Insurance Exam Guide
Rhode Island Life & Health Insurance Exam 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in obtaining your Rhode Island Life, Accident & Health insurance producer license — from self-study preparation to passing your Pearson VUE exam and submitting your application through NIPR. This guide covers state eligibility, exam options, Pearson VUE registration, BCI background checks, licensing costs, and proven study strategies. Ready to practice? You can practice with Rhode Island Insurance Exam Questions or download our Rhode Island Cram Sheet PDF.
What This License Is
A Rhode Island Life and Accident & Health producer license authorizes you to legally sell, solicit, and negotiate individual and group life insurance, annuities, health insurance, disability income, and long-term care policies in the state of Rhode Island. Producer licenses are regulated and issued by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) — Insurance Division, located in Cranston, RI, pursuant to Title 27 of the Rhode Island General Laws (R.I.G.L.).
This is a resident producer license. Holding an active Rhode Island resident license in good standing also enables you to obtain non-resident licenses across all other US states through streamlined reciprocity agreements via NIPR.
The licensing process involves four straightforward steps: self-study preparation with practice exams, passing the Pearson VUE state licensing examination(s), completing criminal background screening, and submitting your electronic resident license application online through NIPR with the $120 state license fee.
Eligibility Requirements
Under R.I.G.L. § 27-2.4 (Producer Licensing Act), candidates applying for a Rhode Island resident insurance license must meet the following statutory standards:
Age: You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Residency: You must maintain primary residency in the state of Rhode Island or designate your primary place of business in Rhode Island.
Pre-licensing education: Rhode Island requires 0 mandatory pre-licensing classroom hours. Candidates may self-study at their own pace using study guides, flashcards, and practice exams.
Background & Character: You must be trustworthy and of good moral character. State and federal criminal background checks are required. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1033, applicants with felony convictions involving dishonesty or breach of trust must obtain written consent (a 1033 waiver) from the DBR Director before licensure.
Examination: You must achieve a passing score of at least 70% on the Pearson VUE examination for each line of authority sought.
Pre-Licensing Education
Rhode Island is among the states that do not statutorily mandate classroom or pre-licensing course hours before sitting for the licensing exam. You are not required to complete a formal 20- or 40-hour school course or submit a pre-licensing certificate before scheduling your test with Pearson VUE.
0 Mandatory Hours (Self-Study Permitted)
You can register for your Pearson VUE exam immediately whenever you feel adequately prepared.
Recommended Preparation Strategy
Although pre-licensing is not statutorily mandated, the Pearson VUE exam has a rigorous 70% passing threshold and tests detailed policy provisions, IRS tax rules, and Title 27 state regulations. Most successful applicants dedicate 35 to 50 hours of structured study and practice question testing prior to exam day.
Fingerprinting & Background Checks
Resident license applicants in Rhode Island must submit to a criminal history background check. Rhode Island processes background checks through the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) or authorized fingerprinting vendors, as outlined on the official Rhode Island DBR Insurance Professionals licensing page.
You should complete your background check either shortly before or immediately following your examination. The fingerprinting and BCI background screening fee typically ranges from $35 to $45.
Bring two forms of identification (including a valid government-issued photo ID) to your appointment. Results are routed to the DBR Insurance Division to accompany your electronic NIPR license application.
Exam Options (Life vs. Accident & Health)
Rhode Island licensing exams are administered by Pearson VUE. Unlike states with a single combined exam, Rhode Island offers distinct single-line examinations:
| Exam Name | Exam Code | Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Producer | Exam 01 | 95 (80 scored + 15 pretest) | 2 hours (120 min) |
| Accident & Health Producer | Exam 02 | 95 (80 scored + 15 pretest) | 2 hours (120 min) |
Candidates who want dual Life and Health authority must register for and pass both Exam 01 and Exam 02. You may schedule them on the same day or on different dates.
What the Exam Covers
Each Pearson VUE exam contains a General Section (national insurance principles and products) and a State Section (Rhode Island statutes and administrative rules):
Life Producer (Exam 01): Types of policies (Term, Whole, Universal, Variable), policy riders (waiver of premium, accelerated death benefits, AD&D), provisions and options, annuities (fixed, variable, indexed, immediate vs deferred), non-qualified tax treatment, group life, and Rhode Island life regulations (replacement disclosures, 30-day life grace period under R.I.G.L. § 27-4-6.1, 10-day standard / 30-day replacement free-look).
