How to Become a Insurance Agent — Life & Health in California
In California, a L&H Agent license typically requires 12 hours of pre-license education, a 150-question national plus state exam, a 60% passing score.
Sells life, health and annuity products. Separate state license from P&C. Requirements change — always confirm with California Department of Insurance before paying.
Licensing steps in California
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age 18; a criminal background check is required.
- 2Complete pre-license education
12 hours of approved training is the documented requirement in California.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by PSI with a 180-minute time limit; you need 60% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Fee schedule not published here — verify with the board.
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 24 hours of continuing education.
L&H Agent requirements — California at a glance
| Education hours | 12 hrs |
| Exam vendor | PSI |
| Questions (national/state) | 150 / — |
| Passing score | 60% |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 24 CE |
| Reciprocity | — |
Official source: California Department of Insurance ↗
Transferring a L&H Agent license between states
NAIC Producer Licensing Model Act / NIPR non-resident licence. Life and health producers transfer by adding a non-resident licence in each state through NIPR. Most states recognise the resident licence, so no new exam or pre-licensing course is required.
40 jurisdictions currently use it. California is not currently a participant — plan on California's own application route.
Confirm your destination state's non-resident requirements on NIPR before applying. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a L&H Agent license in California?
After completing 12 hours of education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the L&H Agent exam in California?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by California; check the state board.
What does the L&H Agent license cost in California?
Fees are not published here — check the official board site.
Can I transfer my L&H Agent license to California?
NAIC Producer Licensing Model Act / NIPR non-resident licence: Life and health producers transfer by adding a non-resident licence in each state through NIPR. Most states recognise the resident licence, so no new exam or pre-licensing course is required. A per-state note for California is not published in our dataset — verify with both boards.
Plan your L&H Agent licensing in California
Work the road in order — check what California requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the L&H Agent exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and California reciprocity.
L&H Agent tools for California
Every step of the California L&H Agent road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with California Department of Insurance (retrieved 2026-08-20).