance agency required to have continuing education?
No. Only individuals are required to complete continuing education for license renewals.
If I am licensed to sell insurance in another state do I have to take the Pennsylvania licensing exam?
No, you can apply for a Non-Resident Insurance Producer's license without taking an exam.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department can accept applications for a non-resident insurance producer license through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) gateway.
How long is a Pennsylvania insurance license valid, when do I have to renew?
Depending on which license you hold your license may renew biennially or annually. Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days prior to your present license expiration date. However, it is the responsibility of each licensee to ensure that their licenses are current and do not lapse. At this time lapsed licenses cannot be renewed online. Renewal forms can be found in the chart below by clicking on appropriate license type.
Lapsed License Renewal Forms:
There are two options you can take advantage of to renew your license, online or by mail.
Online Renewal is the most effective method. The state of Pennsylvania is committed to continually improving the service provided to insurance producers, other licensees and companies through the use of technology. As part of this commitment, they have contracted with Sircon and the National Insurance Producer Registry to provide cost effective, web-based services that allow insurance companies and licensees to process online requests such as appointments and terminations, apply for a license or renew an active license in minutes.
Alternative Method: Renewal by Mail - Please allow up to six weeks under this option. Mail your payment, check payable to "Pennsylvania Insurance Department," along with the properly completed renewal invoice directly to:
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement
1227 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
All questions on the form must be accurately completed and the appropriate renewal fee must be paid. If you are required to complete continuing education you must be current on all your continuing education requirements. If the renewal application is not correctly completed, the fee not paid or your continuing education is not compliant, the license will not renew.
How much does it cost to renew a Pennsylvania insurance license?
I want to license my agency. Do I have to keep my individual license? Why do I need both?
Yes, because in Pennsylvania an agency may only operate through a licensed natural person. In order for an agency to function it must have a licensed individual to act on behalf of the agency.
Can an agency license remain active if there are no licensed individuals designated to that license?
The agency license may remain active, however the agency may not operate (sell, solicit, or negotiate) in Pennsylvania unless a licensed individual is designated to the agency.
Can an individual be designated to more than one agency or appointed to more than one insurer at a time?
Yes. Individuals may be designated or appointed to as many agencies and insurers as they would like.
Can an individual who holds a full lines license sell credit insurance?
Yes. In Pennsylvania a holder of any of the full lines (Life, Health, P/C) can sell any credit insurance applicable to the full line license that is held.
Is an agent required to notify the Pennsylvania department of Insurance for an address change, and if so, how long does the agent have to notify the department of the change?
All address changes are required to be reported to the department within 30 days of the change. This includes home, business and mailing addresses, as well as phone numbers. All changes should be completed electronically through NIPR http://www.nipr.com/ and must be done by the license holder only. This applies to both individuals and agencies.
Individuals should note that when changing a mailing or business address, it is permissible to use one's residence address, but that information will become public information. Whenever possible, the producer should use his business address as his mailing address. Business addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers are public information, but residence information is not disclosed to anyone.
What is the best way to obtain forms from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department?
Below is a table with links to every form we can think you would ever possibly need as a candidate or insurance licensee in the state of Pennsylvania:
What dates are you available for “Onsite Classes”?
We are extremely flexible; we will come to you at a date and time that is convenient for you and your employees. LATITUDE’s instructors will conduct a full prep course or one that is customized to suit your needs in the convenience of your office.
How do I purchase Pennsylvania specific study materials and/or register for the Pennsylvania online insurance license course (Virtual Learning Experience)?
Click Here.
What are the minimum system requirements to use the TESTivity Virtual Learning Experience?
A HIGH SPEED Internet connection
Web browser:
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer 7+
Firefox 2+
Safari on Mac 1.2+
Javascript and Cookies enabled
Flash Player 9+
While not a requirement the Virtual Learning Experience best viewed using a minimum screen resolution of 1024×768
How do I obtain my study material?
Virtual products will be available immediately after purchase. Physical materials are mailed USPS Priority.
How long will I have access to the TESTivity Virtual Learning Experience?
All virtual products sold via this website have a subscription of 60 calendar days.
How long are test scores valid after passing the exam?
In Pennsylvania test scores are valid for 1 year after passing an insurance pre-license exam. After 1 year the exam is no longer valid and must be re-taken.
After I submit my license application and test scores how can I verify the status of my license application?
License application status can also be checked on the Sircon website under the link ‘Check license renewal status’ or ‘Check license application status.’
*Once the license is approved, the license can be printed from Sircon, using the ‘Print a license’ link.
Normal processing time is within 5-10 business days, once they have all required information.
Does a Pennsylvania resident insurance producer have to re-test or be fingerprinted if his/her license lapses?
The producer is not required to re-test or be fingerprinted during the one-year reinstatement period. After one year, the person will have to re-apply as a new license applicant, including passing any required examination and being fingerprinted for a criminal background check.
How far back can I start using my C.E. credits?
You may start using C.E. credits completed one day after the expiration/ renewal date to count towards your next renewal. Even if you renewed the license before the expiration date, you must still wait until after the last renewal period ends before you start taking classes for the next renewal.
How do I request a letter of certification?
The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance no longer requires nor issues Letters of Certification. If another state requires one, the licensee can obtain it electronically through Sircon.
How do I get a hard copy of my license?
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department no longer mails hard copies of new, renewal, or duplicate licenses. If you would like a hard copy, you can print it yourself by going to Sircon, and clicking on the link entitled "Print Your License."
You can print your license as soon as it has been issued. To see if a new or renewal license has been approved and issued you can either:
1) Go to Sircon and click on "Check license application status" or "Check license renewal status"; or you can
2) Use the department's website and click on the "Search for Company & Agent" link on the home page.
How do I qualify for the “No Pass No Pay” guarantee?
Details of the TESTivity Guarantee can be found here.
