Requirements Before Health Insurance License Exam in California and Nevada

Starting a career as a health insurance broker can be incredibly rewarding, but it all begins with passing your health insurance license exam. This article will guide you through the essential steps and resources you’ll need to prepare for the exam, whether you’re in California or Nevada.

What is a Health Insurance License?

A health insurance license allows you to legally sell health insurance products within your state. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, including pre-license training hours and continuing education.

California vs. Nevada Broker Pre-License Training

Understanding the pre-license training requirements for health insurance brokers in California and Nevada is crucial. Both states have unique mandates around training hours, continuing education, and ethical standards, which can impact how you prepare for your licensing exam. Below, we break down these requirements to help you navigate the licensing process efficiently.

California Broker Pre-License Training

Required Hours and Course Work

For the California Health Insurance License, aspiring brokers must complete 52 hours of pre-license training, which includes:

20 hours for Life insurance
20 hours for Accident and Health insurance
12 hours for Ethics and Code training

Key Topics Covered

Your coursework will cover the following areas:

General Insurance Principles and Concepts
Principles of Life Insurance and Annuities
Principles of Health Insurance
California Agent Licensing and Regulation
California Life and Health Insurance Statutes and Rules

Continuing Education

Once licensed, California brokers must complete 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years, including at least three hours of ethics training.

Nevada Broker Pre-License Training

Required Hours and Course Work

Nevada requires 20 hours of education for each line of insurance you wish to sell. Therefore, for a Life and Health license, you will need a total of 40 hours.

Key Topics Covered

Your training will include:

General Insurance Principles
Life and Health Insurance Principles
Nevada Insurance Laws and Regulations

Continuing Education

Nevada requires 30 hours of Continuing Education within a three-year licensing period, including three hours of ethics training.

Importance of Ethics Training

Ethics training is a mandatory part of both pre-license and continuing education. This training covers:

Consumer protections
Federal and state laws on ethics and fraud
Fair sales, claims, and underwriting practices
Market conduct and fiduciary duties
Consumer privacy and product suitability

Health Insurance Training Resources

In-Person vs. Online Training

You have multiple options when it comes to training, including in-person classes and online courses. The key is to choose a method that fits your learning style and schedule. Below, potential training providers are presented in California and Nevada.

California Training Providers

Some reputable providers include:

Nevada Training Providers

In Nevada, you can find approved pre-licensing education providers through Sircon, by following these steps:

Select “Lookup Education Courses/Credits”
Select “Approved Courses Inquiry”
Select Nevada from the state menu
Select “Pre-Licensing Education” from the dropdown menu

After you complete your online studies, you’ll receive a certificate of course completion, which is also reported to Sircon, (thus making you eligible for a Nevada insurance producer’s license exam.) A certificate of completion is valid for two years.

Costs and Reimbursement

Training Costs

Costs can vary based on the provider and the type of training package you choose. Options range from self-study programs to live online classes, each with its own pricing structure.

Reimbursement Offers

At Word & Brown, we’ll provide a reimbursement of up to $500 after passing your licensing exam and sell your first small business Major Medical policy with us.

Schedule Your Health Insurance Exam

California Exam Scheduling

In California, you can schedule your exam through the California Department of Insurance’s website. It’s recommended to book your slot at least 60 days before your desired test date.

Nevada Exam Scheduling

Nevada candidates can schedule their exam through Pearson VUE, the state’s authorized testing vendor. Appointments can be made up to one calendar day prior to the exam date.

Only one Testing Vendor is authorized for the insurance license exam. Subject to availability, testing appointments can be made up to one calendar day prior to the day you wish to test. Click below to visit the vendor’s website.

Pearson VUE

Conclusion

Earning a license as a health insurance broker can open doors to numerous career opportunities. With proper preparation and the right resources, passing the health insurance licensing exam is entirely achievable. If you’re ready to advance your career, consider enrolling in pre-license training today.

For more information on preparing for your license exam, refer to our post, Health Insurance Broker License and Exam Tips. Good luck with your studies and your future career in health insurance!

The Insurance Broker Blog