How to Get an Illinois Life‑Health‑Accident Insurance License

Key Differences for Illinois Licensees

Illinois requires a combined life‑health‑accident (LHA) license, unlike many states that issue separate life and health credentials. Candidates must complete a state‑approved pre‑licensing course, pass a single 150‑question exam, and submit a fingerprint‑based background check through the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI). The process is fully digital: course completion, exam scheduling, and application submission can all be done on mobile devices, ensuring agents can stay productive while on the go.

Education Requirements

The IDOI mandates 40 hours of approved LHA education. Courses are offered online, many optimized for smartphones and tablets, with video lectures that adapt to screen size. Providers must be listed on the IDOI's approved provider list; verify this on the department's mobile‑friendly portal before enrolling.

Exam Details

The LHA exam is administered by PSI and can be taken at any testing center that supports the PSI On‑Demand remote proctoring service. This service allows candidates to take the exam from a secure mobile‑compatible environment, provided they meet webcam and internet speed requirements. The exam covers:

• Life insurance fundamentals
• Health insurance regulations
• Accident coverage principles
• Illinois-specific statutes

A passing score of 70% is required. Results are posted instantly to the PSI mobile app, and a digital badge is issued for successful candidates.

Application Process

After passing the exam, applicants log into the IDOI's e‑License portal. The steps are:

• Create a secure account (two‑factor authentication recommended for mobile use)
• Upload the exam completion certificate
• Submit fingerprints via a mobile‑approved vendor (e.g., MorphoTrust)
• Pay the $150 licensing fee with a mobile‑compatible payment gateway

The portal validates entries in real time, highlighting missing fields before final submission. Approval typically takes 7‑10 business days, after which the digital license appears in the applicant's mobile dashboard.

Maintaining the License

Illinois requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, with at least 3 hours focused on ethics. Most CE providers now offer micro‑learning modules that fit within a mobile‑first design, allowing agents to complete credits during short breaks. The IDOI's mobile app tracks CE progress and sends push notifications when renewal deadlines approach.

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