Does Washington require pre-licensing education for insurance producers?

The OIC says it is no longer required for producers, effective July 23, 2023, but PSI's current candidate bulletin still lists it. Confirm with the OIC before buying a required course.

How much is the Washington insurance exam?

PSI lists $38 for single-line exams such as Life or Property and $55 for the combined Property & Casualty or Life & Disability exams.

How to Get Your Washington Insurance License: Step-by-Step Guide

Q: How long do I have to apply after passing?

Submit your application, fees and fingerprints within 180 days of passing, or you will need to retake the exam.

Q: How often does a Washington license renew?

Every two years. Producers need 24 hours of continuing education including 3 hours of ethics in the 24 months before expiration.

Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) licenses producers. The exam is run by PSI, and you finish with an online application and fingerprinting.

Quick answer: You pass a PSI exam — $38 for a single line or $55 for the combined Property & Casualty or Life & Disability exam, with 70% needed to pass — then apply online and get fingerprinted through IdentoGO. Submit everything within 180 days of passing. Confirm pre-licensing education with the OIC before buying a course (see below).

Step 1: Confirm you're eligible

Washington requires applicants to be at least 18 and trustworthy and competent. The OIC reviews criminal and regulatory history as part of the application. Veterans who qualify may be reimbursed for exam fees — PSI's bulletin links to the VA's test-fee reimbursement page.

Step 2: Prepare for the exam — and check the pre-licensing rule

On its first-time license page, the OIC says pre-licensing education for producers is no longer required, effective July 23, 2023. However, PSI's candidate bulletin (last revised August 3, 2026) still says pre-license education is required to take the full-line producer exams. Those two sources disagree, so confirm the current rule with the OIC (insedu@oic.wa.gov) before you pay for a required course.

Either way, the exam covers national concepts plus Washington law, and a course built on the Washington outline is the most direct way to prepare. See the Washington courses →

Step 3: Schedule and pass the PSI exam

Schedule at test-takers.psiexams.com/waoic, at one of PSI's test centers or by remote proctoring (remote exams after August 3, 2026 require a smartphone as a second camera). PSI's bulletin lists:

Exam	Questions	Time	Fee
Life Producer	100	150 min	$38
Property Producer	100	150 min	$38
Casualty Producer	100	150 min	$38
Property & Casualty (combined)	150	195 min	$55
Personal Lines	100	135 min	$38

You need 70% correct to pass, and there is no limit on retakes. Fees are not refundable or transferable.

Step 4: Apply and get fingerprinted

After you pass, complete the online application (license fees are paid there) on the OIC site or through NIPR. Then submit your application before you schedule fingerprints, and book an appointment with IdentoGO, selecting the Washington OIC as the agency. Resident applicants must be fingerprinted; the state will not issue a license until the background check result arrives.

You must submit the application, fees and fingerprints within 180 days of passing, or you'll need to retake the exam.

What it actually costs

Item	Cost
PSI exam (single line / combined)	$38 / $55
License application fees	see the OIC fee page
Fingerprinting (IdentoGO)	paid when you book

Keeping your license

Washington licenses run to the end of your next birth month plus one year, then renew every two years. Producers complete 24 credit hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics, in the 24 months before expiration, and keep certificates for three years.

Putting it together

Verify the pre-licensing rule, study to the Washington outline, take the PSI exam, then apply and fingerprint in that order.

Ready to start your Washington license?

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

Start the Washington 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 Washington page, or book a 1-on-1 tutoring session and we'll help you choose and build a study plan.