How to Get Your Virginia Insurance License in 2026
Virginia requires no mandatory pre-licensing education for Life, Health, or P&C licenses. Compare 4 SCC-approved exam prep courses, learn the Prometric exam details, and get your VA insurance license fast.
Exam Prep Cost
$100 – $400
Time to License
2 – 6 weeks
Avg VA Salary
$70,000/yr
Required Hours
None required
Virginia Has No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education (Most Lines)
Virginia does not require any pre-licensing hours for Life, Health, Property & Casualty, or Personal Lines licenses. You can study on your own schedule and go straight to the Prometric exam. Prep courses are strongly recommended — the exam has a ~50–60% first-time pass rate — but they are completely optional. Exception: Title Insurance Agent requires 16 pre-licensing hours.
Top 3 Virginia Insurance Exam Prep Courses
1. WebCEBest Budget
Lowest price for VA exam prep at $109.95. Covers Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines for the Prometric exam. Plus tier at $159.95 adds enhanced study tools. No mandatory hours to fulfill — pure exam prep.
From $109.95
exam prep only
2. ExamFXPass Guarantee
Three tiers for all VA lines (Self-Study, Video, Live Online). Readiness Exam guarantee — score 80%+ on their practice exam and fail the state exam within 3 days, get a refund. 94–99% pass rate claim. Covers L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines.
From $169.95
3. Kaplan Financial Education
Four tiers ($139–$349) including a Live & OnDemand instructor option. Career Launcher tier includes the Insurance Accelerator business-building course. Most comprehensive VA course library available.
From $139
Best Virginia Insurance Exam Prep Courses
All 5 schools are Virginia SCC Bureau of Insurance-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
WebCE
Best BudgetStarting at
$109.95
- Lowest price: VA exam prep from $109.95
- VA-specific Prometric exam prep content
- Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines tracks
- 94% pass rate — covers VA Title 38.2 regulations
- Exam Prep Only -- does not satisfy state pre-licensing requirement
Available Packages (6)
VA Life, Annuities & Health — Exam Prep Complete (40 hrs)
- VA Life, Annuities & Health combined exam prep (40 hrs)
- Practice exams included
- VA state-specific content (Title 38.2)
- Covers all Prometric exam topics
Kaplan Financial Education
Starting at
$139
- Four tiers: Basic $139 through Career Launcher $349
- Live & OnDemand instructor sessions available
- Career Launcher includes business-building tools
- LA&H, P&C, and Personal Lines tracks
Available Packages (8)
Life & Health — Basic
- VA Life & Health exam prep (online course or print book)
- QBank practice questions
- Core VA exam content coverage
- Prometric exam-focused materials
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- 94–99% pass rate with Readiness Exam guarantee
- Three tiers: Self-Study, Video Study, Live Online
- Same pricing across all VA license lines
- Weekly live webinars for Live Online package
Available Packages (9)
Life & Health — Self-Study
- VA Life & Health exam prep
- Online self-study materials
- Practice questions and simulated exams
- VA state-specific content (Title 38.2)
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- Exam prep provider -- no mandatory prelicensing hours required in this state
- 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
- Two clear tiers: Standard $199 / Premier $299
- All 3 VA tracks: L&H, P&C, Personal Lines
- Premier includes "Prepared to Pass Promise" guarantee
- Recorded Livestream Exam Review on Premier
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health — Standard
- VA Life & Health exam prep
- Unlimited practice exams + flashcards
- VA state-specific content (Title 38.2)
- Online self-study format
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Virginia Insurance License?
A Virginia insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) — Bureau of Insurance to legally sell insurance products in Virginia. Unlike most states, Virginia does not require pre-licensing education hours for most license types — you can go straight to the Prometric exam. All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based background check through Fieldprint Virginia and apply via NIPR or Sircon after passing.
Virginia uses Prometric as its exclusive exam provider — not PSI or Pearson VUE. All major insurance licensing exams cost a flat $35 per attempt, making Virginia one of the most affordable licensing states in the country. License types are called "qualifications" in Virginia.
Life & Annuities / Health
$35 exam fee — 90 questions
Life, annuities, health & disability insurance
Property & Casualty
$35 exam fee — 135 questions
Auto, home, commercial & liability insurance
Life, Annuities & Health (Combined)
$35 exam fee — 140 questions
Most efficient path for life & health agents
How Much Do Virginia Insurance Agents Earn?
