Taking the Pennsylvania insurance exam with PSI
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Lots of people search for the "Pennsylvania insurance exam Pearson VUE." Pennsylvania's producer exams are given by PSI. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department sends exam takers to PSI to schedule, and PSI publishes the Pennsylvania candidate bulletin. [1][2] Here is how booking, test day and retakes work for the Life and Accident and Health exams.
Which exam to book
PSI lists three Life and Accident and Health choices for Pennsylvania: [3]
| Exam on PSI's list | Series | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA Life Insurance | 16-01 | 100 items, 120 minutes | $45 |
| PA Accident and Health | 16-02 | 100 questions, 120 minutes | $45 |
| PA Life, Accident and Health | 16-03 | 150 items, 170 minutes | $55 |
Lengths are from the PSI outlines and fees from the bulletin. [1][4] For the combined 16-03 exam, the bulletin says you must pass the overall exam to get a license in either line. [5]
PSI's test list also shows a Spanish and a Chinese version of each of these three exams. [3]
How to book
- Online at PSI's Pennsylvania page, or by phone at 888-818-5822. [1]
- When you book, you "select your test, then select Modality: (Test Center) or (Remote Proctored)." [1]
- Every Life and Accident and Health exam on PSI's list shows both "Onsite (Test Center)" and "Online Proctored (Live)." [3]
- Exam fees are not refundable or transferable. [1]
Test center or remote
Test centers. The bulletin lists PSI sites in Allentown, Bristol, Butler, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, King of Prussia, Leola, Philadelphia (Bala Cynwyd), Pittsburgh and Scranton. [1]
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. If you arrive late, you may not be let in. [1]
- Personal items like bags, phones, food and hats are not allowed in the room. You get scratch paper and a pencil, which you hand back at the end. [1]
- You may leave only for the restroom, with the proctor's OK, and the clock keeps running. [1]
Remote proctored. The bulletin's rules for testing at home: [1]
- Run PSI's compatibility check on your computer before exam day.
- Place your webcam so the proctor can see you clearly, and do not switch rooms or computers during the exam.
- No scratch paper.
- "Breaks are NOT allowed during remote online proctored examinations."
- Start on time. The bulletin says that if you do not start within 15 minutes after your booked time, you forfeit your fee.
What to bring: ID
The bulletin requires one valid, unexpired ID with your photo and signature, and the name must match the name you registered with. Accepted IDs include a state driver's license, state ID card or learner's permit, a US passport, a US military ID, a US alien registration card, or certain other government IDs listed in the bulletin. [1] The Insurance Department's page also says remote test takers must show ID to the proctor. [2]
Changing or canceling
- To cancel or reschedule without losing your fee, PSI must get your notice 2 days before the exam date. The bulletin's example: for a Monday exam, notice by the Saturday before. [1]
- A voicemail or email does not count as a cancellation. [1]
- You lose the fee if you cancel late, do not show up, arrive late, or do not bring proper ID. [1]
Extra time and accommodations
- If English is not your primary language, you can ask for time and one-half. The request needs your own letter plus a letter on letterhead from an English instructor or sponsoring company saying English is not your primary language. [1]
- Candidates with disabilities can request testing accommodations through the link in the bulletin. [1]
After the exam
- Your score shows on screen when you finish, and PSI emails a score report. A failing report includes a diagnostic section showing strengths and weaknesses. [1]
- Passing score: "a minimum score of 70%." [1]
- Retakes: there is no limit on attempts. You cannot book a new exam on the same day you tested. The bulletin's example: fail on Wednesday, call Thursday, retest as soon as Friday, if there is space. [1]
- Next step: the bulletin says you must send your license application to the Department within one year of passing. You can apply at the PSI kiosk right after the exam, or on your own computer through Sircon or NIPR. [1]
FAQ
Does Pennsylvania use Pearson VUE or PSI?
PSI. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department points exam takers to PSI to schedule. [2]
Can you take the PA life insurance exam online?
Yes. PSI lists PA Life Insurance as available both at a test center and online proctored. [3]
Is the PA insurance exam offered in Spanish?
PSI's test list shows Spanish and Chinese versions of the Life, Accident and Health, and combined exams. [3]
How much does the PSI exam cost in Pennsylvania?
$45 for Life or Accident and Health, and $55 for the combined exam. [1]
Before you book, try the free Pennsylvania sample test or the free Pennsylvania Life practice test.
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with PSI or the state.
Sources
- PSI, Pennsylvania Insurance Candidate Information Bulletin (effective 1/22/2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/7282
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Initial Insurance Producer Licensing Process: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/licensing/licensees/initial-insurance-producer-licensing-process
- PSI, Pennsylvania Insurance, Available Tests: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/pain/test
- 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
- PSI bulletin (16-03 rule): same URL as source 1