How to Get Your Kentucky Insurance License in 2026
Compare 5 DOI-approved Kentucky insurance pre-licensing schools. Important: Kentucky requires you to apply for your license before scheduling the exam. See full guide below.
Course Cost
$109 – $300
Time to License
5 – 7 weeks
Avg KY Salary
$61,000/yr
Required Hours
20 hrs/line
Kentucky Reverse-Order Process: Unlike most states, Kentucky requires you to submit your license application and complete your background check before you can schedule the Pearson VUE exam. Plan for an extra 1–2 weeks for background check processing.
Top 3 Kentucky Insurance Pre-Licensing Schools
1. ExamFXBest Value
All KY tracks starting at $169.95. 94–99% pass rate claim. DOI-approved with pass guarantee. Video and Live Online tiers up to $299.95.
From $169.95
L&H Self-Study
2. A.D. BankerPass Guarantee
Silver $169.95 / Gold $196.90 / Platinum $296.85. Pass Guarantee on every tier. DOI-approved.
From $169.95
Silver Package
3. WebCEState-Approved
KY DOI-approved (#S16679). Completions reported to DOI. Most affordable option from $109.95.
From $109.95
L&H Complete
Best Kentucky Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses
All 5 schools are Kentucky KYDOI-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
WebCE
State-ApprovedStarting at
$109.95
- KY DOI-approved pre-licensing provider (#S16679)
- Completions reported to DOI -- satisfies 20-hr requirement
- Competitive pricing starting at $109.95
- L&H and P&C tracks available
Available Packages (3)
Life & Health -- Exam Prep Complete
- KY L&H pre-licensing (20 hrs)
- DOI-approved content
- Practice exams
- Completion certificate
Kaplan Financial Education
Most ComprehensiveStarting at
$139
- KY DOI-approved pre-licensing provider
- Most comprehensive course library
- Multiple tiers including live instructor option
- Established industry brand since 1938
Available Packages (3)
OnDemand -- Self-Study
- KY pre-licensing (20 hrs)
- On-demand video lectures
- Practice exams
- DOI-approved certificate
ExamFX
Best ValueStarting at
$169.95
- KY DOI-approved pre-licensing provider
- Starting at $169.95 -- lowest verified KY price
- 94-99% pass rate claim with pass guarantee
- Three tiers: Self-Study, Video, and Live Online
Available Packages (4)
Life & Health -- Self-Study
- KY L&H pre-licensing (20 hrs)
- Online exam simulations
- KY DOI-approved certificate
- Instructor support
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- KY DOI-approved pre-licensing provider
- Three tiers: Silver ($169.95), Gold ($196.90), Platinum ($296.85)
- Pass Guarantee included on every package
- Industry-leading insurance educator
Available Packages (3)
Silver -- Online Course
- Full online pre-licensing (20 hrs)
- Unlimited chapter exams
- Simulated licensing exams
- Pass Guarantee
- PDF study manual
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$199
- KY DOI-approved pre-licensing provider
- 3-part system: Pre-licensing + Prep Review + Exam Simulator
- Prepared to Pass Promise on Premier
- L&H and P&C tracks available
Available Packages (2)
L&H Standard
- KY L&H pre-licensing (20 hrs)
- Exam prep review
- Exam simulator
- Certificate of completion
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Kentucky Insurance Agents Earn?
KY Average
$61,000/yr
Source: Salary.com (2026)
Top Producers
$90,000–$130,000+
Independent agents in Louisville & Lexington
Top Kentucky Insurance Markets
How to Get Your Kentucky Insurance License
⚠️ Kentucky's unique order: Complete your course → Apply + background check → Wait for approval → Then schedule your exam.
Enroll in DOI-Approved Pre-Licensing
Select your line of authority (Life, Health, Casualty, or Personal Lines — 20 hrs each) and enroll in a KY DOI-approved course.
Complete Your Course and Receive Your Certificate
Complete all 20 required hours and pass the provider's course exam. Your completion certificate will be required for the license application.
Submit Your License Application to KY DOI
Apply at insurance.ky.gov. Application fee is approximately $40–$50. Include your completion certificate and criminal background report. Kentucky reviews your application before you can schedule the exam.
Complete Background Check
Submit your criminal background report as part of the application. Check insurance.ky.gov for the current approved provider. Allow 1–2 weeks for processing.
Schedule and Pass the Pearson VUE Exam
Once your application is approved, schedule your exam through Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/ky/insurance. Exam fee is approximately $45. A score of 70% is required to pass.
Receive Your License and Get Appointed
After passing the exam, KY DOI issues your license. Get appointed by a carrier or agency to legally sell insurance in Kentucky.
Kentucky Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid Social Security number required
- Background check required (before exam)
Pre-Licensing
- 20 hours per line from DOI-approved provider
- Pass provider's certification exam
- Certificate required for license application
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- Pearson VUE — pearsonvue.com/ky/insurance
- 70% passing score required
- ~$45 exam fee per attempt
- Must apply BEFORE scheduling exam
Continuing Education
- 24 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- 3 ethics hours required
- Renew via Sircon or KY DOI portal
Kentucky Insurance License FAQ
What is unique about the Kentucky insurance licensing process?
Kentucky is one of the few states where you must submit your license application and criminal background check BEFORE you can schedule your Pearson VUE state exam. Most states let you take the exam first, then apply. In Kentucky, plan for an additional 1–2 weeks for background check processing before you can schedule your exam.
Does Kentucky require pre-licensing education?
Yes. Kentucky requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education per line of authority (Life, Health, Casualty, or Personal Lines) from a KY DOI-approved provider. You must complete the course and receive a certificate of completion before submitting your license application.
How much does it cost to get a Kentucky insurance license?
Budget approximately $250–$480: pre-licensing course ($100–$300), application fee (~$40–$50 via KY DOI), background check fee (varies), and Pearson VUE exam fee (~$45 per attempt).
What exam provider does Kentucky use?
Kentucky uses Pearson VUE for all insurance licensing exams. Schedule online at pearsonvue.com/ky/insurance. Note: you must complete your application and background check BEFORE you can schedule the exam. A score of 70% is required to pass.
How long does it take to get a Kentucky insurance license?
Typically 5–7 weeks due to the reverse-order process. Allow 2–3 weeks for the 20-hour course, 1–2 weeks for background check processing after submitting your application, then a few days to schedule and take the Pearson VUE exam.
What lines of authority are available in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers Life, Health, Casualty, and Personal Lines licenses. Note that Kentucky does not have a separate "Property" line — property coverage is included under Casualty. Many agents pursue both Life & Health (40 hours combined) and Casualty.
How much do insurance agents make in Kentucky?
Kentucky insurance agents earn an average of $54,000–$66,000 per year. Entry-level agents may start at $30,000–$45,000. Experienced agents in Louisville and Lexington can earn $80,000–$120,000+ with an established book of business.
Is fingerprinting required for a Kentucky insurance license?
Yes. A criminal background check is required and must be submitted before you can schedule your state exam. Contact the KY DOI at insurance.ky.gov for the current approved fingerprinting provider and process.
How do I renew my Kentucky insurance license?
Kentucky insurance licenses renew on a 2-year cycle. You must complete 24 CE hours per renewal period, including 3 ethics hours. Renew via Sircon or the KY DOI portal.
Does Kentucky offer insurance license reciprocity?
Yes. Kentucky participates in NAIC non-resident reciprocity. Producers holding an active resident license in their home state can apply for a Kentucky non-resident license via NIPR without retaking the Kentucky exam.
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.