VA State Average
$68K–$74K/yr
Source: Salary.com / Indeed, 2025
Northern Virginia / DC Metro
$80K–$95K/yr
16%+ above VA state average (ZipRecruiter, 2025)
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: 5–20% of premium
- • Renewal commission: 8–12% of premium
- Example: $2,000/yr auto at 12% = $240/policy
Salary Range by Career Stage
Entry Level
$40,000–$52,000
First 1–2 years
VA State Average
$68,000–$74,000
State median salary
Top Producers
$100,000–$150,000+
NoVA & commercial lines
Top VA Insurance Markets
Is a Virginia Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Pre-Licensing Required (Most Lines): Skip mandatory coursework and go straight to exam prep — saving time and money versus most states.
- + Lowest Exam Fee in the Country: Virginia's flat $35 Prometric exam fee for all major lines is one of the lowest in the U.S.
- + Northern Virginia Premium Market: Proximity to the Washington D.C. metro creates massive demand for commercial lines, group health, and executive benefits — with salaries to match.
- + Full Reciprocity: Virginia has reciprocity with all 50 states and DC, making it easy to expand your license footprint.
👎 Cons
- - Exam Pass Rate ~50–60%: No mandatory prep hours means many candidates arrive underprepared — failing wastes the $35 exam fee and time.
- - Prometric (Unique Vendor): Virginia uses Prometric — not the more widely known PSI or Pearson VUE — which can cause confusion when scheduling.
- - Slow Background Review (If Flagged): Applications with criminal history flags can take 30–60 business days to process through the SCC Bureau of Insurance.
How to Get Your Virginia Insurance License
Choose Your License Type (Line of Authority)
Decide which line(s) of authority you need. Most new agents choose either a Life & Annuities / Health license OR a Property & Casualty license. Virginia calls these "qualifications." The P&C qualification automatically includes all Personal Lines classes. You can hold multiple qualifications and add lines later by passing additional exams. Variable Contracts requires a Life license plus FINRA registration.
Study for the Exam (No Pre-Licensing Required)
Virginia does NOT require pre-licensing education hours for most license types (Title is the only exception). However, the Prometric exam has a roughly 50–60% first-time pass rate. Most candidates spend 2–4 weeks with a prep course before sitting for the exam. Quality courses from WebCE, ExamFX, Kaplan, or Xcel that cover Virginia's Title 38.2 regulations significantly increase your first-attempt pass rate.
Pass the Prometric Virginia Insurance Exam
Register at www.prometric.com/virginia/insurance or call 1-866-891-6396. All major exams cost $35 — a flat fee regardless of license type. Life & Annuities and Health exams are 90 questions (120 minutes). The combined Life/Annuities/Health exam is 140 questions (150 minutes). The P&C exam is 135 questions (150 minutes). Passing score is 70% or higher. Available at Prometric test centers statewide and via online proctoring.
Complete Fingerprinting via Fieldprint Virginia
Schedule your fingerprint appointment at fieldprintvirginia.com. The fee is $35.72, which covers both Virginia State Police and FBI processing. Fingerprints are electronically transmitted — no physical card submission needed. You can schedule your Fieldprint appointment before or after passing the Prometric exam. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1033), certain felony convictions involving dishonesty or breach of trust may disqualify applicants.
Submit Your License Application via NIPR or Sircon
Apply online through NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon (sircon.com/virginia) after passing your exam. The application fee is $15 per line of authority. Applications are processed by the Virginia SCC Bureau of Insurance. Standard applications process quickly; applications with criminal history flags can take 30–60 business days.
Secure an Appointment with an Insurance Carrier
To legally sell insurance in Virginia, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier or agency. Virginia allows "just-in-time" (JIT) appointments — you can begin soliciting for a carrier before the official appointment is filed, as long as the carrier files within 30 days of accepting your first application. Many agents join established agencies or captive carrier programs to launch their careers.
