California insurance license: the 12-hour course, PSI exam and fees
Last checked October 17, 2026 · Sources: California Department of Insurance (CDI) and its Ethics and California Insurance Code objectives; AB 943 and exam details as summarized by approved prep providers citing CDI. Many guides still show the old 20-hour rule, so confirm with CDI.
California cut its pre-licensing requirement on January 1, 2026. Under Assembly Bill 943, the old 20 hours per line of authority is gone; what remains is a one-time 12-hour course on ethics and the California Insurance Code, which providers say must be finished before your license is issued. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) licenses producers, PSI runs the exams, producer exams pass at 60%, and CDI’s application fee is $188.
What changed in 2026
| Before 2026 | From January 1, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Line-specific pre-licensing | 20 hours per line (e.g. 40 for life plus accident and health) | Not required |
| Ethics and California Insurance Code | 12 hours | 12 hours, still required (includes anti-fraud training) |
| When the 12 hours is due | Before the exam | Before your license is issued, per providers; it can be before or after the exam |
As summarized by prep providers citing CDI’s FAQ on AB 943.
The California insurance exam
PSI Services is CDI’s exam vendor, with exams at PSI centers around the state and at CDI’s own examination site in Los Angeles. Producer exams, including Life-Only, Accident and Health, and Property and Casualty, require 60% to pass, which is lower than the 70% most states use. Prep providers describe the combined Life, Accident and Health exam as 150 questions. Results come at the end of the exam; providers report that you only see a percentage if you fail.
Exam fees are quoted differently across sources, combining a CDI exam fee and a PSI convenience fee, so check the current amount when you book with PSI.
How to get a California insurance license
Take the 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code course from an approved provider. It includes anti-fraud training, and one course covers every line you apply for.
Register with PSI. Your name must exactly match your government photo ID throughout the process. You need 60% to pass.
Apply through Sircon or NIPR and pay CDI's $188 application fee.
Get Live Scan fingerprints, but don't submit them until CDI has received your application.
What a California insurance license costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 12-hour Ethics and Code course | Varies by provider |
| PSI exam (CDI fee plus PSI fee) | Check PSI when booking; sources differ |
| CDI license application | $188 |
| Live Scan fingerprints | Varies by Live Scan site |
Application fee as reported from CDI’s fee schedule; other costs vary. Confirm current amounts with CDI and PSI.
Moving to California with a license
Providers citing CDI rules say licensed agents in good standing who move to California are generally exempt from the exam when applying for a resident license, but still have to complete the 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code course before the license can be issued.
Common questions about the California insurance license
Do I still need 20 hours per line?
Not since January 1, 2026. AB 943 repealed the line-specific hours. You still need the 12-hour ethics and code course, and studying for the exam is still wise.
What is the passing score for the California insurance exam?
60% for producer exams, according to providers citing CDI.
Who runs the California insurance exam?
PSI, on behalf of the California Department of Insurance.
How much is the California license application?
$188 for most producer license types, as reported from CDI’s fee schedule.
Can I take the exam before the 12-hour course?
Providers say yes: it must be complete before your license is issued, not before you sit the exam.
See our Insurance Licensing guide, and compare with Texas and Florida. We first checked these sources on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 17, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with CDI or PSI.