New Hampshire Life & Health Insurance Exam Guide (2026)
A complete, authoritative walkthrough of everything required to get your New Hampshire Life, Accident & Health producer license — from exam scheduling with PSI Services LLC to fingerprinting, state exam scoring, and final license issuance. Ready to practice? Start with free New Hampshire Life & Health practice questions.
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Since July 1, 2025
Passing Score
70%
105 / 150 correct
Exam Fee
$72
($59 for single line)
Pre-Licensing
0 Hours
Self-study recommended
What This License Is
A New Hampshire Life, Accident and Health producer license authorizes you to legally market, solicit, negotiate, and sell individual and group life insurance, annuities, health insurance, disability income, Medicare supplements, and long-term care policies to residents and businesses in New Hampshire.
The license is issued and regulated by the New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) under Title XXXVII (RSA 400-A through RSA 420-G). It represents two distinct statutory lines of authority:
Life Line of Authority
Authorizes coverage on human lives, including whole life, term life, universal life, variable life, credit life, endowments, and individual/group annuities.
Accident & Health Line of Authority
Authorizes coverage for sickness, accidental bodily injury, disability income, dental, vision, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Long-Term Care (LTC).
Most career agents and brokers obtain the combined Life, Accident & Health license because life and health products are frequently packaged together by commercial carriers and agencies.
Eligibility Requirements
Under New Hampshire RSA 402-J:6, to qualify for an individual resident insurance producer license in New Hampshire, you must:
- Age: Be at least 18 years of age.
- Residency: Be a legal resident of New Hampshire (or have your principal place of business in NH).
- Integrity: Be deemed competent, trustworthy, and of good business reputation by the Insurance Commissioner.
- Examination: Pass the official New Hampshire insurance licensing examination administered by PSI Services LLC.
- Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state (NH State Police) and federal (FBI) criminal history background check.
- Application & Fee: Submit the formal producer application through NIPR along with the state licensing fee.
Pre-Licensing Education
Even though formal pre-licensing hours are not mandated by law, passing the comprehensive 150-question PSI exam requires structured self-study. Candidates who rely purely on common sense often fail due to intricate state-specific laws, tax regulations, and technical contract provisions.
Most candidates dedicate 40 to 60 hours of focused preparation over a 2 to 4-week window using practice exams, flashcards, and cram sheets to ensure they consistently score 80%+ before scheduling their official PSI exam session.
Fingerprinting & Background Check
All first-time resident producer applicants in New Hampshire must complete a fingerprint-based background check through the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Background Check Procedures
• In-State Electronic Live Scan: Fingerprints can be taken electronically at the New Hampshire Department of Safety headquarters in Concord (33 Hazen Drive) or at designated State Police barracks across NH.
• Fee: The background check fee is approximately $48.25 (payable to the State of NH - Criminal Records).
• Criminal Record Release Authorization: You must complete the NH State Police Criminal Record Release form and submit it with your tracking documentation to ensure the results are routed directly to the New Hampshire Insurance Department.
Exam Options & Format
New Hampshire candidates can take the combined Life & Health exam or choose single-line credentials:
| Exam Title | Questions | Time Limit | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| NH Life, Accident & Health (Combined) | 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest) | 150 minutes (2.5 hrs) | $72 |
| NH Life Only | 100 questions (90 scored + 10 pretest) | 120 minutes (2.0 hrs) | $59 |
| NH Accident & Health Only | 100 questions (90 scored + 10 pretest) | 120 minutes (2.0 hrs) | $59 |
What the Exam Covers
The combined examination tests national insurance principles and New Hampshire-specific insurance law:
1. General Insurance Principles (~15%)
Risk concepts, elements of insurable risk, law of agency, contract characteristics (aleatory, adhesion, unilateral, conditional), representations vs. warranties.
2. Life Insurance Policies & Riders (~30%)
Term life, whole life, universal/variable policies, standard policy provisions, options (settlement, nonforfeiture, dividends), beneficiary rules, taxation of proceeds.
3. Accident & Health Insurance (~30%)
Major medical, HMO/PPO/EPO, disability income, Medicare Supplement, Long-Term Care, group health regulations, mandatory uniform policy provisions.
4. Annuities (~10%)
Fixed, variable, and indexed annuities; immediate vs. deferred accumulation; payout settlement options; surrender charges and NAIC Best Interest suitability standard.
5. New Hampshire Insurance Law & Ethics (~15%)
Commissioner powers, producer licensing regulations, CE rules, unfair trade practices (twisting, rebating, misrepresentation), Guaranty Association limits (RSA 404-D), replacement rules (Ins 301).
Scheduling Your Exam with PSI
PSI Services LLC is the official testing provider for the New Hampshire Insurance Department. You can schedule your examination 24/7 online or by telephone:
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy: You must reschedule or cancel your appointment at least 48 hours (2 business days)before your scheduled exam time. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice will result in the forfeiture of your examination fee.
