Key Takeaways
- West Virginia REQUIRES 20 hours of pre-license education per line (40 hours for combined Life & Health)
- Pre-license education certificate is valid for only 6 MONTHS (shorter than most states)
- Pearson VUE administers West Virginia insurance licensing exams
- Life exam: 94 questions, 2 hours; A&H exam: 96 questions, 2 hours
- Passing score is 70% on a scaled score basis
- Maximum of 8 exam attempts per line of authority
West Virginia Producer Licensing Requirements
West Virginia has specific requirements for obtaining a Life and/or Accident & Health (Sickness) insurance license.
Pre-License Education Requirements
Required Hours
| License Type | Pre-License Hours |
|---|---|
| Life Insurance Only | 20 hours |
| Accident & Health Only | 20 hours |
| Combined Life & Health | 40 hours |
Key Points:
- Pre-license education is REQUIRED in West Virginia
- Must complete at OIC-approved schools
- Must pass a closed-book, monitored certification exam with 70% or higher
- Lessons must be completed sequentially (cannot skip ahead)
- Course certificate is valid for only 6 MONTHS from date of completion
Important: West Virginia's 6-month certificate validity is shorter than most states (many allow 1-2 years). Plan your exam accordingly!
Course Content Requirements
The pre-license course must cover:
- Life insurance fundamentals and products
- Health insurance fundamentals and products
- Policy provisions and contract law
- West Virginia insurance law and regulations
- Ethics and producer responsibilities
Examination Requirements
The West Virginia insurance licensing exams are administered by Pearson VUE:
| Exam Detail | Life Insurance | Accident & Health |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 94 | 96 |
| Time Limit | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (scaled) | 70% (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $88 | $88 |
| Max Attempts | 8 | 8 |
Exam Content
Each exam contains two sections:
- General Knowledge - Federal insurance concepts and products
- State-Specific - West Virginia laws and regulations
Note: The 8-attempt limit is per line of authority. After 8 failed attempts, you may need to petition the OIC for additional attempts.
Scheduling the Exam
- Complete pre-license education and pass the certification exam
- Schedule exam through Pearson VUE:
- Online at pearsonvue.com/wv/insurance
- Phone: (800) 274-2614
- Choose testing option:
- Pearson VUE testing center (in-person)
- OnVUE online proctored exam (remote)
Exam Day Requirements
Identification Requirements
You must present TWO forms of valid identification:
| ID Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Primary ID | Government-issued, photo, signature (driver's license, passport, military ID) |
| Secondary ID | Must contain valid signature |
Important: The name on your ID must exactly match your exam registration name.
Testing Rules
- No cell phones or electronic devices in testing area
- No personal items at testing station
- No outside calculators (on-screen calculator provided)
- Breaks count against your time limit
- Results provided immediately upon completion
After Passing the Exam
Once you pass the exam:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply for License | Through NIPR at nipr.com or directly with OIC |
| Complete Fingerprinting | Through IdentoGO after exam passage |
| Background Check | State and FBI criminal history check |
| License Fee | Varies by license type |
| Processing Time | 5-10 business days if no issues |
Note: You must apply for your license within 1 YEAR of passing the exam. After 1 year, you must retake pre-licensing education and the exam.
Fingerprinting Requirements
West Virginia requires electronic fingerprinting for all first-time resident producer applicants:
Fingerprinting Process
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Vendor | IdentoGO |
| Timing | AFTER passing the exam |
| Website | www.identogo.com |
| Phone | 1-855-766-7746 |
| Cost | Approximately $50-60 |
Steps to Complete Fingerprinting
- Pass the state licensing exam
- Register for fingerprinting at IdentoGO
- Schedule an appointment at an IdentoGO location
- Obtain your 12-digit TCN (Transaction Control Number)
- Include TCN on your license application
Background Check
The fingerprints are submitted for:
- West Virginia State Police background check
- FBI national criminal history check
Note: A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The OIC considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Exemptions from Pre-Licensing
Certain applicants may be exempt from pre-license education:
| Exemption Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| New Residents | Active license in reciprocal home state, apply within 90 days |
| Non-Residents | Licensed in good standing in home state |
| Returning Producers | May qualify based on prior experience (case-by-case) |
Non-resident producers must maintain an active home state license to hold a West Virginia non-resident license.
How many hours of pre-license education does West Virginia require for a combined Life & Health license?
How long is a West Virginia pre-license education certificate valid?
What is the maximum number of exam attempts allowed in West Virginia per line of authority?
Who administers insurance licensing exams in West Virginia?
When should a West Virginia applicant complete fingerprinting?