How to Get Your New Jersey Insurance License in 2026
New Jersey requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education per line of authority, a PSI state exam ($47), and IdentoGO fingerprinting ($66.05). Compare 4 NJ DOBI-approved schools and get licensed step by step.
Course Cost
$99 – $399
Time to License
3 – 8 weeks
Avg NJ Salary
$62,000/yr
Required Hours
20 hrs per line
Top 3 New Jersey Insurance Pre-Licensing Schools
1. WebCEBest Budget Option
NJ DOBI-approved (Provider #30339). Exam Prep Complete from $109.95, Exam Prep Plus Complete $159.95. Flash Tutor add-on from $19.95. L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines tracks. Ideal for cost-conscious students.
From $109.95
Exam Prep Complete
2. Kaplan Financial EducationMost Comprehensive
5 tiers for L&H (Basic $139 to Premium Live Online $329). Career Launcher includes business development training at $349. Kaplan Commitment® refund guarantee on Premium packages. NJ DOBI-approved.
From $139
Basic Self-Study
3. ExamFXBest Mid-Range Value
Three clean tiers: Self-Study $169.95, Video $219.95, Live Online $299.95 (was $369.95 — save 19%). Identical pricing across L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines. NJ DOBI-approved for PSI exam prep.
From $169.95
Self-Study
Best New Jersey Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses
All 5 schools are New Jersey NJDOBI-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Kaplan Financial Education
Starting at
$139
- Most tiers of any NJ provider — 4–5 packages per line
- Live Online (Premium) available for L&H combined at $329
- Career Launcher includes business development training ($349)
- Kaplan Commitment® refund guarantee on select packages
Available Packages (12)
Life & Health (Combined) — Basic Self-Study
- NJ L&H pre-licensing course (40 hrs total)
- InsurancePro™ QBank — practice questions
- Mastery exam included
- NJ DOBI-approved certificate of completion
WebCE
Budget PickStarting at
$159.95
- Lowest NJ price: Flash Tutor from $19.95 (supplement) or full prep from $109.95
- NJ DOBI-approved — Provider #30339
- Exam Prep Complete and Exam Prep Plus Complete bundles available
- Life & Health, Property & Casualty, and Personal Lines tracks
- NJ DOBI-approved pre-licensing (#30339) -- completions reported to DOBI
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health (L&H Combined — 40 hrs) — Exam Prep Plus Complete
- NJ Life & Accident and Health pre-licensing course (40 hrs total)
- Exam Prep Plus Complete bundle — most comprehensive
- Practice exams + flashcards + study tools
- NJ DOBI-approved certificate of completion
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- Three study tiers: Self-Study ($169.95), Video ($219.95), Live Online ($299.95)
- Identical pricing across L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines
- NJ DOBI-approved — PSI exam preparation
- Live Online saves 19% vs. regular price ($369.95)
Available Packages (9)
Life & Health — Self-Study Package
- NJ L&H pre-licensing course (40 hrs total)
- Online course content + practice questions
- Simulated exams for PSI prep
- NJ DOBI-approved certificate of completion
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- State-approved prelicensing provider -- reports completions to regulator
- 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
- PDF study manual
Xcel Solutions
Starting at
$199
- Proven 3-part system: Pre-licensing + Prep Review + Exam Simulator
- Standard $199 / Premier $299 — same price for L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines
- Premier includes Prepared to Pass Promise (full refund if you fail)
- NJ DOBI-approved — PSI exam prep
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health — Standard
- NJ L&H pre-licensing course (40 hrs total)
- Prep Review Course + 3 Exam Simulators
- Unlimited exam simulator retakes
- NJ DOBI-approved certificate of completion
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a New Jersey Insurance License?
A New Jersey insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to legally sell insurance products in the state. All resident agents must complete DOBI-approved pre-licensing education (20 hours per line of authority), pass the PSI NJDOBI state exam, apply through NIPR, and complete fingerprinting via IdentoGO.
New Jersey's most common licenses are the Life & Accident/Health combined license (40 total hours — 20 per line), the Property & Casualty combined license (40 total hours), and the Personal Lines license (20 hours) for agents focused on personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance. Each line requires its own exam — but the $47 PSI exam fee is the same for all lines.
Life & Accident/Health
40 hours (20 per line)
Life, disability, group health, Medicare products
Property & Casualty
40 hours (20 per line)
Auto, home, commercial property, liability, workers' comp
Personal Lines
20 hours required
Personal auto, homeowners & renters insurance only
How Much Do New Jersey Insurance Agents Earn?
