Pennsylvania life and health insurance exam study guide
Last updated
PSI publishes a content outline for each Pennsylvania exam, with a percentage weight for every section. [1] [2] [3] That makes it the best study plan you can get: spend your time where the points are. This guide turns PSI's weights into an order of study for each exam.
Step 1: know which exam you are taking
| Exam | Series | Size and time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life | 16-01 | 100 items, 120 minutes | $45 |
| Accident and Health | 16-02 | 100 questions, 120 minutes | $45 |
| Life, Accident and Health | 16-03 | 150 items, 170 minutes | $55 |
Sizes and times are from the outline headers; fees are from the bulletin. [1] [2] [3] [4] Every exam needs a minimum score of 70%. [4] For the combined exam, "You must pass the overall examination to obtain a license in either line." [4]
Step 2: study the Life exam (16-01) by weight
| Order | Section | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.0 Life Insurance Policy Provisions, Options, and Riders | 22% |
| 2 | 3.0 Life Insurance Basics | 20% |
| 3 | 4.0 Types of Life Insurance Policies | 17% |
| 4 | 1.0 Insurance Regulation | 14% |
| 5 | 6.0 Annuities | 12% |
| 6 | 2.0 General Insurance Concepts | 10% |
| 7 | 7.0 Federal Tax Considerations for Life Insurance | 5% |
Weights from the 16-01 outline. [1] The top three sections are 59% of the exam.
Step 3: study the Accident and Health exam (16-02) by weight
| Order | Section | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.0 Medical Plans | 14% |
| 1 | 9.0 Health Insurance for Senior Citizens and Special Needs Individuals | 14% |
| 3 | 1.0 Insurance Regulation | 13% |
| 3 | 4.0 Individual Accident and Health Insurance Policy Provisions | 13% |
| 5 | 2.0 General Insurance Concepts | 10% |
| 5 | 3.0 Accident and Health Insurance Basics | 10% |
| 5 | 5.0 Disability Income and Related Insurance | 10% |
| 8 | 7.0 Group Health Insurance | 9% |
| 9 | 10.0 Federal Tax Considerations for Health Insurance | 5% |
| 10 | 8.0 Dental Insurance | 2% |
Weights from the 16-02 outline. [2] The A&H weight is spread wider than Life: no section is more than 14%, so there is no shortcut.
Step 4: if you are taking 16-03
The combined outline has 13 sections. Insurance Regulation is the largest at 21%, then Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Basics at 14% and Life Insurance Policy Provisions, Options, and Riders at 13%. [3] Our 16-03 guide lists every section.
Step 5: give Pennsylvania law its own time
There is no separate state portion. Pennsylvania statutes and regulations are cited inside Insurance Regulation and the product sections. [1] [2] Regulation covers licensing, renewal, continuing education, the duty to report actions, and discipline. [1] Use the free Pennsylvania insurance law practice test to check yourself.
Step 6: practice, then review the misses
For every question you miss, find the outline section it belongs to. If your misses cluster in one section, that is your next study block.
Step 7: know the test day rules
- PSI may add 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions. You cannot tell which, so answer all of them carefully. [4]
- "The time you spend on this tutorial, up to 15 minutes, DOES NOT count as part of your examination time." [4]
- A failing score report includes a diagnostic report of strengths and weaknesses, and there is no limit on retakes. You cannot book a new appointment on the day you tested. [4]
FAQ
What should I study first for the PA life exam?
Policy provisions, options and riders (22%), then life insurance basics (20%) and policy types (17%). [1]
Is there a separate Pennsylvania law section?
No. Pennsylvania law is cited inside Insurance Regulation and the product sections. [1] [2]
What is the passing score?
A minimum score of 70%. [4]
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 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
- PSI, Pennsylvania Insurance Department candidate information bulletin (effective 1/22/2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/7282