Key Takeaways
- Alaska does NOT require pre-licensing education hours, but preparation is strongly recommended
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE with 90 scored questions (110 total including pretest) and a 2 hour 15 minute time limit
- A passing score of 70% is required on both general knowledge and state law sections
- Alaska requires applicants to pass both Property AND Casualty exams separately or combined
- Initial license is valid for 1 year, then renews biennially with 24 hours of CE including 3 hours ethics
Alaska Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Alaska Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Alaska-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to pass your exam and begin your career as a licensed P&C producer in America's Last Frontier.
About the Alaska P&C Exam
The Alaska Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Alaska Division of Insurance (part of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Alaska insurance law and regulations
- Property insurance principles and coverages
- Casualty insurance including auto and liability
- Policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Claims handling and consumer protection
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Total Questions | 90 scored + 20 pretest (unscored) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes total) |
| General Knowledge | ~70% of exam |
| State Law | ~30% of exam |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher on EACH section |
| Question Format | Multiple choice |
| Exam Fee | $89 per exam session |
Important: Alaska requires you to pass BOTH the Property exam AND the Casualty exam separately. You can take both in a single session for one $89 fee. Your performance on the 20 pretest questions does not affect your score.
Alaska's Unique Approach: No Mandatory Pre-Licensing Hours
Unlike most states, Alaska does NOT require pre-licensing education hours to sit for the P&C exam. This means:
What This Means for You
| Feature | Alaska Approach |
|---|---|
| Education Hours | 0 hours required by law |
| Self-Study | Completely acceptable |
| Approval Process | No course approval needed |
| Exam Eligibility | Apply directly for exam |
| Recommended Study | 40-60 hours self-study |
The Reality
While Alaska doesn't mandate education hours, the exam is not easier. Most successful candidates invest 40-60 hours in structured study using:
- Comprehensive study guides (like this one)
- Practice exams
- National P&C textbooks
- Alaska-specific regulatory materials
Exam Tip: Alaska's lack of mandatory education is a double-edged sword. You save $200-400 on courses but must be self-disciplined. Most candidates who fail underestimated the exam difficulty and studied fewer than 20 hours.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare for the Exam
- Study P&C insurance principles (40-60 hours recommended)
- Focus on Alaska-specific regulations
- Take practice exams until scoring 80%+
- No course completion required
-
Submit License Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Complete fingerprint-based background check
- Pay application fee ($75) plus NIPR fee ($5.60)
- Receive authorization and exam eligibility
-
Complete Background Check
- Digital fingerprinting through IdentoGO: $15
- FBI background check fee: $48.25
- Total fingerprinting cost: $63.25
- Results sent directly to Division of Insurance
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with Pearson VUE
- Schedule at testing center or online proctored
- Must pass within 12 months of application
- Can take both Property and Casualty in one session ($89)
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early (in-person)
- Bring two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID)
- Pass with 70%+ on both sections
- Results provided immediately
-
Receive License
- License issued upon passing exam
- Valid for 1 year initially
- Renewed biennially (every 2 years) thereafter
- Complete CE requirements for renewal
Total Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (optional: $139-300) |
| License Application Fee | $75.00 |
| NIPR Transaction Fee | $5.60 |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | $15.00 |
| FBI Background Check | $48.25 |
| Exam Fee (both P&C) | $89.00 |
| TOTAL | $232.85 (or $371.85+ with course) |
Note: Alaska is one of the most affordable states for insurance licensing due to no mandatory education requirement.
