How to Get Your California Insurance License in 2026
AB 943 made California one of the fastest states to license. Only 12 hours of pre-licensing education required — compare CDI-approved schools from $47.20 with code CERTLAUNCH and get licensed in as little as 4 weeks.
Required Hours
12 hours
Course Cost
$47.20 – $199
w/ CERTLAUNCH code
Time to License
4 – 8 weeks
Avg Salary (CA)
$78,000
AB 943: California Reduced Pre-Licensing to Just 12 Hours — Effective January 1, 2026
California Assembly Bill 943 (AB 943) eliminated the old per-line hour requirements (previously 20 hours per line + 12 ethics hours) and replaced them with a single 12-hour California Insurance Code & Ethics course that satisfies the pre-licensing requirement for all lines of authority — Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty, and Personal Lines. This makes California one of the fastest and cheapest states to get licensed in the country.
Top 3 California Insurance Pre-Licensing Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateUBest Value
CDI-approved Provider ID 6017648. Get the 12-hr Ethics course ($59) and/or standalone study guides for all lines with 5 practice exams per line. Use code CERTLAUNCH for 20% off — All-in-One bundle from $111.20.
from $47.20
w/ CERTLAUNCH code
2. WebCECheapest Standalone 12-Hour Course
CDI-approved provider (#257117) with the lowest-priced standalone Code & Ethics course. Ideal if you already have study materials or just need to satisfy the AB 943 requirement.
$19.95
Code & Ethics only
3. ExamFXBest Pass Rate
93–94% national pass rate with a pass guarantee. All ExamFX CA bundles include the 12-hr Code & Ethics. No standalone option — best for those who want full exam prep included.
from $169.95
bundle (includes 12-hr CE)
Best California Insurance Pre-Licensing Schools
All 7 schools are California CDI-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
WebCE
Price LeaderStarting at
$19.95
- Cheapest standalone 12-hr Code & Ethics — just $19.95
- CDI-approved provider (#257117) — est. 1994
- Full pre-licensing bundles include exam prep
- Flash Tutor and Exam Tutor add-ons available
Available Packages (3)
Code & Ethics Only (12-hr CA requirement)
- 12-hr CA Insurance Code & Ethics course
- CDI-approved completion certificate
- Satisfies AB 943 pre-licensing requirement
- +$6.00 state reporting fee at checkout
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$59
$47.2
- CDI-approved Provider ID 6017648 — 12-hr Ethics course
- Standalone Insurance Study Guides — reduces study time by 90%
- Practice exams for ALL lines: Life, A&H, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines
- 20% off with code CERTLAUNCH — lowest all-in price available
Available Packages (3)
12-Hour California Ethics Course
- 12-hr CDI-approved Insurance Code & Ethics course
- Online self-paced — complete at your own pace
- Provider ID 6017648 — satisfies AB 943 requirement
- CDI-approved completion certificate included
Kaplan Financial Education
Starting at
$79
- Nationally recognized brand — trusted since 1938
- Live & OnDemand review webinars (EssentialPlus+)
- QBank — unlimited practice exam questions
- Insurance Accelerator business skills module (Career Launcher)
Available Packages (4)
Code & Ethics Only (Basic Online)
- 12-hr CA Insurance Code & Ethics course
- CDI-approved completion certificate
- Satisfies AB 943 pre-licensing requirement
- +$6.00 state reporting fee at checkout
LyteSpeed Learning
CA ExclusiveStarting at
$99.99
- CA-only school — CDI Provider #65579, est. 1995
- Diamond tier: live Zoom tutor session included
- Diamond tier: 24-hr CE package for first renewal
- Standalone 12-hr Code & Ethics available at $99.99
Available Packages (4)
Code and Ethics Only
- 12-hr CA Insurance Code & Ethics course
- CDI-approved completion certificate
- Satisfies AB 943 pre-licensing requirement
- +$6.00 state reporting fee at checkout
ExamFX
Best Pass RateStarting at
$169.95
- 93–94% national pass rate — pass guarantee included
- All CA bundles include 12-hr Code & Ethics (AB 943 compliant)
- Exam simulator with timed practice tests
- Spanish Life Study Guide available as add-on
Available Packages (3)
Self-Study — Life & Health or P&C with 12-Hr Code & Ethics
- 12-hr CA Insurance Code & Ethics
- Digital course textbook
- Exam prep question bank
- CDI-approved completion certificate
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$199
- Prepared to Pass Promise — full refund if you fail
- 3 exam simulators with unlimited retakes
- Spanish-language courses available for CA
- CDI-approved — Course ID 386934
Available Packages (3)
CA Code and Ethics Pre-licensing (Standalone)
- 12-hr CA Insurance Code & Ethics course
- CDI-approved completion certificate
- Satisfies AB 943 pre-licensing requirement
- +$6.00 state reporting fee at checkout
A.D. Banker
Starting at
$214.85
- All packages are AB 943 compliant — 12-hr Code & Ethics included
- Both L&H and P&C lines available
- Self-study and web class format options
- National provider with CDI approval
Available Packages (3)
Silver Package — Life & Health
- 12-hr CA Insurance Code & Ethics
- Online self-study course
- Practice exam questions
- CDI-approved completion certificate
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a California Insurance License?
