How to Get Your Insurance License in Montana in 2026
Montana has no mandatory pre-licensing education — making it one of the fastest states to get licensed. Compare 5 exam prep courses, see Pearson VUE exam details, and get your MT insurance license fast.
Exam Prep Cost
$0 – $249
Time to License
1 – 4 weeks
Avg MT Salary
$57,000/yr
Required Hours
0 hrs required
Montana Has No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
Unlike most states, Montana does not require any pre-licensing hours for an insurance license. You can study on your own schedule and go straight to the Pearson VUE exam. Prep courses are strongly recommended — candidates who skip studying often fail on the first attempt — but completely optional.
Top 3 Montana Insurance Exam Prep Courses
1. WebCEBest Value
Lowest price for a full MT exam prep course at $109.95. Covers Life & Health tracks with 90-day access. No pre-licensing required in Montana — exam prep only.
From $109.95
exam prep only
2. Kaplan Financial Education
Most tiers with 4 packages from Basic to Career Launcher. Career Launcher includes the Insurance Accelerator business-skills course for new agents launching their career.
From $139
3. ExamFX
Three tiers for MT Life & Health (Self-Study, Video, Live Online). Pass guarantee — refund if you score 80%+ on Readiness Exam and fail within 3 days. 60-day access.
From $169.95
Best Montana Insurance Exam Prep Courses
All 5 schools are Montana CSI-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$89
- Exam Prep Only — no pre-licensing required in Montana
- Most affordable bundled option: Cram Course at $89
- À la carte tools: live review, on-demand video, flashcards
- MT Life & Health exam prep tracks
Available Packages (3)
MT Cram Course — Life & Health ($89)
- Bundled MT cram course
- Life & Health exam prep
- MT state-specific content
- Practice review materials
WebCE
Best ValueStarting at
$109.95
- Exam Prep Only — no pre-licensing required in Montana
- Lowest price for a full MT exam prep course: from $109.95
- 90-day access with optional 90-day extension for $50
- Life & Health, Life-only, and Health-only tracks available
Available Packages (2)
MT Life, Accident & Health — Exam Prep Complete Package
- MT Life & Health exam prep (40 hrs)
- Practice exams included
- MT state-specific content
- Covers all CSI exam topics
Kaplan Financial Education
Starting at
$139
- Most tiers: 4 packages from $139 to $349
- Career Launcher includes Insurance Accelerator business-skills course
- Exam Prep Only — no state pre-licensing requirement in Montana
- Self-study online (print option available for Basic tier)
Available Packages (4)
Basic ($139)
- MT exam prep — self-study online or print
- Core exam content coverage
- Practice questions included
- CSI exam-focused materials
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- Pass guarantee — refund if you score 80%+ on Readiness Exam and fail within 3 days
- Three study formats: Self-Study, Video, and Live Online
- Exam Prep Only — no pre-licensing required in Montana
- Includes readiness exam, online flashcards, and simulated exams
Available Packages (3)
Self-Study Package ($169.95)
- MT exam prep — self-paced online
- Interactive Learning Portal
- Online exam simulations & flashcards
- Readiness Exam + instructor support
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- Exam Prep Only — no pre-licensing required in Montana
- 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 course
- Unlimited chapter exams
- Simulated licensing exams
- Pass Guarantee
- Printable PDF study manual
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Montana Insurance License?
A Montana insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) to legally sell insurance products in Montana. Unlike most states, Montana does not require pre-licensing education — you can go straight to the Pearson VUE exam. All applicants must complete fingerprinting at the Pearson VUE testing center and apply via NIPR after passing.
Montana offers several lines of authority. The most common for new agents are the Life license (individual life insurance and annuities) and the Accident & Health (Disability) license (health insurance, disability income, Medicare supplements). Many agents pursue both as a combined Life & Health license. Property and Casualty licenses are also available for agents selling auto, homeowners, and commercial insurance.
Life
$59 exam fee
86 questions · 75% passing
Accident & Health
$59 exam fee
92 questions · 75% passing
Property
$59 exam fee
82 questions · 75% passing
Casualty
$59 exam fee
87 questions · 75% passing
How Much Do Montana Insurance Agents Earn?
