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
Last updated: January 2026

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 ComponentDetails
Testing ProviderPSI Services
Total Questions150 scored questions
Section Breakdown100 General Knowledge + 50 State Law
Time Limit2.5 hours (150 minutes total)
Passing Score70% or higher on BOTH sections
Question FormatMultiple 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

RequirementDetails
Required Hours0 hours (no state requirement)
Recommendation40-60 hours self-study strongly recommended
CPCU ExceptionCPCU designees need only pass NH State Law portion
TimingCan schedule exam immediately after application approval

Why Study is Still Essential

Despite no required coursework, successful candidates typically invest:

  1. General P&C Principles (30-40 hours)

    • Homeowners insurance
    • Commercial property
    • Auto insurance
    • General liability
    • Workers' compensation
  2. New Hampshire State Law (20-30 hours)

    • NH Insurance Department structure
    • State regulations (RSA Title XXXVII)
    • Unique financial responsibility laws
    • Consumer protection requirements
  3. 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:

FeatureNew HampshireMost Other States
Auto Insurance MandateNOT required (unique!)Mandatory minimum coverage
Financial ResponsibilityProof required after accident/violationInsurance required upfront
Market PhilosophyConsumer choice emphasisMandatory coverage model
Pre-License EducationNot required20-40+ 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

  1. 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)
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Receive License

    • License issued upon passing exam
    • Valid for 2 years (biennial renewal)
    • Complete CE requirements for renewal

Total Costs

ItemCost
Pre-License Education$0 (not required)
Study Materials$50 - $200 (optional)
License Application Fee$210 (via NIPR)
Exam Fee$65 (P&C combined)
Background CheckIncluded 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 AreaEmphasisStudy Focus
Policy Types & CoverageHighKnow different policy forms and coverages
P&C Terms & ConceptsHighMaster insurance terminology
Policy ProvisionsHighUnderstand coverage limits, exclusions, conditions
NH Financial ResponsibilityVery HighUnique to NH—heavily tested
NH Insurance LawMedium-HighState-specific regulations and requirements
Ethics & ConductMediumProfessional standards and prohibited practices
Claims HandlingMediumClaims process and consumer protections

New Hampshire Insurance Department Contact

Important Resources

ResourceDetails
Websiteinsurance.nh.gov
Address21 South Fruit Street, Suite 14<br/>Concord, NH 03301
Phone(603) 271-2261
Consumer Services(800) 852-3416 (toll-free)
Emailconsumerservices@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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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%+
  4. 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
  5. 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

WeekFocusHours
Week 1-2Study national P&C principles40 hours
Week 3Study New Hampshire state law (this guide)20 hours
Week 4Practice exams and review weak areas20 hours
Week 5Final review and schedule exam10 hours
TOTAL90 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:

WeekFocusHours
Week 1Intensive national P&C review30 hours
Week 2New Hampshire state law + practice exams25 hours
Week 3Final review + take exam15 hours
TOTAL70 hours

CPCU Fast Track

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designees have a streamlined path:

ComponentCPCU Requirement
General KnowledgeWAIVED (CPCU designation substitutes)
State Law PortionMUST PASS (50 questions on NH law)
Study Time Needed15-20 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)
Test Your Knowledge

What makes New Hampshire unique among all 50 states regarding auto insurance?

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Test Your Knowledge

How many hours of pre-licensing education does New Hampshire require for a P&C license?

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Test Your Knowledge

What is the passing score for the New Hampshire P&C exam?

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