Q: What type of insurance license is needed to offer Medicare plans in California?
To sell Medicare in California, you will need an Accident and Health License (Producer)
Q: What are the Licensing Steps in California?
Step 1: Complete a prelicensing course that has been approved by the Department of Insurance. We recommend using ExamFX. Once you have completed your course, ExamFX will issue a certificate of completion which you may download and print from your online ExamFX account.
Step 2: Schedule your exam with your state’s testing provider, PSI Exams. The fastest way to schedule your exam is to do so online at www.psiexams.com. You can also schedule your exam over the phone at (833) 518-7456. Your exam may be taken at a physical PSI examination center or via a remote online proctored exam. Exam Fee: $88
Security measures are taken for all testing methods. Restrictions on what you may bring with you to the testing center, into the testing room, and what you may wear will be enforced. For more detailed information about the security measures that will be taken during your testing appointment, please read and review the candidate bulletin offered at PSI Exams
Be aware that the state of California requires fingerprinting and background checks with your insurance agent licensing application. Fingerprinting requirements may be met before the exam is taken or at the exam site at the time of your appointment. You have three fingerprinting options:
- PSI EXAMINATION SITES: Technicians are on site at PSI examination locations. Fees will be charged at the time of the testing appointment and covers the Federal Bureau of Investigation processing fee, Department of Justice processing fee, and the service fee charged by PSI Exams. PSI Fingerprinting Fee $68.95
- CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE EXAMINATION SITES: Accurate Biometrics, a fingerprint vendor, is available at CDI examination sites to fingerprint candidates. A fee will be charged and covers the Federal Bureau of Investigation processing fee, Department of Justice processing fee, and the service fee charged by Accurate Biometrics. The fee must be paid directly to Accurate Biometrics. Accurate Biometrics Fingerprinting Fee $59
- LOCAL LIVE SCAN VENDORS: A listing is available on the Department of Justice website which contains the approved live scan vendors, broken down by county and processing fees. Fees Vary
Fingerprinting is an important part of the licensing process. ExamFX highly recommends completing your fingerprinting requirement at or before the time of your exam as it will help ensure efficient processing of your licensing application.
Step 3: Take and pass your state licensing exam. On the day of your appointment you must bring with you one valid form of government issued identification (driver’s license, passport, military I.D., etc.) that must contain your name and photograph. If you cannot provide the required identification, call (833) 518-7456 at least 21 days prior to your scheduled appointment. You will not be able to take your exam if these requirements are not met.
Security measures are taken at the testing site. Restrictions on what you may bring with you to the testing center, into the testing room, and what you may wear will be enforced. For more detailed information about the security measures that will be taken during your testing appointment, please read and review the candidate bulletin offered at PSI Exams.
Once you have passed your examination you will receive an examination letter. Keep this, as it is important in the licensing process.
Step 4: Apply for your license online at Sircon or NIPR. Go to Sircon or NIPR to create an account and then submit your application. You may use the Check License Application Status Service (CLASS) to check the status of your license application. Licensing fee: $188
Step 5: Maintain your license by being aware of your continuing education requirements. Most insurance licenses must be maintained by completing a certain number of credit hours of continuing education each licensing period. ExamFX offers continuing education courses that will help you comply with your state’s requirements. Click here to view your state’s education rules and stay on top of your license.
Q: How do I study for my health insurance license exam in California?
California requires producers to take prelicensing courses which should significantly prepare you for the exam. The exam is broken up into several different topics:
California Accident and Health Agent Examination
75 Questions – 105 Minutes
- General Insurance
- Basic Insurance Concepts and Principles
- Contract Law
- The Insurance Marketplace
- General concepts of Medical and Disability Insurance
- Medical Expense Insurance
- Individual Insurance
- Group Medical Expense Insurance
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
- Senior Health Products
- Disability Income Insurance
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Q: How do I schedule to take my health insurance exam in California?
Schedule your exam with your state’s testing provider, PSI Exams. The fastest way to schedule your exam is to do so online at www.psiexams.com. You can also schedule your exam over the phone at (833) 518-7456. Your exam may be taken at a physical PSI examination center or via a remote online proctored exam.