MT Average Income
$50,000–$70,000
ZipRecruiter: $66,506/yr · Salary.com: $54,516/yr
Top Producers (MT)
$90,000–$130,000+
Commercial lines, group benefits & financial products
Commission Structure
Life Insurance
- • First-year commission: 40–100% of annual premium
- • Renewal commission: 2–10% per year
- Example: $1,000/yr policy at 70% = $700 earned
Property & Casualty
- • New policy commission: 10–20% of premium
- • Renewal commission: 8–12% of premium
- Example: $2,000/yr auto at 12% = $240/policy
Salary Range by Career Stage
Entry Level
$35,000–$45,000
First 1–2 years
MT Average
$57,000
State average salary
Top Producers
$90,000–$130,000+
Billings & Bozeman commercial
Top MT Insurance Markets
Is a Montana Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Pre-Licensing Required: One of the few states where you skip mandatory coursework — go straight to the exam when you're ready.
- + Lowest Fees in the Nation: $0 state application fee, $5 NIPR fee, $59 exam fee. Total mandatory costs can be under $100.
- + Fast Licensing: No required coursework means you can be licensed in as little as 1–2 weeks if you study efficiently.
- + Growing Markets: Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, creating strong demand for insurance professionals.
👎 Cons
- - 75% Passing Score Required: Higher than most states — unprepared candidates who skip studying often fail on the first attempt.
- - Fingerprinting Required: Must submit the Consent Form before exam day and complete fingerprinting at the Pearson VUE center.
- - Smaller Overall Market: Montana's population (~1.1M) means fewer total prospects compared to larger states — though competition is also lower.
How to Get Your Montana Insurance License
Choose Your Line(s) of Authority
Decide which type(s) of insurance you want to sell — Life, Disability (Accident & Health), Property, Casualty, or a combination. Unlike most states, Montana does not require pre-licensing education, so your first step is choosing your lines and preparing to study for the exam.
Complete Optional Pre-Licensing Education (Highly Recommended)
Montana does not require pre-licensing hours, but taking a prep course dramatically improves first-attempt pass rates. Courses are available online and can be completed in as little as a few days. Providers like Kaplan, ExamFX, WebCE, and A.D. Banker offer Montana-specific exam prep starting at $89–$109.
Fill Out the Fingerprint Consent Form
Before your exam day, download and complete the Applicant Rights and Consent to Fingerprint Form from csimt.gov and email it to csiapplicantrights@mt.gov. This step is required before fingerprinting can be completed at the testing center.
Schedule & Take Your Pearson VUE Exam
Register at pearsonvue.com/mt/insurance or call (800) 274-8906. Each exam costs $59. Schedule at least 24 hours in advance; cancellations require at least 48 hours' notice or you forfeit the fee. Fingerprinting is completed at the testing center on exam day.
Pass the Exam (75% Required) & Apply via NIPR
You must score 75% or higher to pass any Montana insurance exam. After passing, allow up to 3 business days for results to transfer to NIPR. Then apply for your license at nipr.com. The state application fee is $0; NIPR charges a $5 transaction fee.
Receive Your License & Get Appointed
Once CSI approves your application, your license is active. To legally sell insurance policies, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier. Your carrier or employer initiates the appointment through NIPR. Maintain your license by completing 24 CE hours every 2 years.
Montana Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid US Social Security Number (SSN)
- Must be a Montana resident (for resident license)
- No college degree required
- Must pass a background check via fingerprinting
- Fingerprinting completed at Pearson VUE testing center
Pre-Licensing Education
- Required hours: 0 — Montana requires no pre-licensing education
- Prep courses strongly recommended to improve pass rates
- Self-study is free; structured prep courses from $89
- Completion not reported to CSI — for personal use only
Exam Requirements
- Pearson VUE exam — in-person or online (OnVUE)
- 75% passing score required for all lines
- Exam fee: $59 per line of authority
- Life: 86 questions · A&H: 92 questions · Property: 82 · Casualty: 87
- Schedule at pearsonvue.com/mt/insurance
Application & Licensing
- Apply via NIPR (nipr.com) after passing
- $0 state application fee — one of the lowest in the nation
- $5 NIPR transaction fee
- Results transfer to NIPR within 3 business days of passing
- 24 CE hours every 2 years to renew (incl. 3 hrs ethics)
Montana Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Montana insurance license in 2026:
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (Exam Prep) | $0–$249 | Optional |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee | $59 | Required |
| Fingerprinting Fee | $20–$30 | Required |
| License Application (NIPR) | $5 | Required |
| Estimated Total | $84–$343+ |
All government and state fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Fingerprinting is required for all resident license applicants.
