Last reviewed: May 10, 2026. This New York guide is built from the Sircon/e-PAL Agent Licensing Requirements QuickGuide, the Sircon/e-PAL Prelicense Education Requirements QuickGuide, and state/provider updates noted below. Always verify the final rule with the state insurance department before enrolling, scheduling an exam, or submitting a license application.
Quick Answer
New York requires prelicensing education before the licensing exam. The current hour breakdown is listed below so candidates can match the course to the line of authority.
| Prelicensing education | Prelicensing education required |
|---|---|
| Exam provider | PSI |
| Criminal history report | Consent |
| Fingerprints | Verify with state DOI |
| Paper application | Yes, electronic preferred |
| Exam attempts | No limit |
Required Prelicensing Hours
- Life only or A&H only – 20 hrs.
- Life/A&H – 40 hrs.
- Property/Casualty – 90 hrs.
- Personal Lines – 40 hrs.
Study Method, Certificate, and Validity Rules
Allowed study method:
- Classroom
- Internet (subject to same standards of subject matter and exam security as traditional classroom courses) Monitor not required.
Certificate submission:
Education provider submits proof of completion to insurance department.
Certificate validity: Valid for lifetime.
(Advise candidates to permanently retain certificates)
Common exemption references:
1, 2, 3, 4, 7 (PC & Life Brokers only)
Licensing Workflow
The order matters because some states require education, fingerprints, background items, exam authorization, or an application step before another step can happen. For New York, the source workflow is:
- Complete prelicense education
- Schedule and pass license exam
- Submit license application (3 days following exam) and fees include CRD number if applying for variable
- Obtain company appointment
How to Prepare for the Exam
Use the required-hour course as the structure, then add practice tests before scheduling the exam. The goal is not only to finish hours; it is to be ready for the state exam while the material is fresh.
TSI National supports national insurance licensing workflows with courses, practice tests, video learning, and live class options. Start with the current course catalog here: TSI National insurance prelicensing courses.
State Verification Links
- Official state insurance department
- State license lookup / licensing page
- NIPR state requirements center
FAQ
Does New York require insurance prelicensing education?
New York requires prelicensing education before the licensing exam. The current hour breakdown is listed below so candidates can match the course to the line of authority.
Who is the exam provider for New York?
The source quick guide lists PSI. Confirm the current candidate handbook before choosing an exam date.
Should I study if New York has no required prelicensing hours?
Yes. No-hour states still test insurance terms, state law, products, ethics, and licensing rules. A prep course and practice tests can reduce wasted exam attempts.
Can a nonresident use this guide?
This page is written for resident licensing workflow planning. Nonresident applicants usually follow reciprocity rules through NIPR or the state portal, so verify the nonresident path before applying.
Compliance note: This page is a practical study and licensing workflow guide, not legal advice. State requirements can change; verify current rules with the state insurance department, NIPR, Sircon, Pearson VUE, PSI, or the applicable exam vendor before acting.