A California insurance license is a state-issued credential from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) that authorizes you to sell insurance products to California consumers. CDI regulates all lines of authority including Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty, and Personal Lines.
Under AB 943 (effective January 1, 2026), the pre-licensing requirement for all lines was standardized to a single 12-hour California Insurance Code & Ethics course. This replaced the prior system of 20 line-specific hours plus 12 ethics hours per line — dramatically reducing the time and cost to get licensed.
After completing the 12-hour course, candidates must pass a CDI licensing exam administered by PSI Exams, submit a license application through Sircon or NIPR ($188 fee), and complete Live Scan fingerprinting for a DOJ/FBI background check. The license is issued electronically — no paper license is mailed.
California Insurance License Types
Life-Only
Sell life insurance products only.
Accident & Health or Sickness
Sell health, disability, and accident insurance.
Life, Accident & Health (Combined)
Most popular — grants both Life and A&H authority in one exam.
Property & Casualty (P&C)
Sell homeowners, auto, commercial lines, wildfire coverage.
Personal Lines
Subset of P&C — personal auto, homeowners, renters only.
How Much Do California Insurance Agents Earn?
California Average Salary
$64,000 – $87,000
Sources: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor (2026)
Top Earners (Experienced Agents)
$100,000 – $200,000+
LA, SF Bay Area, and San Diego markets
Commission Structure
Property & Casualty
New business: 5–15% of annual premium
Sell a $3,000/yr homeowners policy → $300–$450 yr 1, then $150–$300 every renewal
Life Insurance
New: 50–100% of first-year premium
Sell $200/mo whole life → earn $1,200–$2,400 first year
Health Insurance
New: 3–20% of annual premium
Trail commissions: 3–10% on renewals each year
Top California Insurance Markets
California Advantage: California is the largest insurance market in the United States. The wildfire crisis has created explosive demand for surplus lines brokers and P&C specialists. Meanwhile, the growing population, high property values, and expanding healthcare market mean consistent demand for licensed agents across all lines.
Is a California Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + AB 943 = Only 12 Hours: California now has one of the shortest pre-licensing requirements in the country — just 12 hours for any line of authority.
- + Huge Market: California is the #1 insurance market in the US — largest population, highest property values, and every niche from wildfire to tech startup coverage.
- + Strong Earning Potential: CA agents average $78K with experienced producers earning $100K–$200K+ in major metros.
- + Recurring Commissions: P&C renewals create a compounding income stream — the longer you're in the business, the more passive your income becomes.
- + Low Course Cost: Thanks to AB 943, you can meet the pre-licensing requirement for as little as $19.95 (WebCE standalone Code & Ethics course).
👎 Cons
- - CDI Fees Are Non-Refundable: The $188 application fee and $88 exam fee are non-refundable. Budget carefully.
- - Background Check Bottleneck: The 2–4 week fingerprint/background check is the longest step. You can't rush it.
- - Commission-Based Income: Most agents don't earn a salary — income depends on what you sell and keep in force.
- - Competitive Market: With over 400,000 licensed agents in California, standing out requires a niche, strong referral network, or specialty focus.
How to Get Your California Insurance License — Step by Step
Choose Your Line of Authority
Decide which license you need: Life-Only, Accident & Health, Life+A&H (combined — most popular), Property & Casualty, or Personal Lines. Most new agents pursue the combined Life+A&H license or a P&C license. You can hold multiple lines by passing additional exams.
Complete the 12-Hour CA Insurance Code & Ethics Course
Enroll in a CDI-approved 12-hour California Insurance Code & Ethics course. This is the only pre-licensing education required under AB 943 (effective Jan 1, 2026). You can complete the course online in as little as 2–3 days. Your provider will report your completion directly to CDI.
Submit Your CDI License Application
Apply online through Sircon (sircon.com — no extra fee) or NIPR (nipr.com — $5.60 transaction fee). The non-refundable CDI application fee is $188. File this before or immediately after completing your course so CDI can receive your course completion report.
