Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts does NOT require pre-license education - exam preparation courses are recommended but not mandatory
- Prometric administers Massachusetts insurance licensing exams
- Life exam: 100 questions, 2 hours; Health exam: 100 questions, 2 hours
- Passing score is 70% on all examinations
- Exam fees range from \$10 to \$49 depending on the exam type
Massachusetts Producer Licensing Requirements
Massachusetts has specific requirements for obtaining Life and Health insurance licenses.
Pre-License Education Requirements
No Pre-License Education Required
Massachusetts does NOT require pre-license education for insurance licenses:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | NOT REQUIRED |
| Mandatory Hours | None |
| Specific Courses | None |
Key Points:
- Pursuant to state law (M.G.L. c. 175, §162L), pre-licensing education is no longer required
- You only need valid government-issued photo ID to take the exam
- Exam preparation courses are strongly recommended but not mandatory
- Most successful candidates complete a comprehensive study course
Exam Tip: While Massachusetts doesn't require pre-license education, the exam covers extensive material on insurance concepts, Massachusetts insurance law, and federal tax considerations. A quality exam prep course significantly increases your chances of passing.
Examination Requirements
The Massachusetts insurance licensing examination:
| Exam Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Prometric |
| Life Insurance Exam | 100 questions |
| Accident & Health Exam | 100 questions |
| Combined Exam (1651 + 1652) | Available as single session |
| Time Limit | 2 hours per exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $39 per exam |
| Testing Options | In-person or online proctored |
Exam Content
Massachusetts insurance exams cover:
- General Insurance Concepts - Principles, terminology, and policy provisions
- Life Insurance - Types, features, and policy options
- Accident & Health Insurance - Individual and group health plans
- Massachusetts Insurance Law - State-specific regulations
- Federal Tax Considerations - Tax treatment of life insurance and annuities
Examination Process
Scheduling the Exam
- Prepare using exam prep materials (strongly recommended)
- Schedule exam through Prometric
- Online at prometric.com/massachusetts/insurance
- Phone: (800) 741-9380
- Choose testing option:
- Prometric testing center
- Online proctored exam
Exam Day
What to Bring:
- Two forms of valid, government-issued ID
- One must contain your name AND photograph
- Acceptable: Driver's license, passport, military ID
Testing Rules:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- No cell phones or electronic devices
- No personal items at testing station
- Calculator provided at testing center
- Results provided immediately after completion
Retake Policy
- No limit on exam retakes
- Can retake as soon as 24 hours after failed attempt
- Must pay full exam fee for each attempt
- No waiting period required
Application Process
After passing the exam:
Application Steps
- Pass exam with 70% or higher
- Submit application through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Pay license fee - $225 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee
- Submit within 12 months of passing exam
- Await approval - typically processed within a few business days
Qualifications
To obtain a Massachusetts insurance license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a resident of Massachusetts (for resident license)
- Pass the licensing examination with 70% or higher
- Submit completed application through NIPR
- Pay applicable fees
- Have no disqualifying criminal history
Lines of Authority
| License Type | What You Can Sell |
|---|---|
| Life | Life insurance and annuities |
| Accident & Health | Health, disability, LTC insurance |
| Property | Property insurance |
| Casualty | Liability insurance |
| Personal Lines | Personal auto and homeowners |
Appointments
After receiving your license:
- Must be appointed by each insurer you represent
- Insurer files appointment with DOI
- Cannot transact business until appointment is filed
- Appointment is company-specific
Does Massachusetts require pre-license education for insurance licenses?
Who administers insurance licensing exams in Massachusetts?
What is the passing score for the Massachusetts insurance licensing exam?
How soon after failing the Massachusetts insurance exam can you retake it?