How to Get Your Washington State Insurance License (2026)
Washington eliminated mandatory pre-licensing education in July 2023. Compare 3 OIC-aligned exam prep courses, see PSI exam details, and get your WA insurance license fast.
Exam Prep Cost
$0 – $299
Time to License
2 – 6 weeks
Avg WA Salary
$63,000/yr
Required Hours
None required
Washington Has No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
Effective July 24, 2023, Washington OIC eliminated the pre-licensing hour requirement for insurance producers. You can study on your own schedule and go straight to the PSI exam. Prep courses are strongly recommended (first-time pass rates are ~55–65%) but completely optional.
Top 3 Washington Insurance Exam Prep Courses
1. Kaplan Financial EducationBest Value
Lowest price for WA exam prep at $139. Covers Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines with four tiers. Career Launcher tier includes business-building Insurance Accelerator tools.
From $139
exam prep only
2. ExamFXHigh Pass Rates
Three tiers for all WA lines (Self-Study, Video, Live Online). 94–99% pass rate claims across Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines. Online flashcards and exam simulations included.
From $169.95
3. Xcel SolutionsPass Guarantee
Two tiers (Standard $199 / Premier $299) for all WA lines. Premier tier includes the "Prepared to Pass Promise" — a full refund if you fail your first attempt. 800+ flashcards included.
From $199
Best Washington Insurance Exam Prep Courses
All 5 schools are Washington OIC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
eInsuranceTraining.com
Starting at
$89
- Exam Prep Only — WA eliminated pre-licensing requirement (July 23, 2023)
- Transparent about WA requirement change
- Both L&H and P&C exam prep available
Available Packages (4)
L&H Exam Prep Basic
- WA-specific practice exams
- Study guide
- 180-day access
Kaplan Financial Education
Best ValueStarting at
$139
- Lowest price: WA exam prep from $139
- 4 tiers: Basic · Essential · EssentialPlus · Career Launcher
- Covers Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines
- Career Launcher includes business-building Insurance Accelerator
Available Packages (10)
Life & Health — Basic
- WA Life & Health self-study online course
- QBank practice questions
- WA OIC exam-focused content
- PSI exam preparation
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- 94–99% pass rate across WA license lines
- Self-Study, Video, and Live Online tiers
- Online Exam Simulations + Readiness Exam
- WA-specific content for Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines
Available Packages (9)
Life & Health — Self-Study
- WA Life & Health interactive learning portal
- Online exam simulations + readiness exam
- Instructor & technical support
- WA OIC exam-focused content
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
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$199
- Two clear tiers: Standard $199 / Premier $299
- Premier includes "Prepared to Pass Promise" — full refund if you fail
- Covers Life & Health, P&C, and Personal Lines
- 800+ flashcards + Recorded Livestream Exam Review at Premier tier
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health — Standard
- WA Life & Health exam prep course
- Prep Review Course + Exam Simulator
- 3 exam simulators with unlimited retakes
- 30-day extended access
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Washington State Insurance License?
A Washington insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to legally sell insurance products in Washington. Since July 24, 2023, pre-licensing education is no longer required — you can go straight to the PSI exam after self-study. All resident applicants must pass a fingerprint-based background check through IDEMIA IdentoGO and apply via NIPR after passing.
Washington offers five primary lines of authority. The most common combinations are Life + Disability (Health) and Property + Casualty. Note that Washington officially calls the health line "Disability" per RCW 48.17.170 — Health, Disability, and Accident/Sickness all refer to the same line. Each line requires a separate PSI exam at $52 each.
Life + Disability
$52 per exam × 2
Life insurance, annuities, disability & health products
Property + Casualty
$52 per exam × 2
Auto, home, commercial & liability insurance
Personal Lines
$52 exam fee
Personal auto, homeowners & renters (non-commercial only)
How Much Do Washington Insurance Agents Earn?
WA State Median
$62,959/yr
Source: Salary.com, March 2026
Seattle / Bellevue Metro
$64,000–$72,000/yr
Tech-driven demand for life, disability & commercial lines
Commission Structure
Life & Disability 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
$38,000–$52,000
First 1–2 years
WA Median
$62,959
State median salary
Top Producers
$100,000–$150,000+
Seattle / commercial lines
Top WA Insurance Markets
Is a Washington Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Pre-Licensing Required: Since July 2023, Washington lets you skip straight to the PSI exam — saving weeks of mandatory coursework.
