Pennsylvania insurance exam passing score
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PSI's Pennsylvania candidate information bulletin states it plainly: "In order to pass the examination, you must achieve a minimum score of 70 %." [1] This page explains how many questions you face, what the score report shows, how the unscored questions work, and the retake rules, all from the PSI bulletin and the PSI content outlines.
How many questions and how much time
| Exam | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Life (Series 16-01) | 100 | 120 minutes |
| Accident and Health (Series 16-02) | 100 | 120 minutes |
| Life, Accident and Health (Series 16-03) | 150 | 170 minutes |
These counts and times are printed at the top of each PSI outline. [2] [3] [4] The bulletin adds that the content outlines show "the examination time limit, minimum score required to pass, subject area and the number of items in each area." [1]
The tutorial does not use your time
Before the exam starts, PSI offers a short tutorial on the testing screen. The bulletin says, "The time you spend on this tutorial, up to 15 minutes, DOES NOT count as part of your examination time." [1]
Unscored questions
In addition to the items in the outlines, "a small number (5 to 10) of 'experimental' questions may be administered." They are not scored, and the time to answer them is included in the exam time. [1] You will not know which questions they are, so answer every question as if it counts.
Your score report
- Your score is displayed on screen at the end of the exam, and a score report is emailed to you. [1]
- If you fail, the emailed report includes "the diagnostic report indicating your strengths and weaknesses by examination type." [1]
- You may request a duplicate score report by email after the exam. [1]
Retakes
- "There is no limit to the number of times you may take an examination if you fail." [1]
- You cannot book a new appointment on the same day you test, because scores must be processed and reported. The bulletin's example: a candidate who fails on a Wednesday can call on Thursday and retest as soon as Friday, if space is available. [1]
- The bulletin lists the exam fees as $45.00 for Series 16-01 and 16-02 and $55.00 for Series 16-03, and states the fees are not refundable or transferable. [1]
After you pass
The bulletin says passing the exam is not the same as being issued a license, and "You must submit your license application to the Department within one year of passing the exam." [1]
How to use the 70% target
Pennsylvania's outlines give a percentage for each section, so you can see where most points are. [2] [3] For example, on the Life exam, section 5.0 Life Insurance Policy Provisions, Options, and Riders is 22% and section 3.0 Life Insurance Basics is 20%. [2] On the Accident and Health exam, section 6.0 Medical Plans and section 9.0 Health Insurance for Senior Citizens and Special Needs Individuals are 14% each. [3] Use the diagnostic report on a failing score to target the weak sections before your next attempt. [1]
FAQ
Do the experimental questions count?
No. They are not scored. [1]
How soon can I retest?
Not on the same day. The bulletin's example shows a retest two days after a failed attempt, depending on space. [1]
Practice first with our Pennsylvania life practice test or Pennsylvania accident and health practice test.
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 Insurance Department candidate information bulletin (effective 1/22/2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/7282
- PSI, Pennsylvania Life outline, Series 16-01 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-01xx.pdf
- PSI, Pennsylvania Accident and Health outline, Series 16-02 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-02xx.pdf
- PSI, Pennsylvania Life, Accident and Health outline, Series 16-03 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-03xx.pdf