Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire does NOT require pre-licensing education for P&C—though strongly recommended for exam success
- The exam consists of 150 questions (100 general knowledge + 50 state law) with a 2.5-hour time limit
- A passing score of 70% or higher is required on both sections
- PSI Services administers all New Hampshire insurance licensing examinations
- Candidates have 90 days and 3 attempts to pass the exam after receiving authorization to test
- New Hampshire is the only state that does NOT mandate auto insurance—unique exam content
New Hampshire Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE New Hampshire Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers New Hampshire-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam and begin your career as a licensed P&C producer in the "Live Free or Die" state.
About the New Hampshire P&C Exam
The New Hampshire Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- New Hampshire insurance law and regulations (RSA Title XXXVII)
- Property insurance principles and coverages
- Casualty insurance including auto and liability
- Policy provisions and endorsements
- Ethics and professional conduct
- New Hampshire's unique financial responsibility system
- Claims handling and consumer protection
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI Services |
| Total Questions | 150 scored questions |
| Section Breakdown | 100 General Knowledge + 50 State Law |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes total) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher on BOTH sections |
| Question Format | Multiple choice |
| Exam Fee | $65 for combined P&C |
| Individual Lines | $50 for Property or Casualty only |
Important: New Hampshire requires you to pass both the General Knowledge and State Law sections. You must score 70%+ on each section independently to pass.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
New Hampshire is one of the few states with NO mandatory pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance:
Education Requirement
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Hours | 0 hours (no state requirement) |
| Recommendation | 40-60 hours self-study strongly recommended |
| CPCU Exception | CPCU designees need only pass NH State Law portion |
| Timing | Can schedule exam immediately after application approval |
Why Study is Still Essential
Despite no required coursework, successful candidates typically invest:
-
General P&C Principles (30-40 hours)
- Homeowners insurance
- Commercial property
- Auto insurance
- General liability
- Workers' compensation
-
New Hampshire State Law (20-30 hours)
- NH Insurance Department structure
- State regulations (RSA Title XXXVII)
- Unique financial responsibility laws
- Consumer protection requirements
-
Practice Exams (10-20 hours)
- Identify weak areas
- Build test-taking stamina
- Aim for 90%+ before scheduling
Exam Tip: While New Hampshire doesn't require pre-licensing education, the 70% passing score is the same. Most successful candidates spend 60-80 hours preparing through self-study and practice exams.
New Hampshire's Unique Insurance Landscape
The "Live Free or Die" Difference
New Hampshire stands alone in U.S. insurance regulation:
| Feature | New Hampshire | Most Other States |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Insurance Mandate | NOT required (unique!) | Mandatory minimum coverage |
| Financial Responsibility | Proof required after accident/violation | Insurance required upfront |
| Market Philosophy | Consumer choice emphasis | Mandatory coverage model |
| Pre-License Education | Not required | 20-40+ hours typically required |
What This Means for the Exam
Expect questions on:
- New Hampshire's financial responsibility system (25/50/25 proof)
- When insurance IS required (DWI convictions, SR-22 situations)
- Alternative proof methods (bonds, cash deposits)
- Uninsured motorist considerations
- Consumer protection in an optional insurance market
Critical Exam Topic: New Hampshire's unique "insurance optional" approach is heavily tested on the state law portion. Understand WHY it exists, HOW it works, and WHEN coverage becomes mandatory.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Submit License Application
- Apply through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
- Complete background check authorization
- Pay $210 application fee
- Receive approval and Authorization to Test (ATT)
-
Schedule Your Exam
- Register with PSI Services online
- Schedule within 90-day window
- Choose testing center location
- Up to 3 attempts allowed in 90 days
-
Prepare for Exam
- Study national P&C principles (40-50 hours)
- Study New Hampshire state law (20-30 hours)
- Complete practice exams
- Review weak areas
-
Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early at testing center
- Bring two forms of identification
- Pass both sections with 70%+ score
- Receive instant preliminary results
-
Receive License
- License issued upon passing exam
- Valid for 2 years (biennial renewal)
- Complete CE requirements for renewal
Total Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $0 (not required) |
| Study Materials | $50 - $200 (optional) |
| License Application Fee | $210 (via NIPR) |
| Exam Fee | $65 (P&C combined) |
| Background Check | Included in application fee |
| TOTAL | $275 - $475 |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on New Hampshire state-specific content:
Chapter 1: New Hampshire P&C Regulation & Licensing
- New Hampshire Insurance Department structure and authority
- Producer licensing and continuing education requirements
- Financial responsibility laws and proof requirements
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary actions
Chapter 2: New Hampshire Property Insurance
- Homeowners insurance regulations
- Commercial property coverage
- State-mandated disclosures and requirements
- Claims handling standards
- Consumer protection provisions
Chapter 3: New Hampshire Auto & Casualty Insurance
- New Hampshire's unique financial responsibility system (25/50/25)
- When auto insurance IS required in NH
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage considerations
- Liability insurance principles
- Workers' compensation regulations
Chapter 4: New Hampshire Ethics & Professional Conduct
- Fiduciary duties to clients and insurers
- Disclosure requirements
- Consumer protection laws
- Professional standards in New Hampshire
- Market conduct expectations
Note: This guide covers ONLY New Hampshire state law. You must also study national P&C insurance principles to fully prepare for the exam.
