Get Your Insurance License in California

There are 4 main steps to becoming a licensed insurance agent in California.

Step 1: Complete Required Education
Complete the 12-Hour California Ethics Course.

Step 2: Pass the California Insurance Exam

• Exams are administered by PSI
• Each license type has its own exam
• Passing score is 60% or higher

Step 3: Get Fingerprinted

• Fingerprints are required for a background check
• Must be completed through an approved fingerprint vendor

Step 4: Apply for Your California Insurance License

• Apply online through the California Department of Insurance
• Submit proof of education, exam results, and fingerprints
• Pay the state licensing fee

• Must be at least 18 years old
• No college degree required
• Must pass a background check

Costs vary by license type, but typically include:

• Education costs (starting at $59 with RealEstateU)
• State exam fee
• Fingerprinting fee
• State license application fee

• Education can be completed in 1–2 weeks
• Exam scheduling, fingerprinting, and application approval usually take 4–8 weeks
  Most students complete the process in 2–3 months.

Yes. RealEstateU’s California insurance courses and study guides are 100% online and self-paced.

Anyone who sells, solicits, or negotiates insurance in California must be licensed by the state.

• Insurance agent or producer
• Claims adjuster
• Underwriter
• Agency owner or manager

Entry-level insurance agents in California typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year, with higher earning potential through commissions and experience.