NJ Median
$58,460/yr
Source: BLS OES / NJ MyCareer (SOC 41-3021)
Top Producers
$110,000–$160,000+
Experienced independent agents, commercial lines & life
Commission Structure
Property & Casualty
- • New policies: 5–15% of annual premium
- • Renewal commissions: 5–10%
- NJ's dense population = high policy volume per agent
Life Insurance
- • First-year: 50–100% of annual premium
- • Renewal trails: 2–5% per year
- High-income NJ clients = larger policy face values
Health & Benefits
- • Group health: typically 3–6% of premiums
- • Individual/ACA: capped PMPM commissions
- NJ's large employer base drives group benefits demand
Salary Range by Career Stage
Entry Level
$38,000–$52,000
First 1–2 years, captive agent
Mid-Career
$62,000–$70,000
NJ state average
Top Producers
$110,000–$160,000+
Independent, commercial, NYC metro
Top New Jersey Insurance Markets
Is a New Jersey Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + NYC Metro Proximity: Jersey City and Newark agents benefit from New York City's financial services market, commanding some of the highest insurance salaries in the region.
- + Dense Population = High Volume: New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the US — a large addressable market for all lines of insurance, especially P&C and health.
- + Reasonable Pre-licensing Hours: NJ's 20-hour requirement per line is far less burdensome than Florida's 200-hour P&C requirement — most agents complete courses in 1–2 weeks.
- + Multiple Lines of Authority: Add lines over time. Each additional line requires its own 20-hour course and $47 PSI exam — but each dramatically expands your potential client base.
👎 Cons
- - High Application & Fingerprinting Fees: NJ's $170 application fee + $66.05 IdentoGO fingerprinting are among the highest in the US — budget $241.65 in fixed government fees before even counting the course or exam.
- - Fingerprinting Adds Time: The IdentoGO appointment and DOBI background review can add 1–2 weeks to your timeline compared to states without mandatory fingerprinting.
- - Commission-Dependent Income: Most insurance agents earn through commissions — income can be unpredictable in the first 1–2 years before building a client book.
How to Get Your New Jersey Insurance License
Choose Your Line of Authority
Decide which type(s) of insurance you want to sell: Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, or a combination. Most agents start with either a Life & Health combined license (40 hrs total — 20 per line) or a Property & Casualty combined license (40 hrs total). You can hold multiple licenses and add lines later by completing additional courses and exams.
Complete a State-Approved Pre-Licensing Course
New Jersey requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education for each line of authority from a DOBI-approved provider. The course must include a proctored Certification Exam you must pass with 70% or higher to receive your Certificate of Completion. Courses are available online and self-paced. Your certificate does not expire — but you must pass the PSI state exam before it can be used for your application.
Pass the PSI State Licensing Exam
Schedule your exam through PSI (New Jersey's official exam provider) at test-takers.psiexams.com/njins or by calling (855) 579-4634. All exams require a 70% passing score. Available at PSI test centers throughout NJ and via online remote proctoring. The exam fee is $47 per attempt. Retakes are permitted — each attempt requires the full $47 fee.
Apply for Your License via NIPR
After passing your exam, apply for your license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at nipr.com or use the kiosk at your PSI test center. The application fee is $170 + $5.60 NIPR transaction fee. If you answer “Yes” to a background question, you must submit a written statement and court documents.
Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
New Jersey law (P.L. 2003, Chapter 199) requires all resident insurance producer applicants to submit fingerprints via live scan electronic fingerprinting. Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO at uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/2F16Y3 after applying for your license. The fingerprinting fee is $66.05. Do not schedule fingerprinting until you have submitted your NIPR application.
Receive Your License & Get Appointed
Once DOBI approves your application and background check, your license will be issued. To legally sell insurance in New Jersey, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier or agency. Carriers submit appointment requests electronically through NIPR. Many new agents join established agencies or captive carrier programs to secure their first appointments and start building their book of business.
New Jersey Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid U.S. Social Security number required
- No college degree required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check via IdentoGO
- Certain criminal convictions may disqualify — contact DOBI at inslic@dobi.nj.gov before investing in licensing costs
Pre-Licensing Hour Requirements
- Life: 20 hours
- Accident & Health: 20 hours
- Life & Health combined: 40 hours (20 per line)
- Property & Casualty combined: 40 hours (20 per line)
- Personal Lines: 20 hours
Exam Requirements (PSI NJDOBI)
- PSI — test-takers.psiexams.com/njins
- Life: 83 questions | A&H: 88 questions | Personal Lines: 100 questions
- Property: 79 questions | Casualty: 91 questions
- 70% passing score required on all exams
- $47 exam fee per attempt — retakes permitted each scheduling slot
Continuing Education (CE)
- 24 CE hours per 2-year cycle
- 3 hours ethics required (up to 1 hr may be substituted with insurance fraud content)
- Renewal by last day of birth month, every 2 years
- Renewal fee: $170 + NIPR transaction fee
- Renew through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon (sircon.com)
New Jersey Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your New Jersey insurance license in 2026:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Education Course (per line) | $99 – $399 | Required — 20 hours per line from a DOBI-approved provider; online self-paced options available |
| PSI State Exam Fee (per attempt, per line) | $47 | test-takers.psiexams.com/njins — same fee for all lines |
| License Application Fee (NIPR) | $170 | nipr.com — NJ DOBI fee for major lines |
| NIPR Transaction Fee | $5.60 | NIPR processing fee added to application fee |
| IdentoGO Fingerprinting / Background Check | $66.05 | uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/2F16Y3 — required for all resident producers |
| Estimated Total (one line of authority) | $388 – $688 | Additional lines: +$146–$446 per line (course + exam) |
All state and government fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Fingerprinting required for all resident first-time applicants. Adding additional lines of authority requires separate course and exam fees.
