How much does a Massachusetts life insurance license cost?
Last updated
Three fees make up the cost: the exam fee, the license fee and NIPR's transaction fee when you apply. For a Life license alone, passed on the first try, those come to $267.60. Below is each fee and where it comes from.
The fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Life Producer exam | $37 per attempt | Pearson VUE handbook [1] |
| Accident, Health or Sickness exam (if you add health) | $37 per attempt | Pearson VUE handbook [1] |
| Producer license | $225, 3-year term | Division of Insurance fee chart [2] |
| NIPR transaction fee when you apply | $5.60 | NIPR [6] |
What it adds up to
Method: add the fees from the table.
- Life only, pass the first time: $37 + $225 + $5.60 = $267.60.
- Life and Accident and Health, both passed the first time, both lines on one application: $37 + $37 + $225 + $5.60 = $304.60. The fee chart lists one $225 producer fee and no separate charge per line. [1][2][6]
- Each retake: another $37. The handbook says you reapply and "pay another exam fee." [1]
So a candidate who passes Life on the second try pays $37 x 2 + $225 + $5.60 = $304.60.
About the exam fee
- You pay when you book, by credit card, debit card or voucher. [1]
- The fee is "non-refundable and non-transferable, except as detailed in the Change/Cancel Policy." [1]
- Book at least 48 hours ahead, per the handbook. Pearson's web page says up to one calendar day before, subject to availability. [1][4]
- You test in person at a Pearson test center. Pearson lists 29 in Massachusetts and says remote testing is no longer offered. [4]
About the license fee
- The fee chart lists "Producer | 3 Year | $225.00." [2]
- A producer license that includes property and casualty or personal lines authority is $300 on the same chart. That does not apply to a Life or Accident and Health only license. [2]
- NIPR's application page says "Fees shown are state fees only. These fees do not include NIPR transaction fees." NIPR's own help page puts its transaction fee at $5.60. [3][6]
What renewal costs
- NIPR lists the Massachusetts Insurance Producer renewal fee as $225, plus NIPR's $5.60 transaction fee. [7][8]
- Renewal opens 90 days before your expiration date and ends on that date. [7]
- A late renewal, up to one year past expiration, is $450. [7]
- If you let a license lapse, the Division's chart lists reinstatement at "$450.00 or $525.00 Depending on LOA's." [2]
Costs you control
- Retakes. Each one is another $37, so going in ready saves money. [1]
- Timing. NIPR says Massachusetts exam scores are valid for 12 months. Apply within that window or you may have to test again and pay again. [5]
- Practice material. Optional. Pearson sells online insurance practice tests for $19.95. [4] Our free Massachusetts Life practice test and free Accident & Health practice test cost nothing.
Is there a pre-licensing education cost?
The Division's licensing table for resident Life and Accident and Health applicants says "Exam required" and does not list pre-licensing education. [9] None of the sources on this page lists a required education fee.
Already licensed in another state?
NIPR says that after moving, "Licensees have 90 days to update their license without needing to take the Massachusetts exams." In that case the $37 exam fees would not apply. [5]
FAQ
How much does it cost to get a life insurance license in Massachusetts?
$267.60 if you pass the Life exam on the first try: $37 for the exam, $225 for a 3-year producer license and NIPR's $5.60 transaction fee. [1][2][6]
How much is the Massachusetts life insurance exam?
$37 per attempt, paid to Pearson VUE when you book. [1]
Is the exam fee refundable?
Only as the Change/Cancel Policy in the handbook allows. Otherwise it is non-refundable and non-transferable. [1]
How long is the license good for?
The fee chart lists the producer license as a 3-year term. [2]
How much is it to renew?
$225, plus NIPR's $5.60 transaction fee. [7][8]
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with Pearson VUE or the state.
Sources
- Pearson VUE, Massachusetts candidate handbook 122300 (June 2026): https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/122300.pdf
- mass.gov, Individual and business entity licensing (fee chart): https://www.mass.gov/info-details/individual-and-business-entity-licensing
- NIPR, Massachusetts resident licensing, individual: https://nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/massachusetts-resident-licensing-individual
- Pearson VUE, Massachusetts insurance page (last updated 2026-08-06): https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ma/insurance.html
- NIPR, Massachusetts state information: https://nipr.com/licensing-center/state-information/massachusetts
- NIPR, Apply for an initial license: https://nipr.com/help/help-articles/apply-for-an-initial-license
- NIPR, Massachusetts resident renewal, individual: https://nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/massachusetts-resident-renewal-individual
- NIPR, Renew a license: https://nipr.com/help/help-articles/renew-a-license
- mass.gov, Individual insurance producer: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/individual-insurance-producer