Iowa Producer Licensing Requirements

Iowa has specific requirements for obtaining a Life and/or Accident & Health insurance producer license. Notably, Iowa does NOT require pre-license education.

Pre-License Education

Iowa does NOT require pre-license education for insurance licenses:

• No mandatory classroom hours
• No specific courses required
• However, exam preparation courses are strongly recommended
• Most candidates complete 20-40 hours of study

Exam Tip: Iowa is one of the few states that does not require pre-license education. However, this doesn't mean the exam is easy—thorough study is still essential.

Examination Requirements

Iowa Life Insurance Exam

Iowa Accident & Health Insurance Exam

Important: Sectional Scoring

Unlike some states, Iowa requires you to score 70% on EACH section of the exam:

• General/National Section - Must score 70%+
• Iowa State Section - Must score 70%+
• The two scores are NOT averaged together

Note: If you fail one section, you fail the entire exam and must retake it.

Examination Process

Scheduling the Exam

1. Study using approved materials (strongly recommended)
2. Schedule exam with Pearson VUE online at pearsonvue.com or call (877) 540-5825
3. Choose testing option: Physical Pearson VUE testing center OR remote online proctored exam
4. Bring valid ID with photo (driver's license, passport)
5. Receive results immediately after exam

Exam Day Requirements

What to Bring:

• Two forms of valid government-issued ID
• One must contain photo and signature
• Examples: Driver's license, passport, military ID

Testing Rules:

• No cell phones or electronic devices
• No personal items at testing station
• Breaks count against time limit
• Results provided immediately

Background Check Requirements

New Requirement Effective June 2, 2025: Iowa now requires state and federal background checks and fingerprints for resident applicants.

Fingerprinting Process

• Vendor: Fieldprint Inc.
• Timing: Must complete as part of license application
• Cost: Approximately $40-60
• Results: Submitted electronically to Iowa Insurance Division

Disqualifying Factors

The Iowa Insurance Division considers criminal history when evaluating applications:

• Felonies involving dishonesty or breach of trust
• Crimes related to financial services
• Recent convictions
• Pattern of criminal behavior

Note: A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The Division considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.

License Application

After passing the exam:

1. Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
2. Submit within 90 days of passing exam
3. Pay license fee (varies by license type)
4. Complete background check if not already done
5. Receive license after Iowa Insurance Division review

License Types and Authority