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Alaska state-specific content plus essential national P&C concepts:
Chapter 1: Alaska P&C Regulation & Licensing
- Alaska Division of Insurance structure and authority
- Producer licensing requirements and continuing education
- Alaska's unique no-education-hour approach
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
- Record-keeping and reporting requirements
Chapter 2: Alaska Property Insurance
- Homeowners insurance regulations and coverages
- Alaska-specific property risks (earthquake, flood, extreme weather)
- Dwelling policies and inland marine
- Commercial property coverage
- State-mandated coverages and optional endorsements
- Claims handling requirements
- Loss valuation methods (replacement cost vs. ACV)
Chapter 3: Alaska Auto & Casualty Insurance
- Alaska auto insurance minimum requirements (50/100/25)
- Mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP) provisions
- Liability insurance principles and limits
- Workers' compensation regulations
- Commercial auto and umbrella coverage
- Alaska no-pay, no-play law provisions
Chapter 4: Alaska Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Fiduciary duties to clients and insurers
- Disclosure requirements and consumer protection
- Prohibited practices specific to Alaska
- Privacy laws and data security
- Handling complaints and regulatory investigations
- Professional standards and best practices
Study Plan: 6-Week Approach
Week 1-2: National P&C Foundations
- Insurance principles and terminology
- Contract law and policy provisions
- Property insurance fundamentals
- Casualty insurance concepts
- Study time: 10-15 hours/week
Week 3-4: Alaska State Law & Regulations
- Alaska Division of Insurance
- State-specific requirements (50/100/25 auto minimums)
- Producer licensing and CE rules
- Alaska Insurance Code highlights
- Study time: 8-12 hours/week
Week 5: Practice & Review
- Take full-length practice exams
- Review missed questions
- Focus on weak areas
- Create summary flashcards
- Study time: 10-12 hours total
Week 6: Final Prep
- Take timed practice exams
- Review Alaska-specific facts
- Memorize key numbers (minimums, deadlines, fees)
- Rest day before exam
- Study time: 6-8 hours total
Success Tip: Successful candidates average 45-60 hours of study time. Break study into 90-minute sessions with 15-minute breaks for optimal retention.
Understanding the Exam Format
Question Distribution (Approximate)
| Topic Area | Percentage | Questions (out of 90) |
|---|---|---|
| Property Insurance | 35-40% | 32-36 questions |
| Casualty Insurance | 35-40% | 32-36 questions |
| Alaska State Law | 15-20% | 14-18 questions |
| Ethics & Conduct | 5-10% | 5-9 questions |
Cognitive Levels Tested
| Level | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Recall | Definitions, facts, lists | 30% |
| Comprehension | Explain concepts, relationships | 40% |
| Application | Solve problems, apply to scenarios | 30% |
Exam Tip: Alaska's exam emphasizes comprehension and application over rote memorization. Understand WHY rules exist, not just WHAT they are.
Alaska's Insurance Market Context
Why Alaska Is Unique
Alaska's insurance market faces unique challenges that shape state regulations:
-
Geographic Isolation
- Limited competition in remote areas
- Higher costs for property insurance
- Increased importance of consumer protection
-
Natural Hazards
- High earthquake risk (Ring of Fire)
- Extreme weather and permafrost
- Flooding and wildfire exposure
- No state-mandated earthquake or flood coverage (federally available)
-
Economic Factors
- Small population (731,000+ as of 2025)
- High auto insurance minimums (50/100/25)
- Emphasis on underinsured/uninsured motorist protection
-
Regulatory Philosophy
- File-and-use rate regulation
- Strong consumer protection stance
- Balanced approach to market freedom
Alaska Division of Insurance Contact
Division of Insurance
- Address: 550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Phone: (907) 269-7900
- Fax: (907) 269-7910
- Email: insurance@alaska.gov
- Website: commerce.alaska.gov/web/ins
Consumer Services
- Phone: (800) 467-8725 (toll-free)
- Email: insurancelicensing@alaska.gov
Common Myths About the Alaska Exam
Myth #1: "No education requirement means an easy exam"
Reality: The exam tests the same P&C concepts as states requiring 40+ hours. Alaska expects self-directed learning.
Myth #2: "I can pass by memorizing Alaska minimums"
Reality: State-specific content is only 15-20% of the exam. You need solid P&C fundamentals.
Myth #3: "I can study the night before"
Reality: Average passing candidates study 45-60 hours over 4-6 weeks.
Myth #4: "Property and Casualty exams are the same"
Reality: They're separate exams covering different content areas. Take both in one session for efficiency.
Myth #5: "Once licensed, I'm done with education"
Reality: Alaska requires 24 CE hours every 2 years including 3 ethics hours.
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Review Alaska regulations - Study state-specific content
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Apply for license - Through NIPR when ready
- Schedule exam - With Pearson VUE
- Pass exam - With confidence!
Remember: This guide focuses on Alaska-specific content. Supplement with national P&C study materials for comprehensive preparation.
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Alaska P&C Regulation & Licensing!
What is the minimum passing score required for the Alaska Property & Casualty insurance exam?
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Alaska require for Property & Casualty insurance?
Which testing company administers Alaska's insurance licensing exams?