Fees & Total Licensing Costs
PSI Examination Fee (Combined L&H)
Paid directly to PSI upon scheduling ($59 for single line)
State & FBI Fingerprint Background Check
Paid to NH State Police Criminal Records Unit
NH Resident Producer License Application
Paid via NIPR upon passing exam (valid for 2 years)
Total Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost
Excluding study materials
Testing Centers & Exam Locations
New Hampshire insurance licensing examinations are held at authorized PSI Testing Centers throughout the state. All six NH testing locations are listed below — you select your preferred center when scheduling at test-takers.psiexams.com/nhins.
Concord
Central NH · Capital Region
Manchester
Southern NH · Merrimack Valley
Nashua
Southern NH · Border Region
Portsmouth
Eastern NH · Seacoast
Newington
Seacoast · Great Bay Region
Keene
Western NH · Monadnock Region
Exact addresses are included in your PSI confirmation email after booking. PSI candidate support: 1-855-746-8170.
In-Person Testing Mandate
The in-person mandate ensures testing integrity and standardized biometric security across all exam sessions. Be sure to book your testing slot at your closest PSI facility well in advance to secure your preferred testing day and time.
Exam Day & Check-In Protocol
Familiarize yourself with PSI's check-in requirements to avoid being turned away on exam day:
1. Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to complete identity verification, digital photograph capture, and electronic fingerprint check-in.
2. Two Forms of Valid Identification Required
• Primary ID: Must be government-issued, current, with photo and signature (e.g., Driver's License, State ID card, US Passport, Military ID).
• Secondary ID: Must have your preprinted legal name and signature (e.g., signed Credit/Debit card, Employee ID, Social Security card).
3. Strict Testing Room Security
All personal items (smartphones, watches, hats, coats, notes, bags) must be locked in provided secure lockers. Scratch paper, pencils, and computer calculators are provided by PSI.
Passing Score
The passing score for all New Hampshire insurance licensing examinations is 70%.
Combined L&H
105 / 150
70% Minimum
Life Only
70 / 100
70% Minimum
Health Only
70 / 100
70% Minimum
If You Pass
Immediately upon completing the exam on the PSI computer, your result will appear on the screen. The proctor will hand you an official Passing Score Report before you leave the testing center.
PSI transmits your passing result electronically to the New Hampshire Insurance Department within 24–48 hours. Your passing score is valid for 12 months (1 year) from the exam date. You must complete your NIPR application and fingerprint check within this window.
If You Fail
If you do not achieve 70%, you will receive a diagnostic score report showing your percentage score in each major topic category (General Insurance, Life, Health, Annuities, State Law).
- Waiting Period: You must wait 24 hours before you can log in to PSI and schedule a re-examination.
- Retake Fee: You must pay the full exam fee ($72 for combined, $59 for single-line) for each subsequent attempt.
- No Annual Limit: New Hampshire does not limit the number of times you may retake the exam within a 12-month period.
Applying for Your License via NIPR
After passing the exam and submitting fingerprints, apply online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR):
1. Visit nipr.com and select “Apply for License” > “Resident Producer”.
2. Complete background questions and attach your NH State Police fingerprint tracking receipt.
3. Pay the state application fee (~$210) via electronic payment.
4. License approvals typically take 3 to 7 business days once all documentation is processed by the NHID.
License Types
Resident Insurance Producer
Standard license for NH residents who have passed the state exam and completed background screening.
Non-Resident Producer
Reciprocal license for producers licensed in good standing in their home state without taking the NH exam.
Temporary Producer License
Issued under RSA 402-J:11 for up to 180 days to the surviving spouse, legal guardian, or employee of a deceased/disabled producer.
Continuing Education & Renewal Requirements
New Hampshire CE Mandates (Admin Rule Ins 1300)
• Total Hours: 24 credit hours required every 2-year licensing cycle.
• Ethics Requirement: At least 3 hours must be in approved Ethics coursework.
• 60-Day Submission Rule: All CE credits must be completed and submitted at least 60 days before your license expiration date.
• First Renewal Exemption: Newly licensed resident producers who passed the NH exam are exempt from CE for their first renewal period.
• License Expiration: Licenses renew biennially on the last day of the producer's birth month.
• Annuity Training: 4-hour one-time training course prior to selling annuities.
• Long-Term Care (LTC): 8-hour initial training course followed by 4 hours every 2 years.
Insurer Appointments
Holding a producer license authorizes you to sell insurance, but you must be officially appointed by an authorized insurer before acting as its agent:
- • Insurers must file a notice of appointment with the NHID within 15 days from executing the agency contract or submitting the first application.
- • When terminating an appointment, the insurer must notify the NHID within 30 days and mail a copy to the producer within 15 days.
Study Strategy (4 Proven Tips)
1. Master NH-Specific Insurance Code (~15% of Exam)
This is where candidates most frequently drop points. Memorize New Hampshire specific rules: Guaranty Association coverage limits ($300k life death, $100k cash surrender, $500k health, $250k annuity), producer CE rules (24 hrs / 2 yrs, 3 hrs ethics, 60-day deadline before expiration), appointment filings (15 days), and mandatory address change reporting (30 days).
2. Build stamina for the 150-question PSI combined exam
The combined Life, Accident & Health exam contains 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest) with a 2.5-hour time limit. That gives you exactly 1 minute per question. Practice pacing with full-length mock exams so you maintain speed and focus.