The Montana Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Life & Accident/Health Exams
- Life exam: 86 questions · 2 hours · 75% passing (65/86)
- Accident & Health exam: 92 questions · 2 hours · 75% passing (69/92)
- Fee: $59 per exam
- Provider: Pearson VUE (in-person or online via OnVUE)
- Schedule: pearsonvue.com/mt/insurance
Property & Casualty Exams
- Property exam: 82 questions · 2 hours · 75% passing (62/82)
- Casualty exam: 87 questions · 2 hrs 15 min · 75% passing
- P&C combined: 97 total (87 scored + 10 pretest) · 2 hrs 15 min
- Fee: $59 per exam
- Provider: Pearson VUE (in-person or online via OnVUE)
General Exam Topics
- Types of insurance policies (life, health, property, casualty)
- Policy provisions, exclusions, and endorsements
- Risk management, underwriting, and claims concepts
- Agent duties, ethics, and fiduciary responsibilities
- Federal insurance laws and regulations
- Insurance definitions and concepts
MT State-Specific Topics
- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) regulations
- Montana insurance statutes and administrative rules
- Montana-specific policy requirements
- State consumer protection laws
- Montana market conduct requirements
- Agent licensing and appointment requirements
💡 Pearson VUE Exam Tips for Montana
Bring two valid government-issued IDs to the testing center. You receive your score report immediately after completing the exam. If you fail, retakes are allowed with no mandatory waiting period — but each attempt requires a new $59 fee. Cancellations or changes must be made at least 48 hours before your appointment or you forfeit the exam fee. Montana's 75% passing score is higher than most states, so thorough preparation is essential.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Montana Insurance License?
1 – 2 weeks
Full-Time
Study 4–6 hrs/day, quick scheduling
2 – 3 weeks
Part-Time
1–2 hrs/day after work
1 – 2 months
Casual Pace
A few hours per week on weekends
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your line(s) of authority | 1 day |
| 2 | Study for the exam (no course required — prep strongly recommended) | 3 days–3 weeks |
| 3 | Submit Fingerprint Consent Form to csiapplicantrights@mt.gov | 1 day |
| 4 | Schedule & pass Pearson VUE exam (with fingerprinting at test center) | 1–7 days |
| 5 | Wait for results to transfer to NIPR (up to 3 business days) | 1–3 days |
| 6 | Apply for license via NIPR; CSI reviews and issues license | A few business days |
No mandatory pre-licensing hours means Montana is one of the fastest states to get licensed. Total timeline is driven almost entirely by how quickly you study and schedule your exam.
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Montana Insurance License Reciprocity
Under Montana Code 33-17-408, Montana grants reciprocal producer licenses to non-residents who hold a valid home state license, provided the home state offers reciprocity to Montana residents. The commissioner waives all requirements — except age, Social Security Number, and fees — for qualifying non-resident applicants.
To apply for a non-resident Montana insurance license, submit your application through NIPR.com. The Montana state application fee is $0; NIPR charges a $5 transaction fee. No exam is required if your home state has a reciprocal agreement with Montana. Most states are reciprocal with Montana.
Non-Resident License Details: Your home state license must be in good standing. Fingerprinting requirements for non-residents may differ — check with CSI for current requirements at csimt.gov/insurance/licensing/
Montana Insurance License Renewal
Montana insurance licenses must be renewed every 2 years. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) during each 2-year renewal period, including at least 1 hour of Montana insurance statutes and administrative rules changes and at least 3 hours of ethics. CE completions are reported directly to CSI by your course provider — allow up to 30 days for completions to reflect in your record.