- + Online Exam Option: PSI offers remote proctoring — you can test from home without driving to a testing center.
- + Strong Market: Washington's tech economy drives high demand for life, disability, and commercial lines — especially in the Seattle/Bellevue corridor.
- + No State Income Tax: Washington has no personal income tax, so your commission income goes further.
👎 Cons
- - Exam Pass Rate ~55–65%: Without structured prep, many candidates fail on the first attempt — wasting the $52 exam fee and delaying licensure.
- - Fingerprinting Order Matters: You must apply for your license via NIPR before scheduling IdentoGO fingerprinting — a two-step process that trips up many applicants.
- - Each Line Is Separate: Unlike some states, Washington charges $52 per line — getting both Property and Casualty means two separate exams and fees.
How to Get Your Washington State Insurance License
Choose Your Line(s) of Authority
Decide which line(s) you want to sell: Life, Disability (Health), Property, Casualty, Personal Lines, or a combination. Most agents start with either a Life & Disability license or a Property & Casualty license (by passing both the Property and Casualty exams). You can add additional lines later. In Washington, each line is a separate PSI exam at $52 each.
Study for the PSI Exam (No Pre-Licensing Required)
Washington eliminated the mandatory pre-licensing hour requirement on July 24, 2023 — but the exam is still challenging with a ~55–65% first-time pass rate. The WA insurance exam tests both general insurance principles and Washington-specific laws under RCW Title 48. Most candidates spend 2–4 weeks using a prep course or self-study materials before sitting. Structured prep from Kaplan, ExamFX, or Xcel significantly increases your odds of passing on the first try.
Register and Pass the PSI State Exam
Schedule your exam through PSI online at candidate.psiexams.com or by calling 855-205-5825. Each line of authority is a separate 100-question exam with a 2.5-hour time limit. You must score 70% or higher to pass. The $52 exam fee is due at scheduling. Exams are available at 10 PSI test centers across Washington (Arlington, Bellevue, Ellensburg, Everett, Olympia, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima) and via online remote proctoring.
Submit Your License Application via NIPR
After passing the exam, apply for your license online through NIPR at nipr.com/licensing-center. The application fee is $60 per license (plus ~$5.60 NIPR transaction fee). You'll receive a confirmation email with your OIC or NIPR transaction number — save this, because you'll need it to schedule your fingerprint appointment. Do not skip this step before fingerprinting.
Complete Fingerprinting via IdentoGO (Residents Only)
After submitting your NIPR application and receiving your transaction number, schedule your e-fingerprinting appointment with IDEMIA IdentoGO at identogo.com or 888-771-5097. The fee is approximately $49.25, covering the Washington State Patrol processing fee and the PSI fingerprint fee. Your prints are sent electronically to the WSP for background check, which forwards results to the OIC. Non-resident applicants are exempt from fingerprinting.
Get Appointed by a Carrier and Start Selling
Once your license is active, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier or agency to legally sell their products in Washington. Carriers submit appointment requests electronically through NIPR or Sircon. Many new agents join established agencies or captive carrier programs (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) to get started. Independent agents contract with multiple carriers through an agency or IMO.
Washington Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid U.S. Social Security number
- No college degree required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check via IdentoGO (residents only)
- Non-residents with active home-state license may apply via NIPR — no WA exam required
- Certain felony convictions may affect eligibility — contact OIC at LicInfo@oic.wa.gov to confirm
Pre-Licensing Education
- 0 hours required as of July 24, 2023
- Prep courses strongly recommended (55–65% first-time pass rate)
- Self-study is free; structured prep courses from $139
- Covers general insurance principles + WA-specific RCW Title 48 law
Exam Requirements
- PSI Exams — online or in-person at 10 WA test centers
- 100 questions per line · 2 hours 30 minutes · 70% to pass
- Exam fee: $52 per line of authority, per attempt
- Unlimited retakes; full $52 fee applies each attempt
- Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com or call 855-205-5825
Application & Licensing
- Apply via NIPR (nipr.com/licensing-center) after passing
- $60 state license application fee + ~$5.60 NIPR transaction fee
- Submit NIPR application before scheduling IdentoGO fingerprinting
- Fingerprinting ~$49.25 via IdentoGO (residents only)
- 24 CE hours every 2 years to renew (incl. 3 hrs ethics)
Washington Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Washington insurance license in 2026:
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Prep Course | $0–$299 | Optional |
| PSI Exam Fee (Per Line) | $52 | Required |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | ~$49.25 | Required* |
| License Application (NIPR) | $60 + ~$5.60 | Required |
| Estimated Total | $161–$461 |
* Non-resident applicants are exempt from fingerprinting. All state and government fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider.