Accident & Health Producer (Exam 02): Individual and group health insurance, disability income policies, medical expense plans, HMOs and PPOs, Medicare Supplements (Medigap), Long-Term Care (LTC), dental and vision, mandatory provisions (20-day notice of claim, 15-day claim forms, 90-day proof of loss, 60-day legal actions), and Rhode Island health regulations.
Rhode Island Common Law & Ethics (Both Exams): Director of Business Regulation duties, producer licensing rules (R.I.G.L. § 27-2.4), continuing education requirements (24 hrs / 2 yrs with 3 hrs ethics), unfair trade practices and rebating (R.I.G.L. § 27-29), premium fiduciary responsibilities, and Life & Health Guaranty Association coverage caps under R.I.G.L. § 27-34.3 ($300k life death, $100k cash value, $250k annuities, $500k basic health, $300k disability/LTC).
Scheduling with Pearson VUE
You can schedule your examination online 24/7 through Pearson VUE's Rhode Island Insurance portal or by telephone at (800) 274-0455.
Create your Pearson VUE web account, select Rhode Island Insurance, choose either Exam 01 (Life) or Exam 02 (Accident & Health), select an available testing date and location, and pay the $80 examination fee by credit or debit card. You may cancel or reschedule without penalty up to 48 hours prior to your exam.
Exam Fees & Licensing Costs
Pearson VUE Examination Fee: $80
Per attempt, paid directly to Pearson VUE when reserving your seat.
State & Federal Background Check: ~$35 – $45
Paid to the Rhode Island Attorney General BCI or authorized fingerprint provider.
Resident Producer License Application Fee: $120
Paid to the Rhode Island DBR Insurance Division via NIPR upon passing.
In-Person vs. Remote Testing
Pearson VUE provides two test delivery methods for Rhode Island candidates:
In-Person Test Centers
Test at an official Pearson VUE test center in Warwick, East Providence, or nearby regional centers. Test centers provide computers, secure lockers, and quiet monitored testing rooms.
OnVUE Online Remote Proctoring
Take the exam from your home or office computer. Requires a reliable webcam, microphone, stable high-speed internet, and a private room free from interruptions or unauthorized materials.
Exam Day Protocol
Arrive at your test center at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment (or log in 30 minutes early for OnVUE testing).
1. Two Forms of Valid Identification
You must present two valid (unexpired) IDs with your signature. At least one must be a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport). The name on your IDs must match your registration name exactly.
2. Secure Check-In
Personal items including cell phones, watches, bags, and notes must be stored in assigned lockers. Calculators are provided on-screen within the testing software.
3. Immediate Score Results
Upon concluding the test, your official pass/fail score report is printed and given to you by the test center proctor (or displayed on screen for remote testers).
Passing Score & Retake Policy
The passing score for Rhode Island insurance licensing examinations is a scaled score of 70%.
If you do not pass, Pearson VUE enforces a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can schedule a retake. There is no annual cap on the number of attempts in Rhode Island, but you must pay the full $80 exam fee for each attempt.
Candidates who fail receive a diagnostic score report itemizing performance across each topic area, allowing you to focus your study on deficient subjects.
If You Pass
When you pass, Pearson VUE transmits your passing score to the Rhode Island DBR electronically within 48 to 72 hours. Your passing score remains valid for 1 year from the test date.
Once transmitted, you can complete and submit your resident producer license application online via NIPR.
If You Fail
Do not get discouraged — many candidates pass on their second attempt. Take your Pearson VUE diagnostic score sheet, identify whether General Knowledge or State Law cost you points, and drill those topics.
Wait the required 24 hours, log into your Pearson VUE account, select your next exam date, and use our Rhode Island Practice Question Bank to review tricky scenario questions.
Applying for Your License via NIPR
Submit your official resident license application online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
Application Fee: $120 state license fee plus nominal NIPR electronic processing charge.
Supporting Documents: Ensure your BCI background results have been submitted to DBR.
Processing Time: Routine resident applications are typically approved within 5 to 10 business days. You can track approval status through NIPR or the Rhode Island DBR website.
License Lines of Authority
Rhode Island issues individual producer lines of authority for:
- Life: Coverage on human lives, endowments, and annuities.