Schedule & Pass Your PSI Exam
Schedule your exam at psiexams.com or call (833) 518-7456. The exam fee is $88, plus a $43 convenience fee at PSI testing centers (no convenience fee at CDI's Los Angeles site). Online remote proctoring is available. CDI exams require a 60% passing score. Results appear immediately after your test.
Submit Live Scan Fingerprints
After filing your application, complete Live Scan fingerprinting for a DOJ and FBI background check. This can be done at PSI exam sites ($68.95 total) or authorized Live Scan locations like Accurate Biometrics (~$59 total). The background check takes 2–4 weeks to clear.
Receive Your License & Get Appointed
Once CDI reviews your completed application, exam results, and background check, your license is issued electronically via Sircon or NIPR. Get appointed with an insurance carrier or join a brokerage. No physical license is mailed — access your license through CDI's online portal.
California Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No college degree required
- Must pass DOJ + FBI background check (Live Scan)
- Pay $188 non-refundable CDI application fee
- Must not have had a license revoked within 5 years
Education & Exam Requirements
- 12 hours of CDI-approved pre-licensing education (AB 943)
- Course: California Insurance Code & Ethics (all lines)
- Pass PSI licensing exam (60% passing score)
- Separate exam required per line of authority
- 24 hours CE required every 2 years for renewal
12-Hour Pre-Licensing Course Content (AB 943)
California Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your California insurance license in 2026:
| Pre-Licensing Course (12-hr Code & Ethics) | $19.95 – $199 | WebCE cheapest at $19.95 standalone; bundles up to $425.99 |
| CDI State Reporting Fee | $6 – $6 | Charged by provider at checkout (all schools) |
| PSI Exam Fee (per line) | $88 – $88 | Paid to CDI via PSI at time of scheduling |
| PSI Convenience Fee | $43 – $43 | PSI test centers & online proctoring; $0 at CDI LA site |
| CDI License Application Fee | $188 – $188 | Non-refundable; pay via Sircon (free) or NIPR (+$5.60) |
| Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ + FBI) | $59 – $69 | Accurate Biometrics ~$59; PSI exam site $68.95 |
| Estimated Total (Single Line) | $404 – $593+ | Start with WebCE $19.95 course to minimize costs |
Want both Life+A&H and P&C licenses? You'll need two separate PSI exams ($88 + $43 convenience fee each) but only one CDI application ($188) and one fingerprint check. Budget $502–$688 total for dual-line licensing.
All state fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package selected.
The California Insurance Licensing Exam — What to Expect
Exam Details
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Passing score: 60% (producer licenses)
- Exam fee: $88 per line (+ $43 convenience fee)
- Remote proctoring: Available (same $43 fee)
- CDI LA site: No convenience fee
- Score validity: 1 year from date passed
- Results: Displayed immediately after test
Exam Questions & Time by Line
Life & Health Exam Topics
- Principles of insurance and risk
- Types of life insurance (term, whole, universal, variable)
- Health insurance policy provisions
- Annuities and retirement planning
- California Insurance Code requirements
- Ethics and unfair trade practices
- Policy replacement rules
- Disability income insurance
- Group insurance fundamentals
- Social insurance (Medicare, Medi-Cal, Social Security)
Property & Casualty Exam Topics
- Principles of property and casualty insurance
- Homeowners and dwelling policies
- Personal auto insurance (CA-specific rules)
- Commercial property and liability
- Workers' compensation (CA State Fund)
- California FAIR Plan (wildfire/high-risk)
- Surplus lines insurance
- California Insurance Code and ethics
- Claims handling and bad faith laws
- Policy endorsements and riders
💡 Exam Tip: The 12-Hour Course Is Not Enough Exam Prep
The AB 943 12-hour course satisfies CDI's pre-licensing requirement, but it doesn't cover the full breadth of exam topics for line-specific content (Life, P&C, etc.). Most candidates who only take the 12-hour Code & Ethics course and skip additional exam prep struggle with the PSI exam. Consider adding an exam prep bundle from ExamFX, Kaplan, or Xcel Solutions for the best results.
How Long Does It Take to Get a California Insurance License?
4 – 6 weeks
Fast Track
Dedicated full-time study
6 – 8 weeks
Typical
Standard pace with exam prep
8 – 12 weeks
Part-time / Relaxed
Studying while working full-time
| Step | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete 12-hour CA Insurance Code & Ethics course | 1–3 days |
| 2 | File CDI license application (Sircon or NIPR) | 1–2 days |
| 3 | Study for PSI exam (line-specific content) | 1–3 weeks |
| 4 | Schedule & pass PSI licensing exam | 3–7 days to schedule |
| 5 | Submit Live Scan fingerprints | 1–2 days (appointment) |
| 6 | Background check processing (DOJ + FBI) | 2–4 weeks |
| 7 | CDI reviews application & issues license | 1–2 weeks after clearance |
The background check / Live Scan processing is usually the longest bottleneck. Submit your CDI application as early as possible to start the clock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of pre-licensing education do I need to get a California insurance license?