Security measures are taken for all testing methods. Restrictions on what you may bring with you to the testing center, into the testing room, and what you may wear will be enforced. For more detailed information about the security measures that will be taken during your testing appointment, please read and review the candidate bulletin offered at PSI Exams
Be aware that the state of California requires fingerprinting and background checks with your insurance agent licensing application. Fingerprinting requirements may be met before the exam is taken or at the exam site at the time of your appointment. You have three fingerprinting options:
PSI EXAMINATION SITES: Technicians are on site at PSI examination locations. Fees will be charged at the time of the testing appointment and covers the Federal Bureau of Investigation processing fee, Department of Justice processing fee, and the service fee charged by PSI Exams.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE EXAMINATION SITES: Accurate Biometrics, a fingerprint vendor, is available at CDI examination sites to fingerprint candidates. A fee will be charged and covers the Federal Bureau of Investigation processing fee, Department of Justice processing fee, and the service fee charged by Accurate Biometrics. The fee must be paid directly to Accurate Biometrics
LOCAL LIVE SCAN VENDORS: A listing is available on the Department of Justice website which contains the approved live scan vendors, broken down by county and processing fees.
Fingerprinting is an important part of the licensing process. ExamFX highly recommends completing your fingerprinting requirement at or before the time of your exam as it will help ensure efficient processing of your licensing application.
Q: Are there different parts to the health insurance exam?
Yes, the exam is broken up into 2 general sections- General Knowledge and State law
California Accident and Health Agent Examination
75 Questions – 105 Minutes
- General Insurance
- Basic Insurance Concepts and Principles
- Contract Law
- The Insurance Marketplace
- General concepts of Medical and Disability Insurance
- Medical Expense Insurance
- Individual Insurance
- Group Medical Expense Insurance
- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
- Senior Health Products
- Disability Income Insurance
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Q: How do I apply for a nonresident health insurance license in California?
Nonresidents can apply for their license on NIPR
You will need to complete the prelicensing requirements or reciprocal state requirements from your home state. You will need to submit both your prelicensing certificate and your Exam certificate before you can apply on NIPR.
Licensing fee: $188
Q: How do I renew my health insurance license in California?
Licensees can renew their license through Resident License Renewal application up to license expiration date. After expiration date, applicant must reinstate by visiting https://www.sircon.com/. Applicant may reapply one (1) year after expiration date through Resident Licensing application through NIPR.
The license expiration date is shown on the front of the license. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) e-mails a renewal notice approximately 90 days before your license expires. If, for some reason, you do not receive a renewal notice, you may Check Your License Status online to review your license expiration date and continuing education credits. After reviewing your license status, you can link to CDI’s Sircon.com – Renewal and Reinstatement service.
Renewal Fee: $188.00
Q: What do I do if my health insurance license has expired in California?
A renewal is considered late if the renewal date occurs after the expiration date on the license, or if any license renewal requirement such as the continuing education hours are completed after the expiration date listed on the license. A 50 percent penalty fee is required to late renew the license and all insurance company appointments must be reestablished with the appropriate forms and fees. There is no grace period. You have precisely one calendar year from the expiration date to late renew the license; after which time you must file a new application, appointment (s), fees, and, if required, complete prelicensing education and pass the qualifying examination.
CDI’s online renewal service guides the licensee, step-by-step, through the renewal process by asking the same questions that are asked on the paper renewal application. The licensee is able to answer the questions online, update contact information (address, e-mail, etc.) and submit a credit card (American Express, VISA, or MasterCard) or debit card (with a VISA or MasterCard logo) payment. Review the Requirements for Late Renewals link before late renewing your license.
Q: What do I do for Continuing Education to keep my health insurance license in California?
Licensees must complete a total of twenty four (24) hours of continuing education for every two-year license term. Limited Lines Automobile Insurance Agent licensees must complete twenty (20) hours of continuing education for every two-year license term.
We suggest that you complete your required continuing education hours at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of your license to allow sufficient time for your provider to submit the necessary information and for the California Department of Insurance to update your records. If hours are completed at the end of your renewal term, the license renewal process may be delayed while your hours are processed.