- Accident & Health or Sickness: Coverage for sickness, bodily injury, accidental death, disability, and medical expenses.
- Variable Life and Variable Annuity Products: Requires an active Life license and FINRA registration (Series 6 or 7).
- Property & Casualty: Coverage for direct/consequential loss of property, general liability, commercial lines, and personal auto. Preparing for P&C? Visit our Rhode Island Property & Casualty Practice Exam or read the Rhode Island P&C Exam Guide.
Continuing Education & License Renewal
Under R.I.G.L. § 27-3.2-4, Rhode Island insurance producers must complete 24 credit hours of DBR-approved continuing education (CE) every 2 years.
• At least 3 hours must be dedicated to Ethics coursework.
• Licenses renew biennially on the last day of the producer's birth month.
• Producers selling Annuities, Long-Term Care, or Flood Insurance must complete mandatory specific training modules before soliciting those products.
Insurer Appointments
Holding a license authorizes you to act as an insurance producer, but to sell policies for a specific insurance company, that carrier must appoint you. Under Rhode Island law, an insurer must file a notice of appointment with the DBR within 15 days of executing the agency agreement or receiving the first insurance application.
Study Strategy (4 Proven Steps)
1. Master Rhode Island Insurance Statutes (Title 27)
Know state-specific rules: 30-day life grace period (R.I.G.L. § 27-4-6.1), replacement disclosure requirements, 30-day notice of address change, and Guaranty Association limits ($300k life death / $100k cash value / $500k health).
2. Pace for 95 Questions in 120 Minutes
You have approximately 75 seconds per question. Answer straightforward terminology questions quickly to reserve time for complex scenario questions.
3. Take Full-Length Practice Exams
Drill realistic practice tests until you consistently score 85% or higher. Practice building confidence under timed exam conditions.
4. Review the Cram Sheet the Day Before
Memorize statutory timelines: 10-day standard free-look, 30-day senior/replacement free-look, 2-year incontestability clause, and 24 CE hours every 2 years.
Practice Tests & Study Tools
Use our comprehensive study suite to prepare for test day:
Common Exam Pitfalls
- 1. Guaranty Association Limits: Confusing the protection caps ($300k life death, $100k cash surrender, $250k annuities, $500k basic health, $300k disability/LTC).
- 2. Free-Look Variations: Standard policies provide 10 days, while replacements, Medicare Supplements, and Long-Term Care mandate 30 days.
- 3. Health Grace Period Rules: Grace periods are 7 days for weekly premiums, 10 days for monthly, and 31 days for quarterly/annual frequencies.
- 4. Fiduciary Account Rules: Client premiums must never be commingled with agency operating or producer personal accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Rhode Island insurance exam?
The Rhode Island Life Producer exam (Exam 01) and the Accident & Health Producer exam (Exam 02) each contain 95 multiple-choice questions (80 scored questions and 15 pretest questions).
What is the passing score?
The passing score is a scaled score of 70%. Your official score report is provided immediately after finishing the exam.
Can I take the exam online from home?
Yes. Candidates can test in person at an authorized Pearson VUE test center or remotely via Pearson VUE's OnVUE online proctoring system.
Are pre-licensing education hours required in Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island does not statutorily mandate pre-licensing classroom hours. However, thorough self-study is strongly recommended to master the technical material.
What are the continuing education requirements?
Rhode Island resident producers must complete 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including at least 3 hours in Ethics, prior to biennial renewal on the last day of their birth month.
Quick Reference Summary
| State Regulator | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) — Insurance Division |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Official Exam Portal | home.pearsonvue.com/ri/insurance |
| Exam Codes | Exam 01 (Life) / Exam 02 (Accident & Health) |
| Questions per Exam | 95 questions (80 scored + 15 pretest) |
| Passing Score | 70% scaled score |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) per exam |
| Exam Fee | $80 per attempt |
| Testing Format | In-Person Test Centers or Pearson OnVUE Remote |
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 0 hours (Self-study permitted) |
| Background Check | BCI state & federal background check (~$35–$45) |
| License Application | NIPR ($120 state license fee) |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours / 2 years (inc. 3 hrs Ethics) |
| Guaranty Limits | $300k Life Death / $100k Cash / $250k Annuity / $500k Health |