3. Use practice exams to target weak sub-categories
Take a full-length practice exam early to identify weak areas across Life, Health, Annuities, and General Insurance. Repeat practice tests until you are consistently scoring 80% or higher. Aiming for 80% gives you a comfortable safety buffer above the 70% passing threshold.
4. Reinforce statutory timeframes the day before
The day before your exam, review high-yield timeline figures: standard 10-day free-look vs. 30-day replacement/Medigap/LTC free-look, 31-day life grace period vs. 10-day monthly health grace period, 3-year life reinstatement period, 2-year incontestability/suicide clause, and 180-day temporary license limits.
Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is the single most effective way to prepare for the New Hampshire insurance exam. Practice tests help you get comfortable with the question format, build speed, identify knowledge gaps, and develop the mental stamina needed for 150 questions in 2.5 hours.
Start drilling with our free, realistic New Hampshire Life & Health Insurance Practice Exams, complete with detailed explanations for every correct and incorrect answer.
Common Mistakes (4 Critical Pitfalls)
- 1. Underestimating New Hampshire Insurance Code & Ethics. General insurance concepts are standard, but state-specific rules account for ~15% of your score. Candidates who skim state laws often fall just short of the 70% passing mark.
- 2. Confusing statutory free-look and grace period durations. The standard free-look is 10 days, but replacement life, Medicare Supplement, and Long-Term Care policies require 30 days. Life grace periods are 31 days, while monthly health policies allow 10 days. Know which timeframe applies to which product.
- 3. Overlooking the in-person testing mandate. Remote online proctored testing for NH Life and L&H exams was suspended effective July 6, 2026. Ensure you schedule early at an approved PSI center in Concord, Keene, Nashua, Newington, Portsmouth, or Manchester to secure your preferred date.
- 4. Not reading tricky negative and EXCEPT questions carefully. PSI exams frequently feature questions asking “All of the following are true EXCEPT” or “Which of the following is NOT an unfair trade practice?”. Misreading these stems leads to unforced errors on concepts you actually know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exams do I need to get licensed in New Hampshire?
Most producers take the combined Life, Accident & Health exam (150 questions, $72) to qualify for both lines in one sitting. Standalone Life Only and Accident & Health Only exams are also available (100 questions each, $59).
Who administers the exam, and how do I schedule?
PSI Services LLC administers all NH insurance licensing exams. Schedule online at test-takers.psiexams.com/nhins or by phone at 1-855-746-8170. You'll need to create a PSI account, select your exam and preferred center, and pay by credit or debit card.
What is the passing score?
70% on all exams. That means at least 105 correct answers on the combined exam, or 70 correct on a single-line exam. Your result appears on screen immediately after submission; the proctor hands you an official score report before you leave.
Can I take the exam online from home?
No. The NH Insurance Department suspended remote online proctoring effective July 6, 2026. All candidates must test in person at an authorized PSI center in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Newington, or Keene.
What ID do I need on exam day?
Two forms of ID: a primary government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) plus a secondary signed ID(signed credit card, employee badge, or Social Security card). Your name on both must exactly match your PSI registration. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
What if I fail?
You'll receive a diagnostic score report broken down by section. You can reschedule through PSI after 24 hours and pay the fee again. There is no statutory limit on retakes, and your passing score (when you achieve it) is valid for 12 months.
Is pre-licensing education required?
No. New Hampshire has no statutory pre-licensing classroom requirement. That said, the 150-question exam is comprehensive — dedicated self-study with practice exams and flashcards is strongly recommended before your first attempt.
What happens after I pass?
Submit fingerprints to the NH State Police Criminal Records Unit (~$48.25) and apply for your producer license through NIPR (~$210 fee). Your score report is valid for 12 months, so complete these steps promptly. Licenses renew biennially on the last day of your birth month.
What are the continuing education requirements?
24 CE hours every 2 years, including at least 3 hours of Ethics, completed no later than 60 days before license expiration. Producers who passed the NH exam are exempt from CE for their first renewal period.
Quick Reference Summary
| State Regulator | New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Official Exam Portal | test-takers.psiexams.com/nhins |
| Combined Exam Questions | 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest) |
| Single Line Questions | 100 questions (90 scored + 10 pretest) |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 / 150 for combined) |
| Time Limit (Combined) | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Exam Fee (Combined) | $72 per attempt |
| Exam Fee (Single Line) | $59 per attempt |
| Testing Format | In-Person Only (Remote suspended July 6, 2026) |
| Testing Centers | Concord, Keene, Nashua, Newington, Portsmouth, Manchester |
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 0 hours (No statutory requirement) |
| Fingerprinting Vendor | NH State Police / FBI (~$48.25) |
| License Application | NIPR (nipr.com, ~$210 biennial fee) |
| Score Report Validity | 12 months (1 year) |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours / 2 years (inc. 3 hrs Ethics, 60 days due) |
| Guaranty Limits (RSA 404-D) | $300k Life Death / $100k Cash / $500k Health / $250k Annuity |