Exam Content Distribution
The New Hampshire P&C exam emphasizes:
| Content Area | Emphasis | Study Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Types & Coverage | High | Know different policy forms and coverages |
| P&C Terms & Concepts | High | Master insurance terminology |
| Policy Provisions | High | Understand coverage limits, exclusions, conditions |
| NH Financial Responsibility | Very High | Unique to NH—heavily tested |
| NH Insurance Law | Medium-High | State-specific regulations and requirements |
| Ethics & Conduct | Medium | Professional standards and prohibited practices |
| Claims Handling | Medium | Claims process and consumer protections |
New Hampshire Insurance Department Contact
Important Resources
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | insurance.nh.gov |
| Address | 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 14<br/>Concord, NH 03301 |
| Phone | (603) 271-2261 |
| Consumer Services | (800) 852-3416 (toll-free) |
| consumerservices@ins.nh.gov |
Testing Center Information
PSI Services
- Website: www.psiexams.com
- Phone: (833) 518-7458
- Online scheduling available 24/7
- Testing centers in Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth
How to Use This Guide
Study Strategy
-
Study National P&C Content First (40-50 hours recommended)
- Use national study guides or textbooks
- Cover property, casualty, auto, liability thoroughly
- Master insurance terminology and concepts
-
Read Each Chapter of This Guide - Focus on NH-specific regulations
- Pay special attention to financial responsibility laws
- Understand unique New Hampshire approaches
- Note differences from other states
-
Test Your Knowledge - Complete all quiz questions
- Focus on areas where you score below 80%
- Review explanations for wrong answers
- Retake quizzes until consistent 90%+
-
Review Key Takeaways - Create flashcards from bullet points
- Focus on NH-specific facts
- Memorize key numbers (25/50/25, 70% pass, etc.)
- Practice explaining concepts aloud
-
Take Practice Exams - Aim for 90%+ before scheduling real exam
- Time yourself (2.5 hours = 150 minutes)
- Track both overall and section scores
- Identify patterns in mistakes
Recommended Study Timeline
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Study national P&C principles | 40 hours |
| Week 3 | Study New Hampshire state law (this guide) | 20 hours |
| Week 4 | Practice exams and review weak areas | 20 hours |
| Week 5 | Final review and schedule exam | 10 hours |
| TOTAL | 90 hours |
Success Tip: New Hampshire's 90-day / 3-attempt window creates urgency. However, don't rush—give yourself 4-5 weeks to study thoroughly. The lack of required education means YOU are responsible for your preparation.
Fast-Track Option (3 Weeks)
For experienced professionals or those with insurance background:
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Intensive national P&C review | 30 hours |
| Week 2 | New Hampshire state law + practice exams | 25 hours |
| Week 3 | Final review + take exam | 15 hours |
| TOTAL | 70 hours |
CPCU Fast Track
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designees have a streamlined path:
| Component | CPCU Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | WAIVED (CPCU designation substitutes) |
| State Law Portion | MUST PASS (50 questions on NH law) |
| Study Time Needed | 15-20 hours (NH law only) |
| Exam Fee | $50 (state law portion only) |
CPCU Tip: Focus exclusively on Chapters 1-4 of this guide. You don't need to study national P&C content, but you must master New Hampshire's unique regulations and financial responsibility system.
Unique Exam Challenges
Challenge 1: Financial Responsibility vs. Insurance
Most states test: Mandatory minimum insurance requirements New Hampshire tests: Optional insurance + mandatory proof after incidents
Study Focus:
- Understand when proof is required (accidents, violations, DWI)
- Know alternative proof methods (bonds, cash deposits)
- Master the 25/50/25 financial responsibility amounts
- Recognize mandatory insurance situations
Challenge 2: Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The NH Twist: Higher percentage of uninsured drivers than most states
Study Focus:
- UM/UIM coverage importance in optional insurance market
- Consumer education requirements
- Rejection forms and documentation
- Stack vs. non-stacked coverage
Challenge 3: Consumer Protection
The NH Approach: Strong consumer protections despite minimal mandates
Study Focus:
- Claims handling requirements
- Disclosure obligations
- Fair dealing standards
- Market conduct expectations
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Start with Chapter 1: New Hampshire P&C Regulation & Licensing to learn about the New Hampshire Insurance Department, the state's unique licensing requirements, and New Hampshire's distinctive approach to insurance regulation.
Good luck on your exam! 🎓
Additional Study Resources
Official Sources
Professional Associations
- Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Hampshire (IIABNH)
- Professional Insurance Agents of New Hampshire
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Continuing Education Providers
- Various CE providers for post-license education (24 hours/2 years including 3 hours ethics)
What makes New Hampshire unique among all 50 states regarding auto insurance?
How many hours of pre-licensing education does New Hampshire require for a P&C license?
What is the passing score for the New Hampshire P&C exam?