The New Jersey Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Life Producer
- Questions: 83
- Time limit: ~2 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $47 per attempt
Accident & Health Producer
- Questions: 88
- Time limit: ~2.5 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $47 per attempt
Property Producer
- Questions: 79
- Time limit: ~2 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $47 per attempt
Casualty Producer
- Questions: 91
- Time limit: ~2.5 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $47 per attempt
Personal Lines Producer
- Questions: 100
- Time limit: ~2.5 hours
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $47 per attempt
NJ Insurance Exam Topics
- General insurance concepts, principles & terminology
- Life insurance products — term, whole, universal, variable
- Accident, health & disability insurance products
- Property insurance — homeowners, fire, commercial property
- Casualty insurance — auto, liability, workers' compensation
- New Jersey insurance laws, regulations & DOBI rules
💡 NJ Exam Study Tip
New Jersey's insurance exam covers both general insurance concepts and NJ-specific state laws. Since a pre-licensing course is required, use that study time strategically — focus on NJ-specific content such as DOBI regulations, unfair trade practices, and state-mandated policy provisions. Many candidates underestimate the state-law portion and fail despite knowing general insurance well. Delivery options include in-person at PSI test centers throughout NJ and online remote proctoring (requires a private location with reliable internet).
How Long Does It Take to Get a New Jersey Insurance License?
3–4 weeks
Full-time pace
3–4 hrs/day study; quick exam scheduling
4–6 weeks
Part-time pace
1–2 hrs/day evenings or weekends
6–10 weeks
Casual pace
Few hrs/week; IdentoGO adds extra time
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your line(s) of authority and enroll in course | 1 day |
| 2 | Complete 20-hour pre-licensing course per line | 1–3 weeks |
| 3 | Pass PSI NJDOBI state exam ($47/attempt) | 1–2 weeks |
| 4 | Submit NIPR license application ($170 + $5.60) | 1 day |
| 5 | Schedule & complete IdentoGO fingerprinting ($66.05) | 1–5 days |
| 6 | DOBI background check clears + license issued | 1–2 weeks |
Schedule your IdentoGO fingerprint appointment immediately after submitting your NIPR application to avoid delays. The background check review is often the final bottleneck before license issuance.
New Jersey Insurance License Reciprocity
New Jersey participates in the NAIC uniform licensing framework and grants non-resident licenses to producers from states with reciprocal agreements — which includes most U.S. states. Non-resident applicants generally do not need to retake the NJ state exam if their home state has reciprocity with New Jersey.
Key Reciprocity Facts
- Apply through NIPR at nipr.com/licensing-center with proof of home-state licensure
- Non-resident license fee: $170 + $5.60 NIPR transaction fee (same as resident fee)
- No additional NJ state exam required for reciprocal states — verify your home state's standing at nj.gov/dobi/inslic.htm
- NJ follows the NAIC Uniform Licensing Law (N.J.S.A. 17:22A-34) — reciprocity granted on a state-by-state basis
- Must hold an active license in your home state for the specific lines being applied for
⚠️ Note for PA Licensees
Pennsylvania recently eliminated its pre-licensing hour requirement, but NJ's 20-hour requirement still applies to NJ resident applicants. If you hold an active PA license and are applying for NJ non-resident licensure via reciprocity, contact DOBI at inslic@dobi.nj.gov or call 609-292-7272 to confirm your home state's current reciprocal agreement status with New Jersey.
How to Renew Your New Jersey Insurance License
New Jersey insurance licenses renew on a 2-year cycle, by the last day of your birth month. Staying current on CE requirements keeps your license active and avoids reinstatement fees.
