How much does the South Carolina insurance exam cost?

Pearson VUE's South Carolina handbook lists $59 per exam. The edition we reviewed is dated 2023, so confirm the current fee when you reserve.

Does South Carolina require pre-licensing education?

Pearson's handbook lists no pre-licensing course, and you don't need the state's approval to sit for the exam. Confirm on the Department's site if your situation is unusual.

How long should I wait to apply after passing?

Two days. The handbook says to allow 48 hours so your result can be uploaded to NIPR before you apply.

How many times can I take the South Carolina exam?

You can retake 24 hours after a failed attempt (and pay the fee again), up to six times for each exam in a one-year period.

How to Get Your South Carolina Insurance License: Step-by-Step Guide

South Carolina licenses producers through the Department of Insurance (SCDOI). The path is short: pass the exam, apply through NIPR, and get fingerprinted when the Department emails you instructions.

Quick answer: South Carolina's exams are given by Pearson VUE and the handbook lists a $59 fee per exam with a reported passing score of 70. The handbook lists no pre-licensing course. Pass, wait two days, then apply through NIPR — the state fee shown on NIPR for a producer license is $25.

Step 1: Confirm you're eligible

You must be at least 18 years old. NIPR's South Carolina requirements also say you must have a South Carolina residence or business address and must not hold an active resident license in another state. South Carolina does not need to approve you before you sit for the exam.

Step 2: Prepare for the exam

Pearson's handbook lists no pre-licensing education step, so you can go straight to studying. Each exam has a general section and a South Carolina section; if you pass one section and fail the other, you retake the whole exam. A course built around the South Carolina outline is the quickest way to cover both. See the South Carolina courses →

Step 3: Reserve and pass the exam

Exams moved to Pearson VUE on May 1, 2023 (per the Department). Reserve online at least 48 hours ahead, or by phone at least 24 hours ahead. Pearson's handbook (the edition we reviewed is dated 05.2023, so confirm current details on Pearson's South Carolina page) lists:

Exam	Fee
Life	$59
Accident & Health	$59
Life, Accident & Health (combined)	$59
Property	$59
Casualty	$59
Property & Casualty (combined)	$59
Personal Lines	$59

The handbook reports every passing score as 70. If you fail, you can retake 24 hours after the last attempt, paying the fee again; each exam can be taken six times in a one-year period. A passing result is valid for one year.

Step 4: Apply for the license

Wait two days after passing so your result reaches NIPR, then apply online at NIPR. NIPR shows a $25 state fee for an insurance producer license (NIPR's own transaction fee is extra). After you apply, you'll receive an email with instructions for scheduling fingerprints, so don't get fingerprinted before applying. Passing the exam doesn't guarantee a license — the Department also reviews your application and background.

What it actually costs

Item	Cost
Pearson VUE exam (per exam, per Pearson's handbook)	$59
State producer license fee (per NIPR)	$25 + NIPR transaction fee
Fingerprinting	fee set by the vendor; see the Department's instructions
Pre-licensing course	not listed as required

Keeping your license

Licenses renew every two years, by the last day of your birth month. South Carolina requires 24 hours of continuing education each two-year period; a producer licensed in both property and casualty and life, accident and health takes at least one-third in each. Up to 18 excess hours can carry forward.

Putting it together

Study to the South Carolina outline, book the Pearson VUE exam, wait two days after passing, then apply through NIPR and follow the fingerprint email.

Ready to start your South Carolina license?

Start the South Carolina Property & Casualty course → — built around the South Carolina exam outline, with timed practice exams and a state-law section.

Start the South Carolina Life Only course → — the same approach for the life exam.

Both are one flat price per license line: pay once, keep lifetime access, no subscription, and backed by our Pass Guarantee. Not sure which line to pick? Compare everything on the South Carolina page, or book a 1-on-1 tutoring session and we'll help you choose and build a study plan.