Pennsylvania requires insurance producers to be licensed before selling insurance. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement, oversees licensing. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the PSI exam process, including the 2025 elimination of prelicensing education hours.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Pre-licenseNone Required
- Initial Fee$55
- Renewal2 Years
- CE Needed24 Hours
- Official Sitepa.gov/agencies/insurance
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for Pennsylvania insurance licensure typically include:
- Meeting PID eligibility requirements for your chosen line of authority.
- As of Act 142 of 2024 (effective April 29, 2025), no prelicensing education hours are required for resident producer applicants of any line.
- A passing score on the PSI licensing exam for your line.
- A fingerprint-based background check.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with PID before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a Pennsylvania insurance license generally involves these steps:
- Confirm eligibility for your chosen line or lines of authority with PID.
- Schedule and pass the PSI exam for your line (no prelicensing course or completion certificate is required as of April 29, 2025).
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check.
- Apply for the license and pay the applicable fees.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with PID.
- 3
Pass the insurance agent exam
PSI Services LLC administers Pennsylvania's insurance producer exam, with scheduling through PSI's candidate portal. Pennsylvania's insurance exam uses a different vendor than the state's real estate exam, which runs through Pearson VUE. Passing-score figures are published in the PSI Candidate Information Booklet rather than on a PID page directly. Always confirm exam requirements with PID or PSI, because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Major Lines Producer
Life, Accident and Health, Property, Casualty, or Personal Lines authority.
- No prelicensing hours
- PSI exam required
Limited / Other Lines
Title, public adjuster, surplus lines, or other limited authority.
- Limited scope
- Line-specific rules
Details
Experience
Pennsylvania no longer requires a prelicensing education path at all: Act 142 of 2024, effective April 29, 2025, eliminated prelicensing education hour requirements statewide for resident producer applicants of every line. Candidates move directly from eligibility to the PSI exam, with a fingerprint-based background check completed alongside. Older guides that cite per-line hour counts (such as 20 hours for Life) describe a requirement that no longer exists. Check current standards with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department before you apply.
Details
Fees
Resident Individual license fees are $55 initial and $55 for timely renewal, $165 for lapsed renewal, and $25 per additional line of authority. Non-Resident Individual fees are $110 initial and $110 timely renewal, $165 lapsed, $25 per additional line. The exam fee is paid directly to PSI and the fingerprinting fee is paid directly to IdentoGO; neither is published on a pa.gov page. Always confirm current fee amounts with the official authority before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Pennsylvania insurance licenses renew every 2 years, based on the licensee's birth month. Continuing education is 24 hours per 2-year cycle. Act 142 of 2024 added, within that same 24-hour total, mandatory ethics credit hours for all resident producers plus resident and non-resident title agents, and mandatory flood insurance credit hours for property and casualty line holders. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with PID before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania require prelicensing education for an insurance license?
No, not anymore. Act 142 of 2024, effective April 29, 2025, eliminated prelicensing education hour requirements statewide for resident producer applicants of any line. You still need to pass the PSI exam and complete a fingerprint-based background check.
What exam vendor does Pennsylvania use for insurance licensing?
PSI Services LLC administers the exam, with scheduling through PSI's candidate portal. This is a different vendor from Pennsylvania's real estate exam, which uses Pearson VUE.
How much does a Pennsylvania insurance license cost?
The Resident Individual license fee is $55 initial and $55 for timely renewal, plus $25 per additional line of authority. Separate exam and fingerprinting fees are paid directly to PSI and IdentoGO and are not published on a pa.gov page.
How often do Pennsylvania insurance licenses renew?
Every 2 years, based on the licensee's birth month, with 24 continuing education hours per cycle. Act 142 of 2024 added mandatory ethics hours for most producers and mandatory flood insurance hours for property and casualty line holders within that 24-hour total.
Is there an exam waiver for out-of-state Pennsylvania insurance applicants?
A Pennsylvania resident license can be obtained within 90 days of clearing from a previous resident state to waive the exam requirement, verified against the national producer database. Fingerprinting is also waived for certain non-resident applicants under Act 147 of 2002 reciprocity provisions. Confirm your specific situation with PID.
