How hard is the Pennsylvania life insurance exam?
Last updated
Whether the Pennsylvania Life exam (Series 16-01) feels hard comes down to preparation. PSI publishes exactly what the exam looks like. Here are the facts that shape it, and what each one means for how you study.
Fact 1: 100 scored items in 120 minutes
The Life outline is headed "100 Items - 120 Minutes." [1] PSI may also include a small number (5 to 10) of experimental questions that are not scored, and the time for them is included in the exam time. [2] Method: 120 minutes divided by up to 110 questions is about 65 seconds a question. Pace matters, but there is room to read each question carefully.
Fact 2: you need 70%
The bulletin says: "In order to pass the examination, you must achieve a minimum score of 70 %." [2]
Fact 3: three sections are more than half the exam
PSI weights each section by percentage: [1]
| Section | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1.0 Insurance Regulation | 14% |
| 2.0 General Insurance Concepts | 10% |
| 3.0 Life Insurance Basics | 20% |
| 4.0 Types of Life Insurance Policies | 17% |
| 5.0 Life Insurance Policy Provisions, Options, and Riders | 22% |
| 6.0 Annuities | 12% |
| 7.0 Federal Tax Considerations for Life Insurance | 5% |
Provisions, options and riders (22%), life insurance basics (20%) and policy types (17%) add up to 59%. [1] These are the sections to master first.
Fact 4: Pennsylvania law is mixed in
PSI's Pennsylvania outlines have no separate state portion. Pennsylvania statutes and regulations are cited inside 1.0 Insurance Regulation and inside the product sections. [1] There is no separate state portion to pass on its own.
Fact 5: unscored questions look like scored ones
The experimental questions are not marked, so treat every question as if it counts. [2]
Fact 6: a fail comes with a map
Your score is reported at the end of the exam. A failing score report includes a diagnostic report of your strengths and weaknesses. [2] "There is no limit to the number of times you may take an examination if you fail." [2] You cannot book a new appointment on the same day you tested, because of score processing. [2] The Life exam fee is $45, and exam fees are not refundable or transferable. [2]
Helpful facts for test day
- The tutorial before the exam does not use your exam time: "The time you spend on this tutorial, up to 15 minutes, DOES NOT count as part of your examination time." [2]
- If English is not your primary language, the bulletin describes how to request time and one-half, with a letter from an English instructor or a sponsoring company. [2]
So, how hard is it?
By the numbers, the challenge is breadth at a 70% bar: seven sections, Pennsylvania rules spread through them, and one combined score. A plan that follows PSI's weights is the most direct way to prepare.
How to prepare
- Study by weight. Start with provisions and riders, basics and policy types (59% together). [1] Our Pennsylvania life exam outline guide lists every topic.
- Do not skip regulation. At 14%, it covers licensing, renewal, continuing education and discipline under Pennsylvania law. [1] Try the free Pennsylvania insurance law practice test.
- Practice at pace. Take the free Pennsylvania life insurance practice test and review every miss.
FAQ
How many questions are on the PA life insurance exam?
100 scored items, plus possibly 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions. [1] [2]
How long is the PA life insurance exam?
120 minutes. [1]
What is the passing score?
A minimum score of 70%. [2]
Is Pennsylvania law a separate part of the exam?
No. It is tested inside the sections. [1]
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with PSI or the state.
Sources
Laws and exam documents quoted as of October 2026.
- PSI, Pennsylvania Life outline, Series 16-01 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-01xx.pdf
- PSI, Pennsylvania Insurance Department candidate information bulletin (effective 1/22/2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/7282