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.

This fee covers the cost of reporting your course completion to the California Department of Insurance through the official reporting system, Sircon, which is required for exam eligibility.