How to get a New York life & health license
Requirements, exam, fees and the order to do things in — from the New York State Department of Financial Services and the exam handbook.
Step by step
- Complete pre-licensing education — 20 hours from a New York-approved provider.
- Schedule and pass the state exam with PSI ($40). Read the candidate handbook.
- Get fingerprinted if required — Not required for agents/brokers per CIB.
- Apply for the license through NIPR or the New York State Department of Financial Services ($40/yr ($80 per 2-yr term)).
- Get appointed by an insurance company (agents) and keep up with continuing education — 15 hours per renewal (license term: 2 years (expires on birthday)).
Pre-licensing & exam prep courses
- Kaplan Financial Education — state-approved pre-licensing and exam prep, the long-running market leader
- ExamFX — pre-licensing and exam prep with a pass guarantee
- AceableAgent — mobile-first pre-licensing courses
- XCEL Solutions — low-cost online pre-licensing and exam prep
Pick a course approved in New York. Some links may be affiliate links.
New York Life & Health requirements
| Life Agent (17-51) | Accident & Health Agent (17-52) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Exam vendor | PSI | PSI |
| Exam fee | $40 | $40 |
| Questions / time | 100 · 120 min | 100 · 120 min |
| License application fee | $40/yr ($80 per 2-yr term) | $40/yr ($80 per 2-yr term) |
| Fingerprints | Not required for agents/brokers per CIB | Not required for agents/brokers per CIB |
| Continuing education | 15 hours · 2 years (expires on birthday) | 15 hours · 2 years |
Life Agent (17-51): Life and A&H are separate lines; combined L/A&H 17-55 = 40 h, 150 Q, 150 min.
Minimum age 18. Sources: PSI NY DFS Insurance Candidate Information Bulletin · NY DFS Prelicensing Education · NY DFS Insurance Adjuster Licensing. Checked 2026-10.
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Life & Health license rules across the US
Other New York licenses
Property & Casualty license · Adjuster license · All New York insurance licenses
Questions
How long does it take to get a life and health insurance license in New York?
The 20 hours of pre-licensing take most people 1–3 weeks. After you pass, license approval usually takes a few days to a few weeks after fingerprints clear.
How much does a New York Life & Health license cost?
State fees (exam + application) come to about $160, plus fingerprints and a course if you take one.
Who runs the New York insurance exam?
PSI. Book the exam on the vendor's site after reading the candidate handbook.