The Washington PSI Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Exam Format (All Lines)
- Questions: 100 questions per line of authority
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes)
- Passing score: 70% or higher
- Fee: $52 per line per attempt
- Results: Displayed on screen immediately after completing
Delivery Options
- In-person: 10 PSI test centers in WA (Arlington, Bellevue, Ellensburg, Everett, Olympia, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima)
- Online proctoring: Available — laptop/desktop required; no phones or tablets
- Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com or call 855-205-5825
General Exam Topics
- Insurance concepts, principles & policy provisions
- Types of policies and coverage
- Underwriting principles
- Claims procedures
- Agent duties and ethical obligations
- Federal insurance regulations
- Life, health/disability, property & casualty products
WA State-Specific Topics
- Washington insurance laws (RCW Title 48)
- OIC rules and regulations
- "Disability" line of authority (RCW 48.17.170)
- Washington-specific policy requirements
- State consumer protection laws
- Market conduct & replacement rules
- WA licensing and appointment requirements
💡 PSI Exam Tips for Washington
Since pre-licensing education was eliminated in July 2023, many candidates now sit for the WA exam underprepared. The exam covers Washington-specific insurance law under RCW Title 48 in addition to general insurance principles. A structured prep course covering WA-specific insurance code dramatically improves first-attempt pass rates. Unlimited retakes are allowed, but each attempt requires paying the full $52 exam fee again.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Washington Insurance License?
2 – 3 weeks
Fast Track
Intensive study, 4–6 hrs/day; quick scheduling
3 – 5 weeks
Part-time
Evenings and weekends, 1–2 hrs/day
5 – 10 weeks
Casual Pace
A few hours per week; allow extra time for fingerprint scheduling
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your line(s) of authority | 1 day |
| 2 | Study for the PSI exam (prep course recommended — not required) | 2–4 weeks |
| 3 | Schedule & pass PSI exam (online or in-person) | 1–2 weeks |
| 4 | Submit license application via NIPR — get your transaction number | 1–2 days |
| 5 | Schedule & complete IdentoGO fingerprinting (residents only) | 3–7 days |
| 6 | OIC reviews application and issues license | 1–2 weeks |
Note: Fingerprinting cannot be scheduled until after you submit your NIPR application and receive your transaction number. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Washington state?
Total costs typically range from $161 to $461 depending on how many lines of authority you pursue and whether you take a prep course. The main costs are: PSI exam fee ($52 per line of authority), fingerprinting/background check ($49.25 via IdentoGO), and license application fee ($60 via NIPR + ~$5.60 transaction fee). If you pursue both Property and Casualty licenses separately, you'd pay $52 for each exam. An optional prep course can add $0–$299 depending on the provider. Washington is one of the more straightforward states to get licensed in — no mandatory education hours means your main investment is exam prep and fees.
How long does it take to get a Washington state insurance license?
Most people complete the process in 2–6 weeks. Since Washington eliminated mandatory pre-licensing education in July 2023, there's no required course to complete before taking the exam. Your main timeline factors are: how long you spend studying, PSI exam scheduling (often available within days), getting your OIC/NIPR transaction number to schedule IdentoGO fingerprinting, and background check processing time. Studying 1–2 hours/day, most candidates get licensed in 3–5 weeks. Full-time study can get you there in 2–3 weeks.
Does Washington state require pre-licensing education for an insurance license?