As of January 1, 2026, California requires only 12 hours of approved pre-licensing education — specifically the California Insurance Code & Ethics course. This is a significant reduction from the previous requirement of 20 hours per line of authority plus 12 ethics hours. The 12-hour course covers principles of insurance, California Insurance Code, and ethics requirements. You'll also need to pass the CDI licensing exam for each line of authority you wish to carry.
What is the passing score for the California insurance licensing exam?
You need to score at least 60% to pass California's producer (agent) licensing exams. This applies to all lines of authority — Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty, and Personal Lines. Note that adjuster and bail agent exams have a higher threshold of 70%. Exams are administered by PSI Exams and your results are displayed immediately at the end of your test session.
How much does it cost to get a California insurance license?
Total costs for a single license line typically run $414–$557: pre-licensing course ($19.95–$199), PSI exam fee ($88 + $43 convenience fee at PSI locations), CDI license application fee ($188), and fingerprinting/background check ($59–$69 via Live Scan). If you want both a Life+A&H and a P&C license, budget $502–$688 since you'll need two separate exams but only one application and one fingerprint check.
Do I need fingerprints for a California insurance license?
Yes — fingerprinting is mandatory for all new license applicants in California. You'll submit Live Scan fingerprints for a DOJ and FBI background check. This can be done at PSI exam centers (total $68.95) or at authorized Live Scan locations like Accurate Biometrics (~$59). You should file your CDI license application first, then submit your fingerprints. The background check typically takes 2–4 weeks and must clear before CDI will issue your license.
How long does it take to get an insurance license in California?
Most applicants complete the process in 4–8 weeks. The fastest path: complete the 12-hour course in 2–3 days, schedule your PSI exam immediately after, pass the exam, then wait for your background check to clear (typically 2–4 weeks). The fingerprint/background check process is usually the longest step. Working full-time while completing pre-licensing typically extends the timeline to 6–12 weeks.
Can I take the California insurance exam online?
Yes! PSI Exams offers remote online proctored (ROP) testing for all California insurance licensing exams. You take the exam from your home or office via PSI's Bridge™ platform with live remote proctoring. The convenience fee is the same ($43) as testing at a PSI test center. Alternatively, you can test at one of PSI's 20+ physical sites statewide (most offer Saturday appointments) or at CDI's own exam site in Los Angeles (no convenience fee).
What is California's surplus lines insurance market, and is it a good career opportunity?
California's surplus lines market has exploded in recent years as major admitted carriers (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) have reduced or stopped writing homeowners policies due to wildfire losses. Surplus lines brokers place coverage with non-admitted (eligible non-admitted) carriers like Lloyd's of London. To become a surplus lines broker in CA, you first need a P&C license, then apply for the surplus lines endorsement from CDI. This is one of the highest-growth niches in CA insurance right now, with strong demand and premium volumes.
Do I need a separate license to sell health insurance on Covered California?
Yes. While your Accident & Health or Sickness license authorizes you to sell health insurance generally, to sell plans on the Covered California exchange (CA's ACA marketplace), you also need to complete Covered California's agent certification training and register as a Certified Insurance Agent (CIA) with Covered California. This additional certification is free and allows you to earn commissions on ACA plan sales — a growing segment as enrollment has hit record highs in recent years.
How much can I earn as an insurance agent in California?
California insurance agents typically earn $64,000–$87,000/year on average, well above the national median of $60,370 (BLS, May 2024). Entry-level agents with captive carriers may start at $35,000–$50,000 with performance bonuses. Experienced independent agents with established books can earn $100,000–$200,000+. Property & Casualty agents build recurring renewal income streams (5–10% commissions on renewals), while life agents earn higher upfront commissions (50–100% of first-year premium). The SF Bay Area and Los Angeles markets command the highest earnings.
Can I apply for a California insurance license online, and do I need to use NIPR?
Yes, you can apply entirely online. California accepts applications through two platforms: Sircon (sircon.com) and the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Both platforms process your CDI application for the $188 license fee. Sircon charges no additional transaction fee, while NIPR adds a $5.60 transaction fee. Most applicants prefer Sircon to save the extra cost. Once CDI approves your application, your license is issued electronically — no paper license is mailed.
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.