Virginia Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number or National Producer Number (NPN)
- No college degree required
- Must pass Fieldprint Virginia fingerprint-based background check (VSP + FBI)
- Non-residents with an active home-state license may apply for VA non-resident license (reciprocity with all states)
- Certain felony convictions (dishonesty/breach of trust) are disqualifying under 18 U.S.C. § 1033
Pre-Licensing Education
- Life, Health, P&C, Personal Lines: 0 hours required
- Title Insurance Agent: 16 hours of approved pre-licensing study required
- Prep courses strongly recommended (~50–60% first-time pass rate)
- Online self-paced courses available from $109.95 (WebCE)
Exam Requirements
- Prometric exam (in-person or online proctored)
- Life & Annuities / Health: 90 questions · 120 minutes · $35
- Life, Annuities & Health (combined): 140 questions · 150 minutes · $35
- Property & Casualty: 135 questions · 150 minutes · $35
- 70% passing score required for all exams
- Schedule at prometric.com/virginia/insurance or call 1-866-891-6396
Application & Licensing
- Apply via NIPR (nipr.com) or Sircon (sircon.com/virginia)
- $15 per line of authority (qualification)
- Fieldprint Virginia fingerprinting: $35.72
- SCC Bureau of Insurance reviews and issues license
- 24 CE hours every 2 years to renew (incl. 3 hrs ethics)
Virginia Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Virginia insurance license in 2026:
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Prep Course | $100–$400 | Optional |
| Prometric Exam Fee | $35 | Required |
| Fingerprinting (Fieldprint Virginia) | $35.72 | Required |
| License Application Fee (NIPR/Sircon) | $15–$30 | Required |
| Estimated Total | $186–$501 |
All state and government fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Fingerprinting required for all first-time applicants regardless of license type.
The Virginia Prometric Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Life & Annuities / Health Exam
- Questions: 90 (each exam separately)
- Time limit: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $35 per attempt
- Combined L/A&H: 140 questions · 150 minutes · $35
Property & Casualty Exam
- Questions: 135
- Time limit: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $35 per attempt
- Includes: All Personal Lines classes of insurance
General Exam Topics
- Insurance concepts, principles, and policy provisions
- Types of policies and coverage
- Policy riders and endorsements
- Underwriting principles
- Claims procedures
- Ethics and agent responsibilities
- Federal insurance laws and regulations
VA State-Specific Topics
- Virginia Code Title 38.2 (Insurance)
- SCC Bureau of Insurance rules and regulations
- Virginia-specific policy requirements
- State consumer protection laws
- Replacement and suitability rules
- Virginia market conduct requirements
- Appointment and licensing procedures
💡 Prometric Exam Tips for Virginia
You receive your score report immediately after completing the exam, showing section-by-section performance. If you fail, there is no mandatory waiting period — you can reschedule immediately, but each retake requires a new $35 fee. Online proctored exams are available as an alternative to in-person testing centers. Virginia's lack of mandatory pre-licensing hours means the exam tests whether you studied Virginia-specific Title 38.2 content on your own — prep courses that include VA state law modules are essential.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Virginia Insurance License?
2 – 3 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hrs/day; quick scheduling
3 – 5 weeks
Part-time
Evenings and weekends, 1–2 hrs/day
5 – 8 weeks
Casual Pace
A few hours per week
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your license type (line of authority) | 1 day |
| 2 | Study for the exam (no course required — prep strongly recommended) | 2–4 weeks |
| 3 | Schedule Fieldprint Virginia fingerprinting (can run concurrently) | 1 week |
| 4 | Schedule & pass Prometric exam | 1–2 weeks |
| 5 | Submit license application via NIPR or Sircon | 1–3 days |
| 6 | SCC Bureau of Insurance reviews and issues license | 1–60 business days |
Fieldprint fingerprinting can be done in parallel while studying to save time. Virginia's lack of mandatory pre-licensing hours means the total timeline is primarily driven by your study pace and Prometric exam availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Virginia?
Total costs typically range from $186 to $501, depending on whether you take a prep course and how many lines of authority you're seeking. The breakdown: prep course ($100–$400, recommended but not required), Prometric exam fee ($35, flat for all major exams), Fieldprint fingerprinting/background check ($35.72), and NIPR/Sircon application fee ($15 per line of authority). Virginia's flat $35 exam fee for all lines makes it one of the more affordable states to get licensed in — and there are no mandatory pre-licensing hour requirements (except for Title).