No — Washington eliminated the mandatory pre-licensing education requirement effective July 24, 2023. You can now schedule and sit for the PSI insurance licensing exam without completing a formal course. That said, virtually every industry professional strongly recommends completing a prep course before attempting the exam. The WA insurance exam has a first-time pass rate of around 55–65%, and the test covers both general insurance principles and Washington-specific laws under RCW Title 48. Skipping a prep course significantly increases your risk of failing — and you pay the full $52 exam fee again for every retake.
Who administers the Washington state insurance licensing exam?
Washington uses PSI Exams as its official insurance licensing exam provider. You can schedule your exam online at candidate.psiexams.com or by calling PSI at 855-205-5825. Exams are available at 10 PSI test centers across the state (in Arlington, Bellevue, Ellensburg, Everett, Olympia, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Yakima) and via online remote proctoring for qualifying candidates. Each line of authority (Life, Disability, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines) is a separate 100-question exam costing $52, with a 2.5-hour time limit and a 70% passing score.
Do I need to get fingerprinted for a Washington insurance license?
Yes — if you are applying as a Washington resident. All resident individual producer applicants must submit electronic fingerprints via IDEMIA IdentoGO. The total fingerprinting fee is approximately $49.25, which covers the Washington State Patrol background check processing fee and the PSI fingerprint processing fee. Important: you must submit your license application through NIPR first and receive your transaction number before you can schedule a fingerprint appointment. Non-resident applicants are NOT required to fingerprint. Schedule your IdentoGO appointment at identogo.com or by calling 888-771-5097.
What types of insurance licenses can I get in Washington state?
Washington offers five primary lines of authority for insurance producers: Life, Disability (Health), Property, Casualty, and Personal Lines. Note that Washington officially calls the health insurance line "Disability" — Health, Disability, and Accident/Sickness all refer to the same line per RCW 48.17.170. Each line requires its own separate PSI exam ($52 each). Most agents start with either a Life & Disability combination or a Property & Casualty combination. Personal Lines is a subset of P&C restricted to personal (non-commercial) products. You can hold multiple lines and add new ones later by passing additional exams.
How much do insurance agents make in Washington state?
Washington insurance agents earn an average of $62,000–$68,000 per year in base salary, with experienced agents and top performers earning $100,000–$150,000+. Entry-level agents typically start at $38,000–$52,000. The Seattle/Bellevue metro area tends to pay the highest salaries, driven by the tech industry's demand for group benefits and executive compensation products. According to Salary.com (March 2026), the median base salary for WA insurance agents is approximately $62,959. Glassdoor data, which includes commission income, shows total compensation averaging over $120,000 — reflecting the significant earning potential from renewal commissions and performance bonuses.
How do I renew my Washington state insurance license?
Washington insurance licenses must be renewed every two years through NIPR at nipr.com/licensing-center. To renew on time, you must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) credits, including at least 3 hours of ethics. The on-time renewal fee is $55. You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires. If your license expires, you have a 60-day grace period to renew with a late fee ($82.50 for 1–30 days late; $110 for 31–60 days late). After 60 days, reinstatement is required (up to 12 months after expiration) at $165. CE credits cannot be carried over from one renewal period to the next. OIC sends email reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration.
Can I take the Washington insurance exam online from home?
Yes — PSI offers online remote proctoring for Washington insurance licensing exams. You'll need a laptop or desktop computer (no smartphones or tablets allowed). Online proctoring requires a stable internet connection, webcam, and a private, quiet environment. You can also take the exam in person at any of the 10 PSI test centers located across Washington state in Arlington, Bellevue, Ellensburg, Everett, Olympia, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Yakima. Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com or call 855-205-5825.
What is the difference between a "Life" and "Disability" license in Washington?
In Washington state, Life and Disability are two separate lines of authority that each require their own PSI exam ($52 each). The Life line covers life insurance policies and fixed annuity products. The Disability line — which Washington officially calls "Disability" per RCW 48.17.170 — covers health, disability, and accident/sickness insurance products. The terms Health, Disability, and Accident/Sickness are interchangeable under Washington law. Many agents pursue both lines together (commonly called a "Life & Health" or "Life & Disability" license) by passing two separate exams. There is no combined exam — each line is tested and licensed independently.
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.