Insurance Exam Guide
West Virginia Life & Health Insurance Exam 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your West Virginia Life, Accident & Sickness insurance license — from self-study preparation to walking out with your license number. This guide covers eligibility, the in-person Pearson VUE exam, fingerprinting requirements, license application steps, and how to prepare. Ready to start practicing? You can practice with WV Insurance Exam Questions.
What This License Is
A West Virginia Life, Accident & Sickness insurance license (also called a Life & Health or “LA&H” license) allows you to sell life insurance, annuities, accident insurance, and health insurance to individuals and businesses in West Virginia. It is issued by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and is required for anyone who solicits, negotiates, or sells these products in the state.
This is a resident producer license. If you live in West Virginia and want to sell insurance here, this is the license you need. Once you hold a West Virginia resident license, you can also apply for non-resident licenses in other states through reciprocity agreements, which can significantly expand your market.
The licensing process has four main steps: complete self-study preparation, submit electronic fingerprints through Fieldprint/IdentoGO, pass the Pearson VUE state exam in-person, and submit your license application through the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner online portal with a $100 fee. This guide walks through each step in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a West Virginia Life & Health insurance license, you must meet the following requirements set by the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC):
Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Background check: You must submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check. West Virginia processes background checks through Fieldprint/IdentoGO and reports results directly to the OIC. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly felonies involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust — may result in license denial.
Pre-licensing education: West Virginia statute requires 0 mandatory pre-licensing classroom hours. While pre-licensing education is not mandatory by law, thorough self-study using exam-style practice tests is critical to passing the 150-question Pearson VUE exam.
Residency: You must be a West Virginia resident to apply for a resident producer license. Non-residents can obtain a non-resident license through reciprocity if they hold an active license in good standing in their home state.
Honesty on application: You must truthfully answer all background questions on the license application. Misrepresenting your history is itself grounds for immediate denial or revocation.
There is no college degree or prior industry experience required. Anyone who meets the age, background check, and examination requirements can apply for a West Virginia insurance license.
Pre-Licensing Education
Unlike many other states, West Virginia does not mandate classroom or online pre-licensing course hours. Candidates are permitted to self-study using study guides, flashcards, and practice exams.
0 Mandatory Hours (Self-Study Permitted)
Because West Virginia has no statutory pre-licensing hourly requirement, you do not need to submit a pre-licensing certificate of completion before scheduling your Pearson VUE exam.
Recommended Preparation Strategy
Although no course is mandatory, the 150-question combined exam is detailed and deep. Successful candidates typically spend 50 to 80 hours self-studying policy provisions, annuity features, and West Virginia Insurance Code (WV Code Chapter 33) before testing.
Fingerprinting
West Virginia requires electronic fingerprinting for all resident insurance license applicants. Your fingerprints are submitted to the West Virginia State Police and FBI for a background check reviewed by the OIC.
You should schedule your fingerprinting appointment shortly before or immediately after taking your exam. Electronic fingerprinting is conducted by authorized vendors (Fieldprint or IdentoGO). The fingerprinting fee is approximately $50.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your fingerprinting session. Results are sent electronically to the OIC — you do not need to mail physical fingerprint cards.
Exam Options
The West Virginia insurance licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE. You have three exam options depending on which license lines you want:
| Exam | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Life, Accident & Health (combined) | 150 (140 scored + 10 unscored) | 2 hrs 30 min |
| Life-Only | 75 (70 scored + 5 unscored) | 1 hr 30 min |
| Accident & Health Only | 75 (70 scored + 5 unscored) | 1 hr 30 min |
Most candidates take the combined Life, Accident & Health exam, which qualifies you to sell life insurance, annuities, health insurance, and disability products under one resident license.
What the Exam Covers
The combined Life, Accident & Health exam tests your knowledge across five core topic areas:
Life insurance (~35% of exam): Term life, whole life, universal life, variable life, policy provisions, beneficiary designations, settlement options, group life, and insurable interest.
Health & Accident Insurance (~28%): Individual and group health policies, disability income, long-term care, Medicare supplements, HMOs, PPOs, deductibles, COBRA continuation, and policy provisions.
Annuities (~12%): Fixed, variable, and indexed annuities, payout options, suitability requirements, and tax treatment.
General Insurance Principles (~10%): Risk management, law of large numbers, insurable interest, stock vs. mutual insurers, and producer responsibilities.
West Virginia Insurance Code, Laws & Regulations (~15%): WV OIC regulations, Insurance Commissioner authority, unfair trade practices, policy delivery rules, replacement regulations (Form A/B), grace periods (31 days life / 10 days health), free-look periods (10 days standard / 30 days Medicare & LTC), and Guaranty Association limits.
Scheduling with Pearson VUE
You can schedule your exam directly through Pearson VUE's West Virginia Insurance portal. Create a Pearson VUE account, select the West Virginia Life, Accident & Health exam, pick your preferred testing center, and pay the $47 examination fee by debit or credit card.
You may reschedule or cancel your appointment up to 28 hours prior to your scheduled time without forfeiting your exam fee.
Exam Fees & Licensing Costs
State exam fee: $47
Paid directly to Pearson VUE per attempt.
Fingerprinting background check: ~$50
Paid to Fieldprint/IdentoGO for State Police and FBI background screening.
License application fee: $100
Paid to the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner via NIPR or SBS upon passing.