How long does it take to get a Virginia insurance license?
Most people complete the process in 2–6 weeks. Since Virginia doesn't require mandatory pre-licensing hours for most license types, you can move directly to exam prep and scheduling. The main time factors are how long you spend studying, Fieldprint appointment availability, and Prometric exam scheduling (usually within a few days). Once you pass the exam, NIPR/Sircon applications typically process quickly unless a criminal history review is triggered (which can take 30–60 business days).
Does Virginia require pre-licensing education to get an insurance license?
No — for most insurance lines (Life, Health, Property & Casualty, Personal Lines, Variable Contracts), Virginia does NOT require any pre-licensing education hours. The only exception is the Title Insurance Agent license, which requires 16 hours of approved study before taking the exam. That said, most industry professionals strongly recommend completing a prep course for any line, since the Prometric exam has a roughly 50–60% first-attempt pass rate. A structured course covering Virginia's Title 38.2 regulations is still your best investment.
Who administers the Virginia insurance licensing exam?
Virginia uses Prometric to administer all insurance licensing exams — not PSI or Pearson VUE. Schedule your exam at www.prometric.com/virginia/insurance or call 1-866-891-6396. Exams are available at Prometric test centers across Virginia and via online remote proctoring. All major exams cost $35 — making Virginia one of the lowest-cost exam states in the country.
What types of insurance licenses can I get in Virginia?
Virginia offers the following lines of authority (called 'qualifications'): Life & Annuities, Health, Life/Annuities/Health (combined), Property & Casualty (which includes Personal Lines), Personal Lines, Variable Contracts, Title, and several limited lines. Most agents start with either a Life & Health license or a Property & Casualty license. You can hold multiple qualifications and add lines later by passing additional exams. P&C in Virginia automatically covers all Personal Lines classes of insurance.
Is fingerprinting required for a Virginia insurance license?
Yes — Virginia requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check for all new individual insurance license applicants. The state's approved vendor is Fieldprint Virginia (fieldprintvirginia.com). The total fee is $35.72, which covers both Virginia State Police and FBI processing. Fingerprints are submitted electronically. You can schedule your Fieldprint appointment before or after passing the Prometric exam, but your license won't be issued until the background check clears. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1033), certain felony convictions involving dishonesty may disqualify applicants.
How much do insurance agents make in Virginia?
Virginia insurance agents earn an average of $68,000–$74,000 per year, with experienced agents and top performers earning $100,000–$150,000+. Entry-level agents typically start at $40,000–$52,000. Northern Virginia / DC metro agents earn the highest salaries — 16%+ above the state average due to the region's concentration of federal contractors, corporations, and high-income households. Richmond and Virginia Beach are also strong markets. Income varies widely depending on license type, whether you work as a captive agent or independent broker, and your client base.
Can I get a Virginia insurance license if I already have a license in another state?
Yes — Virginia has reciprocity with all U.S. states and territories. If you hold an active insurance producer license in your home state, you can apply for a Virginia non-resident license without retaking the Virginia exam. Apply through NIPR (nipr.com) and pay the $15 per line of authority fee. The only exception is the Title Insurance Agent license — Florida and Pennsylvania residents must still pass the Virginia Title exam. Non-resident agents are also generally exempt from Virginia's CE requirements if their home state has substantially similar requirements.
What is the passing score for the Virginia Prometric insurance exam?
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass any Virginia insurance licensing exam. The Life & Annuities and Health exams each have 90 questions with a 120-minute time limit. The combined Life, Annuities & Health exam has 140 questions with a 150-minute limit. The Property & Casualty exam has 135 questions with a 150-minute limit. You receive a score report immediately after completing the exam showing section-by-section performance. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt requires the full $35 exam fee.
What are the renewal requirements for a Virginia insurance license?
Virginia insurance licenses must be renewed every 2 years (biennial). To renew, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period, including at least 3 hours of ethics. The renewal fee is $10 per line of authority. Agents holding two or more license types must complete 24 CE hours with a minimum of 8 credit hours applicable to each license type held. Track your CE transcript and renew through Sircon (sircon.com/virginia). Non-residents are exempt from Virginia CE if their home state has substantially similar requirements.
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.