2 Years
Renewal Cycle
By last day of birth month
24 CE Hrs
Per Renewal Cycle
Including 3 hrs ethics
$170
Renewal Fee
+ NIPR transaction fee
NJ CE Renewal Requirements
- 24 CE hours required per 2-year renewal cycle
- 3 hours must be ethics (effective June 19, 2023 — up to 1 ethics hour may be substituted with insurance fraud content)
- Life & Health producers selling annuity products must complete Annuity Best Interest training (1-hr refresher or 4-hr initial for agents licensed on/after April 21, 2025)
- Agents selling Long-Term Care insurance need an 8-hour initial LTC course (one-time) and a 4-hour LTC refresher each renewal period
- Renew online through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon (sircon.com)
- Late renewals: NJ allows reinstatement up to 1 year after expiration; after 1 year, a new application is required
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in New Jersey?
Total costs typically range from $388 to $688 for a single line of authority. This breaks down as: pre-licensing course ($99–$399, required — 20 hours per line), PSI exam fee ($47), NIPR license application fee ($170 + $5.60 transaction fee), and IdentoGO fingerprinting ($66.05). Adding additional lines of authority requires separate course and exam fees for each line.
How long does it take to get a New Jersey insurance license?
Most people complete the NJ insurance licensing process in 3–8 weeks from start to license. The main time factors are: completing the mandatory 20-hour pre-licensing course, scheduling and passing the PSI exam, submitting the NIPR application, and completing the IdentoGO fingerprinting appointment. NJ's fingerprint review can add 1–2 weeks to the overall timeline compared to states without this requirement.
Does New Jersey require pre-licensing education for an insurance license?
Yes — unlike some states that have eliminated mandatory pre-licensing hours, New Jersey still requires 20 hours of DOBI-approved pre-licensing education for each line of authority. You must also pass a proctored Certification Exam at the end of your course with a 70% or higher score to receive your Certificate of Completion. You cannot sit for the PSI state exam without this certificate.
Who administers the New Jersey insurance licensing exam?
New Jersey uses PSI (not Pearson VUE) to administer all insurance producer licensing exams through the NJDOBI program. You can schedule your exam online at test-takers.psiexams.com/njins or by calling PSI at (855) 579-4634. Exams are offered at PSI test centers throughout New Jersey and via online remote proctoring. The exam fee is $47 per attempt for all lines of authority.
Is the New Jersey insurance exam hard to pass?
The NJ insurance exam is moderately challenging — it tests both general insurance knowledge and New Jersey-specific laws, DOBI regulations, and state-mandated policy provisions. You must score 70% or higher to pass. Since NJ requires a pre-licensing course (unlike some states that eliminated this requirement), most candidates are better prepared. Still, studying the NJ-specific content thoroughly is essential — many candidates underestimate the state-law portion and fail despite knowing general insurance well.
Do I need to get fingerprinted for a New Jersey insurance license?
Yes. New Jersey law (P.L. 2003, Chapter 199) requires all resident insurance producer applicants to submit fingerprints via live scan electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. Important: you should NOT schedule fingerprinting until AFTER you have passed your PSI exam and submitted your NIPR license application. The fingerprinting fee is $66.05, and fingerprints are submitted directly to NJ DOBI for the criminal background review.
How much do insurance agents make in New Jersey?
New Jersey insurance agents earn a median salary of approximately $58,460 per year (BLS/NJ MyCareer data for SOC 41-3021). Average earnings reported by job sites range from $62,000 to $89,000 depending on experience and line of business. The Jersey City and Newark metro areas tend to pay the highest salaries due to proximity to New York City's financial services market. Top-performing agents with established client books can earn $110,000–$160,000+ annually through commissions and renewals.
Can I get a New Jersey insurance license if I already hold a license in another state?
Yes. New Jersey participates in the NAIC uniform licensing framework and grants non-resident licenses to producers from states with reciprocal agreements — which includes most U.S. states. Non-resident applicants apply through NIPR (nipr.com) and generally do not need to retake the NJ state exam if their home state has reciprocity with NJ. The non-resident license fee is $170 + $5.60 NIPR transaction fee for major lines.
Do I need a college degree to get a New Jersey insurance license?
No. There is no college degree requirement to obtain a New Jersey insurance producer license. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, complete the required 20 hours of pre-licensing education per line, pass the PSI state exam, and pass a fingerprint-based background check. Many successful NJ insurance agents come from diverse educational backgrounds — what matters most is passing your licensing exams and building strong client relationships.
How do I renew my New Jersey insurance license?
New Jersey insurance licenses are renewed every two years by the last day of your birth month. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of DOBI-approved continuing education (CE) before submitting your renewal application, including at least 3 hours of ethics. Life & Health producers who sell annuity products must also complete Annuity Best Interest training. Agents selling Long-Term Care insurance need an additional 4-hour LTC refresher each renewal period. Renew online through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon (sircon.com). The renewal fee is $170 for major lines plus the NIPR transaction fee.
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.