Scheduling the Massachusetts insurance exam
Last updated
Massachusetts producer exams are booked through Pearson VUE. [1][2] Below is how to get a seat, what the booking rules are, what to bring, and what happens if you need to reschedule or retake. Every rule here comes from Pearson's Massachusetts candidate handbook or its Massachusetts insurance page.
Step 1: pick the right exam
Life and Accident and Health are separate exams. The handbook's fee table lists them separately at $37 each. [1]
| Exam | Scored questions | Pretest questions | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer: Life | 80 (50 general, 30 Massachusetts) | 10 | $37 |
| Producer: Accident and Health or Sickness | 80 (50 general, 30 Massachusetts) | 10 | $37 |
Question counts are from the content outline effective July 22, 2026. [3]
Spanish: the handbook says select producer exams are available in Spanish, and Pearson posts Spanish content outlines that include both the Life and the Accident, Health or Sickness producer exams. [1][4]
Step 2: book online or by phone
- Online: pearsonvue.com/us/en/ma/insurance. [1]
- Phone: (888) 674-1558, toll free. [1][2]
- Pay when you book: "Exam fees must be paid at the time of the reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher." [1]
How far ahead you need to book
The two Pearson sources say different things, so plan around the stricter one:
- Handbook: "Exam reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance." [1]
- Pearson's Massachusetts page (last updated 2026-08-06): "Appointments may be made up to one calendar day prior to the day you wish to test, subject to availability." [2]
Walk-in exams are not available. [1]
Step 3: choose a test center
You test in person. Pearson's page says, "Remote testing will no longer be offered," and that all candidates test at a Pearson test center. The page counts 29 test centers in Massachusetts. The handbook points to the same page for the full list of locations. [1][2]
Changing or canceling
- To cancel or reschedule without a penalty, do it at least 48 hours before the exam. [1]
- If you change or cancel with less notice, you forfeit the fee. [1]
Exam day
- Arrive early: "You should report to the test center at least 30 minutes before your exam begins to complete registration." [1]
- Bring one ID: the handbook asks for one form of current signature identification. It must be government issued, carry your photo and signature, be in English, and exactly match the name you used to register. [1]
- Leave things behind: no personal items in the testing room, including phones, watches, wallets, bags and notes. You store them in a secure area or leave them in your vehicle. [1]
- Tutorial: "The time spent on this tutorial will not reduce the examination time." [1]
- Accommodations: the handbook says Pearson provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to people who show a need for them. [1]
If you miss the exam or run late
The handbook says a candidate who misses the appointment or arrives late "will not be admitted to the exam and will forfeit the exam fee." You can ask for an excused absence by calling Pearson within 14 days for reasons the handbook lists, such as illness or military duty. [1]
After the exam
- You get a score report marked pass or fail before you leave the test center. [1]
- "A passing score of 70 was set by the Massachusetts DOI." It is a scaled score, and numeric scores are given only to candidates who did not pass. [1]
- Retakes: the handbook says to reapply through Pearson's Massachusetts page and pay another exam fee. [1] Massachusetts law says the same thing: an individual who fails to appear or fails to pass "shall reapply for an examination and remit all required fees and forms before being rescheduled for another examination." [5]
A simple booking timeline
These steps follow the rules above. Dates are up to you.
- Pick Life, Accident and Health, or both.
- Book online or by phone, at least 48 hours ahead, and pay the $37 fee per exam.
- Keep the date unless you can change it 48 or more hours out.
- Arrive 30 minutes early with one matching photo ID.
- If you do not pass, reapply and pay again.
FAQ
How do I schedule the Massachusetts life insurance exam?
Through Pearson VUE, online at pearsonvue.com/us/en/ma/insurance or by phone at (888) 674-1558. [1]
Can I take the Massachusetts insurance exam online?
No. Pearson says remote testing is no longer offered and everyone tests at a test center. [2]
How soon can I get a seat?
The handbook says book at least 48 hours ahead. Pearson's page says up to one calendar day before, if seats are open. [1][2]
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before the exam to avoid losing the fee. [1]
Warm up before your date with the free Massachusetts sample test or the free Massachusetts Life practice test.
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with Pearson VUE or the state.
Sources
- Pearson VUE, Massachusetts Division of Insurance candidate handbook 122300 (June 2026, rev06/2026): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/122300.pdf
- Pearson VUE, Massachusetts insurance page (last updated 2026-08-06): https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ma/insurance.html
- Pearson VUE, Massachusetts content outlines 122301 (effective July 22, 2026): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/122301.pdf
- Pearson VUE, Massachusetts Spanish content outlines 122303 (effective July 22, 2026): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/122303.pdf
- M.G.L. c. 175, s. 162K (Massachusetts Legislature): https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter175/Section162K