New York Insurance License — Exam Prep & Requirements

Regulated by New York Department of Financial Services. New York asks for far more classroom time than anywhere else in this set — 90 hours for Property and Casualty against 40 for Life, Accident & Health. Agent and broker are separate licenses, but they carry the same hours and sit the same exam. PSI delivers.

Exam fee

$40

Per exam, for the Life, Accident & Health, Property and Casualty, and Personal Lines agent or broker papers. The consultant and adjuster papers are $50.

Passing score

70%

Same for every line in this state

L&H pre-licensing

40 hours

Series 17-55 — 150 items; Life alone or Accident & Health alone is 20 hours and its own exam · 150-minute exam

P&C pre-licensing

90 hours

Series 17-56 — 150 questions · 150-minute exam

PL pre-licensing

40 hours

Series 17-54 — 100 questions · 120-minute exam

Verified 2026-09-23 against NY DFS — Agent and broker prelicensing education (40 / 90 / 40 hours) and PSI — New York Insurance Candidate Information Bulletin.

Pick your line in New York

Each line is a separate license and separate exam. We mirror the NY content outline.

Not sure which one you need? Read the national overview for Life & Health (L&H), Property & Casualty (P&C) or Personal Lines (PL).

Life & Health

L&H

Sell life, accident & health insurance products. Covers policy provisions, riders, annuities, medical expense and disability coverage, plus state-specific regulations.

Open NY L&H prep

Property & Casualty

P&C

Sell property, casualty, auto and commercial lines insurance. Covers homeowners, commercial property, liability coverage, business owner policies, and underwriting fundamentals.

Open NY P&C prep

Personal Lines

Sell personal auto, homeowners, dwelling, and inland marine policies to individuals. A focused subset of P&C with shorter pre-licensing requirements in most states.

Open NY PL prep

New York Insurance License FAQ

How do I get an insurance license in New York?

Complete pre-licensing education (40 hours for L&H, 90 hours for P&C, 40 hours for Personal Lines), pass the state exam, complete a background check, and apply for licensure with New York Department of Financial Services. New York asks for far more classroom time than anywhere else in this set — 90 hours for Property and Casualty against 40 for Life, Accident & Health. Agent and broker are separate licenses, but they carry the same hours and sit the same exam. PSI delivers.

How much does the New York insurance exam cost?

The exam is $40 per attempt. Per exam, for the Life, Accident & Health, Property and Casualty, and Personal Lines agent or broker papers. The consultant and adjuster papers are $50. Pre-licensing courses and the license application are billed separately.

Who regulates insurance licensing in New York?

New York Department of Financial Services (NY DFS) handles all producer licensing, exam approval, and continuing education in New York.

Can I take more than one insurance line at a time in New York?

Yes — most candidates take L&H and P&C separately, but you can schedule both on the same day if you’re ready. Personal Lines is a faster subset of P&C if you only plan to sell to individuals.

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