2 yrs
Renewal Cycle
24 hrs
CE Required
3 hrs
Ethics (included)
Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before your expiration date. Late renewals are allowed up to 1 year after expiration. Producers licensed only for limited lines (credit insurance, prepaid legal, surety bail bonds) must complete only 5 CE hours every 2 years. For renewal fees and approved CE providers, visit csimt.gov/insurance/licensing/.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Montana?
Total costs are among the lowest in the nation — typically $84 to $343. Since Montana has no required pre-licensing education, you can skip course costs entirely (though it's not recommended). Required costs include: Pearson VUE exam fee ($59 per line), fingerprinting (~$20–$30), and the NIPR transaction fee ($5). The state application fee is $0. If you take an optional prep course, add $89–$249 depending on the provider.
How long does it take to get an insurance license in Montana?
Montana's licensing process is one of the fastest in the country — typically 1–4 weeks. Since no pre-licensing education is required, you can study independently and schedule your Pearson VUE exam whenever you feel ready. After passing, allow up to 3 business days for results to transfer to NIPR, then apply for your license. CSI typically issues licenses within a few business days of approval.
Does Montana require pre-licensing education hours?
No. Montana is one of the few states that does NOT require any pre-licensing education hours before sitting for the insurance licensing exam. However, this doesn't mean you should skip studying. The exam covers complex topics and Montana-specific regulations, and unprepared candidates often fail on the first attempt. Most education providers strongly recommend completing a structured course before testing.
Does Montana require fingerprinting for an insurance license?
Yes. Montana requires fingerprinting for all resident insurance license applicants. You'll complete fingerprinting at the Pearson VUE testing center, conveniently at the same time as your exam. Before your appointment, you must fill out the Applicant Rights and Consent to Fingerprint Form and email it to csiapplicantrights@mt.gov. Your fingerprint card is submitted to the Montana Department of Justice for a background check.
Is the Montana insurance license exam hard?
The Montana insurance exams require a passing score of 75%, which is higher than many states. The P&C combined exam has 97 questions (87 scored + 10 pretest) with a 2 hour 15 minute time limit. Without a pre-licensing requirement, many candidates underestimate the difficulty. Those who use structured prep courses report significantly higher first-attempt pass rates. Focus especially on Montana-specific insurance laws and regulations, which are tested alongside general insurance concepts.
How much do insurance agents make in Montana?
Insurance agents in Montana earn an average of $50,000–$70,000 per year. Entry-level agents typically start around $35,000–$45,000, while established agents in growing markets like Billings, Bozeman, or Missoula can earn $90,000–$130,000+ annually. The national median for insurance sales agents is $60,370 (BLS May 2024). Agents who specialize in commercial lines, large group benefits, or financial products tend to earn the most.
What are the continuing education requirements to renew a Montana insurance license?
Montana insurance producers must complete 24 CE hours every 2 years, including at least 1 hour of Montana insurance statutes and administrative rules changes, and at least 3 hours of ethics. CE completions are reported directly to CSI by the course provider. Renewals are accepted up to 90 days before your license expiration date. Late renewals are allowed up to 1 year after expiration. Complete CE at least 30 days before your renewal deadline to ensure it's reflected in your record.
Do I need a college degree to get an insurance license in Montana?
No. Montana does not require a college degree for an insurance producer license. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, and pass the state licensing exam. Montana's lack of a pre-licensing education requirement makes it one of the most accessible states to enter the insurance industry — though studying independently or through a prep course is essential for passing the exam.
Can I get a Montana insurance license if I have a criminal record?
Possibly. The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance reviews each applicant's background individually. A past criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you. However, convictions related to fraud, financial crimes, theft, or dishonesty are most likely to result in denial. Be transparent on your application and provide documentation of rehabilitation where applicable. The fingerprinting requirement means all applicants go through a formal DOJ background check.
Does Montana offer reciprocity for insurance licenses from other states?
Yes. Under Montana Code 33-17-408, Montana grants reciprocal producer licenses to non-residents who hold a valid home state license, provided the home state offers reciprocity to Montana residents. The commissioner waives all requirements (except age, SSN, and fees) for qualifying non-residents. Apply through NIPR.com — the state fee is $0, and NIPR charges only a $5 transaction fee. No exam is required. Most states are reciprocal with Montana.
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.