North Carolina Licensing Requirements
To sell life insurance in North Carolina you must obtain a state license from the Department of Insurance. The core requirement is passing the Life Insurance (L) exam, which is separate from the Accident & Health (AH) exam unless you choose a combined license. Applicants must be at least 18, complete a pre‑licensing course of at least 20 hours, and submit a fingerprint‑based background check.
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Exam Structure and Scoring
The NC life insurance exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 150 multiple‑choice questions. You have 3 hours to complete it; a score of 70% (105 correct answers) is required to pass. Questions cover policy provisions, underwriting, ethics, state regulations, and basic financial concepts.
Study Resources and Course Options
Approved providers such as Kaplan, ExamFX, and the North Carolina Insurance Licensing School offer online or classroom courses that satisfy the 20‑hour minimum. Most candidates supplement these with practice exams that mirror Pearson VUE's format, flashcards for key terms, and state‑specific regulation summaries published by the NC Department of Insurance.
Exam Day Tips
Arrive at the testing center early with a valid ID, and bring your confirmation number. The computer‑based test allows you to flag questions and return later, so use that feature to manage time. If you fail, the state permits a retake after a 30‑day waiting period, with a maximum of three attempts per calendar year.
Continuing Education and Renewal
After passing, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including two hours of ethics. Failure to renew on time results in a lapse of your license and the need to retake the exam.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years | Proof of age required at registration |
| Pre‑licensing Hours | 20 hours | Online or classroom, approved provider only |
| Exam Length | 150 questions, 3 hrs | 70% passing score |
| Retake Policy | 30‑day wait, max 3 attempts/yr | Additional fees apply per attempt |
| Continuing Ed. | 24 hrs/2 yrs | 2 hrs must be ethics |