South Carolina Insurance Exam: Questions, Passing Score and What's Tested
October 28, 2026 · PassReadyPro Team
South Carolina's insurance exams are given by Pearson VUE for the Department of Insurance. Each exam has a general section and a South Carolina section, and you need to pass both. Here is what the handbook and outlines say.
Quick answer: The Life exam has 75 scored questions in 2 hours. The Property and Casualty exams each have 75 scored questions in 2 hours, and the combined Property, Casualty, Surety and Marine exam has 130 scored questions in 2 hours 45 minutes. Each exam costs $59 in the handbook. The passing score is reported as 70 on a 0 to 100 scale, which is not a percentage. You can take each exam up to six times in a one-year period.
The exams at a glance
Pearson's handbook lists the total number of items (scored plus unscored pretest) and the time for each exam, and the outlines (effective September 15, 2026) give the scored questions:
| Exam | Scored | Total items | Test time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life | 75 | 85 | 120 minutes | $59 |
| Property | 75 | 80 | 120 minutes | $59 |
| Casualty | 75 | 80 | 120 minutes | $59 |
| Property, Casualty, Surety and Marine (combined) | 130 | 140 | 165 minutes | $59 |
| Personal Lines | 95 | 105 | 120 minutes | $59 |
The handbook is the May 2023 edition. Confirm the fee and times with Pearson before you book.
How the scoring works
- The passing score is reported as 70 for all exams. The Department of Insurance sets the passing score, and scores run from 0 to 100 but should not be read as the percentage or number of correct answers.
- Each exam has two sections: general and state. The handbook says candidates who pass one section and fail the other must retake the entire examination.
- If you do not pass, your report includes a numeric score and diagnostic information on the general portion.
- There is a cap on attempts. Each exam may be taken only six times in a one-year period, and every attempt costs the exam fee.
What's on each exam
The general portion is national content, and the South Carolina portion covers state law.
| Exam | General (scored) | South Carolina law (scored) |
|---|---|---|
| Life | 50 | 25 (18 all lines + 7 life) |
| Property | 50 | 25 (18 all lines + 7 property) |
| Casualty | 50 | 25 (18 all lines + 7 casualty) |
| Property and Casualty (combined) | 100 | 30 (18 all lines + 12 property and casualty) |
| Personal Lines | 75 | 20 (15 all lines + 5 personal lines) |
The general sections are the same pattern in most states. For example, the Life general portion is types of policies 15, policy riders, provisions, options and exclusions 15, completing the application, underwriting and delivering the policy 12, and retirement and other insurance concepts 8. Property is types of policies 22, terms and related concepts 15, and policy provisions and contract law 13. Casualty is 23, 15 and 12.
The South Carolina section is based on Title 38 of the South Carolina Code. The "all lines" part covers the Department and Director (powers, examination of books and records, hearings, penalties, cease and desist orders), general insurance definitions, licensing (producer licenses, applications, temporary and nonresident licenses, appointments and termination, continuing education), unfair and prohibited trade practices (rebating, defamation, unfair discrimination, misrepresentation, false advertising, boycott, coercion and intimidation, unfair claims settlement practices, fraud, prohibited inducements), reporting and disposition of premiums, and consumer information privacy (Regulation 69-58). The line-specific parts add replacement and conversion and policy provisions for Life, and cancellation and nonrenewal, rate regulation and guaranty association topics for Property.
Booking and test-day rules from the handbook
- Reserve ahead. Pearson encourages reserving at least 24 hours in advance, and walk-in exams are not available. You can test at a Pearson VUE test center or online through OnVUE, which needs a quiet private location, a device with a webcam and a strong internet connection.
- Pay when you reserve. Fees are paid by card, debit card or voucher, and are non-refundable and non-transferable except as the change and cancel policy allows. Cancel or reschedule 48 hours before the exam to avoid a penalty.
- Bring one valid ID. It must be unexpired, government-issued, with your photo and signature, in English, and exactly match the name you registered with.
- Arrive early. The handbook gives 15 minutes in its check-in section and 30 minutes in its checklist; aim for 30.
- Wait 24 hours to test again, and pay the fee again. Reservations for reexamination cannot be made at the test center.
- Apply after you pass. Wait 2 days after passing before you apply online through NIPR so your result can upload.
A study plan that follows the questions
- Learn the South Carolina "all lines" section first. It is 18 of the state questions on every Life, Property and Casualty exam.
- Remember both sections count. A strong general score does not cover a weak state score, so practice each separately.
- On Property and Casualty, types of policies is the largest general section (22 and 23 of 50).
- Make the first attempt count. With six attempts a year and a fee each time, finish your practice exams before you book.
See how to get your South Carolina insurance license for the application and what happens after you pass.
Figures come from Pearson VUE's handbook (May 2023 edition) and its outlines (effective September 15, 2026) as of October 2026 and can change. Check Pearson VUE before you book.
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the South Carolina Property exam?+
75 scored questions (50 general and 25 on South Carolina law) with a 2-hour limit. The handbook counts 80 total items including unscored pretest questions.
What is the passing score for the South Carolina insurance exam?+
The passing score is reported as 70 on a 0 to 100 scale for all exams. The handbook says not to read it as a percentage or a number of correct answers.
What if I pass the general section but not the South Carolina section?+
The handbook says candidates who pass one section and fail the other must retake the entire examination.
How many times can I take the South Carolina exam?+
Each exam may be taken only six times in a one-year period. You wait 24 hours between attempts and pay the exam fee each time.
Can I take the South Carolina insurance exam online?+
Yes. Pearson offers OnVUE online proctored testing. You need a quiet private location, a device with a webcam and a strong internet connection.
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See South Carolina CoursesThis article is for general informational purposes and reflects our understanding of South Carolina's licensing process at the time of writing. Requirements and procedures change — always verify current details with the South Carolina Department of Insurance or your exam administrator before relying on anything here.