Hawaii insurance exam score and passing standard
Last updated
To pass a Hawaii producer exam you need a score of 70. Pearson VUE's Hawaii candidate handbook lists the required score as 70 for resident producers and 70 for nonresident producers, if applicable. [1] That 70 is a scaled score, not a percent correct. This page explains how scoring works, what you see afterward, retake waits and how long a passing score stays valid, using the handbook, the content outlines and Hawaii law.
How many questions count
Hawaii gives separate Life and Accident and Health exams. Each has a general part and a Hawaii part. [2]
| Exam | General part | Hawaii part | Scored total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life | 50 scoreable plus 5 pretest | 35 scoreable plus 6 pretest | 85 |
| Accident and Health | 50 scoreable plus 5 pretest | 35 scoreable plus 5 pretest | 85 |
The handbook says pretest questions "are mixed in with the scored questions and are not identified, nor do they affect the candidate's score." [1] The handbook's time tables list 75 minutes for the general part and 45 minutes for the state part of each exam. [1]
Why 70 is not a percentage
The handbook explains, "Raw scores are converted into scaled scores." It adds that the scaled score you see "is neither the number of questions you answered correctly nor the percentage of questions you answered correctly." With a passing score of 70, a score below 70 shows how close the candidate came to passing. [1] So you cannot turn 70 into a fixed number of correct answers. The safest plan is to be strong in both parts.
Your score report
When you finish, you get a score report marked "pass" or "fail." [1] A candidate who fails receives a numeric score and diagnostic information on the general portion of the exam. [1] Use that diagnostic information to choose what to restudy.
Retake waits
The handbook sets different waits by how you test: [1]
- Test center: after each failing result, you must wait 24 hours to retest for that exam at a test center.
- OnVUE (online): after a first failing result online, you must wait two weeks to retest online. After any further failed online attempt, the wait is four weeks.
Hawaii law also lets the commissioner require a waiting period of not more than six months before giving a new exam to someone who has failed two previous, similar exams. [3]
How long a passing score lasts
Hawaii law says, "An applicant's examination scores shall be valid for two years from the date of the examination." [4] To be licensed, an applicant must have passed the applicable exam within the two years immediately before the license is issued. [5] Plan to apply well within that window.
Before you book
The handbook says "The Hawaii Insurance Division does not require a specific program of pre-licensing education, or otherwise pre-screen examination candidates." Applicants must be at least eighteen years old. [1] Candidates must make an online reservation at least 24 hours before the desired exam date, and walk-in exams are not available. [1] Fees and booking steps are on our Hawaii insurance exam page.
FAQ
Is the passing score the same for both exams?
The handbook lists a required score of 70 for each examination. [1]
Do pretest questions count?
No. They are not identified and do not affect your score. [1]
How soon can I retest at a test center?
After a 24 hour wait. [1]
How long is a passing score good for?
Two years from the exam date. [4]
Practice with the free Hawaii life practice test or the Hawaii accident and health practice test.
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with Pearson VUE or the state.
Sources
Laws and exam documents quoted as of October 2026.
- Pearson VUE, Hawaii candidate handbook 121200 (January 2026): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/121200.pdf
- Pearson VUE, Hawaii content outlines 121201 (effective January 1, 2026): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/121201.pdf
- HRS 431:9A-120: https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol09_Ch0431-0435H/HRS0431/HRS_0431-0009A-0120.htm
- HRS 431:9A-105: https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol09_Ch0431-0435H/HRS0431/HRS_0431-0009A-0105.htm
- HRS 431:9A-106: https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol09_Ch0431-0435H/HRS0431/HRS_0431-0009A-0106.htm