North Carolina Insurance Pre-Licensing FAQs
NOTE: Unless indicated otherwise, the information below pertains to both the Life Insurance and Accident and Health Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses.
Who is required to take these courses?
Effective October 1, 2025, pre-licensure education is no longer required but still strongly recommended for anyone wishing to obtain a North Carolina Life Insurance license or Health (Accident and Health or Sickness) Insurance license.
Successfully completing the course involves going through 20 hours of the material and passing the final exam with at least a 70% score. Note that the 20-hour requirement is a minimum — you can always spend more time in the course, and most do to successfully prepare for the state examination.
Are there exemptions to taking these courses?
Yes, all licensing candidates are exempt from completing the pre-license course. However, the exam provider strongly recommends taking a training course to help give applicants a better chance of passing.
Why should I take a pre-license course?
Industry professionals and exam prep providers consistently recommend completing a structured study course before taking the exam.
The licensing exam is challenging, with a pass rate even among those who study averaging 50% to 70%. Some sources estimate that the pass rate for candidates who do not prepare at all drops to around 10%.
Our guided course is based on the exam's official outline, which helps students focus on the information they are likely to see on test day rather than trying to figure out what to review themselves.
How do I make a reservation for my state examination?
Candidates may make their reservation online by visiting the Pearson VUE website. Candidates must make a reservation at least 24 hours before the desired examination date. Candidates who wish to change or cancel their appointment must do so at least 48 hours before the examination.
Candidates who change or cancel a reservation with proper notice may either transfer the fee to a new reservation or request a refund. Candidates who change or cancel a reservation without proper notice will forfeit the examination fee.
How long are the life and health insurance exams?
Both exams include 55 multiple-choice questions plus five pretest questions that don't relate to your score.
How many times can you retake the insurance exam?
You may retake the exam as many times as needed. If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before scheduling another appointment.