South Carolina Producer Licensing Requirements

South Carolina has specific requirements for obtaining a Life, Accident & Health insurance license.

Pre-License Education

Education Requirements

Key Points:

• South Carolina does NOT require pre-license education
• However, completing a prep course is highly recommended
• No certificate of completion needed to schedule the exam
• Most successful candidates complete 40+ hours of study

Recommended Course Content

A typical 40-hour pre-license course covers:

1. Life insurance fundamentals and policy types
2. Annuities and retirement products
3. Health insurance basics and policy types
4. Disability and long-term care insurance
5. South Carolina insurance laws and regulations
6. Ethics and producer responsibilities

Examination Requirements

Exam Details

Testing Provider: Pearson VUE

South Carolina exams are administered by Pearson VUE (since May 2023):

• Online Scheduling: pearsonvue.com/sc/insurance
• Phone Scheduling: (888) 204-6156
• Testing Options: In-person testing center or OnVUE online proctored
• Appointment Availability: Up to one day in advance, subject to availability

Exam Tip: The exam includes both general insurance knowledge and South Carolina-specific law questions. Focus extra study time on state-specific regulations.

Examination Process

Scheduling the Exam

1. Study and prepare (recommended 40 hours)
2. Create account at Pearson VUE website
3. Schedule exam at testing center or OnVUE online
4. Pay exam fee ($44 Life, $59 combined)

Exam Day Requirements

What to Bring:

• Two forms of valid ID (primary must have photo and signature)
• Acceptable IDs: Driver's license, passport, military ID
• Testing center provides calculator and scratch paper

Testing Rules:

• No cell phones or electronic devices in testing area
• No personal items at testing station
• Breaks count against your time limit
• Results provided immediately on screen
• Score report emailed after completion

Exam Content Breakdown

The Life, Accident & Health examination covers:

Background Check Requirements

Fingerprinting Requirement

Effective January 1, 2017, South Carolina requires fingerprinting for all resident producers:

Important Fingerprinting Notes

• Fingerprinting is a one-time requirement at initial licensing
• Required even if previously fingerprinted for other purposes (CWP, employment, etc.)
• Must schedule appointment at IdentoGO location
• Background check includes state (SLED) and federal (FBI) checks

Disqualifying Factors

SCDOI considers criminal history when evaluating applications:

• Felonies involving dishonesty or breach of trust
• Crimes related to financial services
• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Recent convictions considered more heavily

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

License Application Process

After passing the exam, complete these steps:

Application Steps

1. Pass the state exam through Pearson VUE
2. Complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO (if not already done)
3. Submit application through NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry)
4. Pay application fee ($30 + $5.60 NIPR transaction fee)
5. Await approval (typically 1-5 business days)

Application Timing

• Submit application within 12 months of passing the exam
• Exam results expire after 12 months if license not obtained
• If results expire, must retake and pass the exam

Application Fees

License Types in South Carolina

Appointments

After receiving your license:

• Must be appointed by each insurer you represent
• Insurer files appointment with SCDOI
• Cannot transact business until appointment is active
• Appointment is insurer-specific (need separate for each company)

Basic Eligibility Requirements