How long does it take to get an insurance license in Pennsylvania?
Last updated
Neither the Pennsylvania Insurance Department nor PSI publishes a processing time for a new producer license. [1][2] What they do publish is the order of the steps, a few hard deadlines, and the places where people lose time. This page lays those out so you can move through each step without a wait you could have avoided.
The steps, in order
The Insurance Department's page lists the process in this order: Before You Apply, Eligibility, Examination, What to Bring to Your Exam, Applying for Your License, Fingerprinting, Check Your License Status, and Print Your License. [1]
1. Check eligibility first (optional review)
Some convictions and circumstances can lead to a denied application. If you have a criminal record, the Department offers an optional Pre-Licensing Review. It shows how your situation may affect an application before you spend money on exams. [1] Doing this early can save time and fees.
2. Book and pass the PSI exam
- Schedule through PSI online or at 1-888-818-5822. [1]
- You can choose a test center or a remote proctored exam. [2]
- The Life and Accident and Health exams are each 120 minutes. The combined exam is 170 minutes. [3]
- You need at least 70% to pass. Your score shows on screen when you finish. [2]
If you fail: there is no limit on retakes, but you cannot book a new exam on the same day. The bulletin's example is a Wednesday fail, a Thursday call and a retest as soon as Friday, if seats are open. [2]
3. Apply for the license right after you pass
- The Department says you can apply online through Sircon or NIPR "immediately after passing the exam." [1]
- PSI's bulletin adds that you can use the kiosk at the PSI test site right after you pass. [2]
- Deadline: "You must submit your license application to the Department within one year of passing the exam." [2]
- Fee: $55 for a resident individual producer. [1]
- Paper is slower. The bulletin says "the paper licensing process will take considerably longer than the electronic method." Paper applications are only for people who cannot apply online. [2]
4. Get fingerprinted, after you apply
New resident producers must be fingerprinted at an IdentoGO enrollment center. [1]
- Register online or by phone at 844-321-2101, using the Insurance Department's service code 1KGBGJ. [1][2]
- Timing matters. The Department says, "Do not register for a fingerprinting appointment and submit fingerprints until after you have passed" the exam and applied for the license. Fingerprints with no matching application are rejected, and you have to do them again and pay again. [1]
- Pay at the center by credit card, debit card, certified check or money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. [1]
- Fingerprints are not required for nonresident producers licensed by reciprocity or for resident producers adding a line of authority. [1]
5. Check your status
The Department's Producer Application Status Lookup Tool shows where your application stands. [1]
6. Print your license
The Department no longer mails licenses. Once yours is issued, you print it yourself. [1]
Where time gets lost
Each of these comes straight from the Department or PSI rules above:
- Fingerprinting too early. Prints taken before you pass and apply get rejected, so you pay and wait twice. [1]
- Paper applications. Slower than applying online, per the bulletin. [2]
- Missing the exam. Missing your exam, showing up late or without proper ID forfeits your fee and you have to rebook. [2]
- Waiting too long to apply. After one year from passing, the application window set in the bulletin has closed. [2]
Is there a pre-licensing education step?
The law that once required it is gone. In the Insurance Department Act of 1921, Section 604-A(b), "Preexamination education requirements," now reads "deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2024, P.L.1155, No.142." [4] Section 604-A(a) says an individual must pass the licensing exam for the lines of authority wanted before applying. [4]
After the license
A Pennsylvania producer license is issued "for a period not to exceed two years." [5] To renew, Section 608-A of the same act calls for 24 credit hours of continuing education each two-year period, with at least 3 on ethics. [6]
FAQ
How long does it take to get your insurance license in PA?
Neither the Department nor PSI publishes a processing time. The exam itself is 120 minutes for one line, you can apply online the moment you pass, and fingerprints come after the application. [1][2][3]
How long do I have to apply after passing?
One year from the date you pass. [2]
When do I get fingerprinted?
After you pass the exam and apply for the license, not before. [1]
Get ready for the exam step with the free Pennsylvania sample test.
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with PSI or the state.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Initial Insurance Producer Licensing Process: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/licensing/licensees/initial-insurance-producer-licensing-process
- PSI, Pennsylvania Insurance Candidate Information Bulletin (effective 1/22/2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/7282
- PSI outlines, Series 16-01, 16-02 and 16-03 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-01xx.pdf , https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-02xx.pdf , https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-03xx.pdf
- Insurance Department Act of 1921 (Act of May 17, 1921, P.L. 789, No. 285), Section 604-A (codified at 40 P.S. 310.4), PA General Assembly: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/unconsolidated/law-information/view-statute?iFrame=true&txtType=HTM&SessYr=1921&SessInd=0&ActNum=0285
- Same act, Section 607-A (40 P.S. 310.7): same URL as source 4
- Same act, Section 608-A (40 P.S. 310.8): same URL as source 4