In-Person vs. Remote Testing
All West Virginia insurance licensing examinations are administered exclusively in person at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers. Official test center locations in West Virginia include Charleston, Wheeling, Morgantown, Huntington, Hurricane, Princeton, Moundsville, Bridgeport, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, and Beaver.
Remote online proctored testing (OnVUE) is not permitted for West Virginia insurance licensing exams per West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner requirements. All candidates must schedule and complete their exam in person at a physical Pearson VUE testing center.
Exam Day & Check-In Protocol
Arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
1. Government-Issued Photo Identification
Bring a valid, non-expired primary photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, or State ID). Your name on your ID must match your Pearson VUE registration exactly.
2. Security & Lockers
All personal items (phones, smartwatches, bags, outerwear, notes) must be stored in provided lockers before entering the computer testing room.
3. Instant Score Delivery
Your pass/fail result appears on screen immediately when you finish. The proctor will hand you an official printed score report before you leave.
Passing Score
The passing score for West Virginia insurance licensing exams is 70% (at least 105 correct answers out of 150 questions on the combined exam).
If You Pass
Pearson VUE reports your passing result to the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner electronically within 24 to 48 hours. You then submit your resident producer application online via wvinsurance.gov or NIPR with the $100 state application fee. Your exam score remains valid for 12 months.
If You Fail
If you do not pass, you will receive a diagnostic score report showing your score in each topic area. You must wait at least 24 hours before rescheduling through Pearson VUE and paying the $47 exam fee again.
Applying for Your License
Apply online through the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner website at wvinsurance.gov/Divisions_Licensing or through NIPR/SBS. Pay the $100 initial resident producer fee. Applications are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks once fingerprints and exam scores clear.
License Types
West Virginia issues individual line authorities for Life-Only, Accident & Health Only, or Combined Life, Accident & Sickness.
Continuing Education & Renewal
Resident producers must complete 24 credit hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years (including at least 3 hours in Ethics). Licenses renew biennially on your birthday.
Insurer Appointments
An appointing insurer must file a notice of producer appointment with the OIC within 15 days of executing the agency contract or submitting the first insurance application.
Study Strategy (4 Proven Tips)
1. Master West Virginia Insurance Code (~15% of Exam)
Study WV Code Chapter 33 rules: Form A/B replacement disclosures, 31-day life grace periods vs. 10-day health grace periods, 30-day LTC/Medicare free-look, and Guaranty Association limits ($300k life death / $100k cash / $500k health).
2. Pace Yourself for 150 Questions in 150 Minutes
You have exactly 1 minute per question. Flag complex scenario questions and return to them after completing straightforward items.
3. Target Practice Exams to Weak Categories
Drill realistic 150-question practice exams until you consistently score 80% or higher before booking your exam date.
4. Review Statutory Timelines the Day Before
Re-verify key numbers: 15-day appointment filing, 30-day address change reporting, 2-year incontestability clause, and 24 CE hours every 2 years.
Practice Tests
Practice with our realistic West Virginia Life & Health Insurance Practice Questions to prepare for test day.
Common Mistakes (4 Points)
- 1. Confusing Replacement Forms (Form A vs. Form B): Form A is applicant declaration; Form B is the replacement comparison notice.
- 2. Mixing up Grace Periods & Free-Look Durations: Life grace is 31 days vs. health 10 days; standard free-look is 10 days vs. LTC/Medicare 30 days.
- 3. Misunderstanding Guaranty Association Benefit Caps: $300,000 life death benefit, $100,000 cash value, $500,000 major medical.
- 4. Assuming Remote Online Exams Are Allowed: All WV insurance exams are in-person only at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pass the West Virginia Life, Annuities and Accident & Sickness insurance exam?
Review the official Pearson VUE candidate handbook and content outline. Focus your study on life insurance policy provisions, health principles, annuities, and West Virginia Insurance Code (WV Code Chapter 33). Take timed 150-question practice tests and aim for scores of 80% or higher before exam day.
How many questions are on the West Virginia insurance exam and what is the passing score?
The combined exam contains 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest) with a 2.5-hour time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 105 correct answers). Single-line exams contain 75 questions with a 90-minute limit.
Can I take the West Virginia insurance exam online from home?
No. All West Virginia Insurance Examinations are in-person only and administered by Pearson VUE at authorized testing centers across West Virginia. Online remote proctored testing is not permitted.
Where are the Pearson VUE testing centers located in West Virginia?
Official Pearson VUE testing centers are located in Charleston, Wheeling, Morgantown, Huntington, Hurricane, Princeton, Moundsville, Bridgeport, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, and Beaver.
What is the official website for West Virginia Insurance licensing?
The official website of the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner is wvinsurance.gov. Licensing details and portals are at wvinsurance.gov/Divisions_Licensing.
Quick Reference Summary
| State Regulator | West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (wvinsurance.gov) |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Official Exam Portal | pearsonvue.com/us/en/wv/insurance.html |
| Combined Exam Questions | 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pretest) |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 / 150 for combined) |
| Time Limit (Combined) | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Exam Fee | $47 per attempt |
| Testing Format | In-Person Only at Pearson VUE Centers |
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 0 hours (Self-study permitted) |
| Fingerprinting Vendor | Fieldprint / IdentoGO (~$50) |
| License Application | wvinsurance.gov / NIPR ($100 fee) |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours / 2 years (inc. 3 hrs Ethics) |
| Guaranty Limits | $300k Life Death / $100k Cash / $500k Health |