Does Pennsylvania still require insurance pre-licensing education?
Last updated
People still search for Pennsylvania insurance pre-licensing requirements. Pennsylvania's law on this changed in 2024. Act 142 of 2024 struck the preexamination education requirement out of the Insurance Department Act of 1921. [1][2] Here is what the old rule said, what the law says now, and what is still required to get a producer license.
What the old rule required
Before Act 142, section 604-A(b) of the Insurance Department Act said that before applying for the producer licensing exam, a person had to complete at least 24 credit hours of approved preexamination study, and would get proof of completion from the provider. [1] Section 604-A(c) said a candidate could apply for the exam after finishing that study, and had to send a copy of the "approved preexamination study certificate" with the exam application. [1]
What Act 142 changed
Act 142 of 2024 (Senate Bill 1241) was approved on October 31, 2024. [1] It:
- Removed the education step from section 604-A(a). The rule now simply says that before applying for a producer license, an individual "shall pass an insurance producer licensing examination required for the lines of authority for which a candidate desires a license." [1][2]
- Deleted section 604-A(b), the 24-hour preexamination education requirement. The current text of the act lists subsection (b), "Preexamination education requirements," as "deleted by amendment Oct. 31, 2024, P.L.1155, No.142." [2]
- Removed the study certificate from the exam application in section 604-A(c). A candidate now sends a completed exam application showing the lines of authority wanted and the nonrefundable exam fee. [1][2]
- Removed the education condition from licensing in section 606-A(a)(3). [1]
- Changed the definition of "candidate" in section 601-A to an individual who "applies to take an insurance producer licensing examination." [1]
- Took preexamination education out of the commissioner's duties in section 602-A(a)(2). [1]
The act says it takes effect in 180 days. [1]
What you still need for a license
| Step | What the law or agency says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pass the PSI exam for each line | Required before applying for the license | IDA 604-A(a) [2] |
| Pay the exam fee | $45 for Life or Accident and Health; $55 for the combined exam | PSI bulletin [3] |
| Apply after passing | The Department says you can apply through Sircon or NIPR immediately after passing | pa.gov [4] |
| Apply within one year | "You must submit your license application to the Department within one year of passing the exam." | PSI bulletin [3] |
| License fee | A nonrefundable $55 fee for a resident producer license | IDA 605-A(c)(1) [2] |
| Fingerprints | Required for new resident producers, at IdentoGO, only after passing and applying | pa.gov [4] |
What did not change: continuing education
Act 142 left the continuing education rule in place. Section 608-A(b) still requires 24 credit hours of approved continuing education for each two-year license period, with at least three hours on ethics. [1][2]
Check the current text yourself
The current text of the Insurance Department Act, with the deletion note in section 604-A(b), is on the Pennsylvania General Assembly's site, linked below as source 2. Act 142 itself is source 1.
FAQ
Do I need pre-licensing education to take the Pennsylvania insurance exam?
The 24-hour preexamination education requirement in section 604-A(b) was deleted by Act 142 of 2024. Section 604-A(a) now requires passing the licensing exam for the lines you want. [1][2]
When did the change happen?
Act 142 was approved October 31, 2024, and says it takes effect in 180 days. [1]
What do I need to do now?
Pass the PSI exam for each line, apply for the license within one year, pay the $55 license fee and get fingerprinted after you apply. [2][3][4]
Does the continuing education rule still apply after I am licensed?
Yes. 24 credit hours each two-year period, including 3 on ethics. [2]
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Sources
- Act of Oct. 31, 2024, P.L. 1155, No. 142 (SB 1241), PA General Assembly: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/unconsolidated/law-information/view-statute?iFrame=true&txtType=HTM&SessYr=2024&SessInd=0&ActNum=0142
- Insurance Department Act of 1921 (Act of May 17, 1921, P.L. 789, No. 285), current text, Sections 604-A, 605-A and 608-A, PA General Assembly: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/unconsolidated/law-information/view-statute?iFrame=true&txtType=HTM&SessYr=1921&SessInd=0&ActNum=0285
- 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