How to Get a Texas Health and Life Insurance License: Requirements and Steps

Texas-specific licensing requirements

To sell health or life insurance in Texas you must hold a state‑issued license that is separate from other states' credentials. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) requires candidates to complete pre‑licensing education, pass the relevant exam, and submit a fingerprint‑based background check. Unlike some states, Texas does not allow a combined health‑and‑life license; you must apply for each line of authority individually.

Pre‑licensing education

Prospective agents must finish 20 hours of approved coursework for each license type. The curriculum covers Texas insurance statutes, ethics, and policy fundamentals. Courses can be taken online or in a classroom, but they must be provided by a TDI‑approved provider and the certificate of completion must be uploaded with the application.

Examination details

After the education phase, schedule the exam through Pearson VUE. The health insurance exam consists of 100 multiple‑choice questions, while the life insurance exam has 150. Both require a passing score of at least 70 %. Texas offers separate exams for each line, so you can retake only the one you failed. Exam fees are $55 for health and $70 for life.

Application and fingerprinting

Submit the Texas Insurance License Application (Form 22‑1) online via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Upload your education certificate, exam results, and a copy of a government‑issued ID. Then schedule a fingerprint appointment at an approved location; TDI uses these prints for a criminal background check. The processing fee is $21 per license.

Continuing education and renewal

Licenses are valid for two years. Before renewal, complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) for each line, with at least three hours covering ethics. Failure to meet CE requirements results in a lapse, requiring re‑application and re‑examination.

Key differences compared to other states

Texas does not recognize the NAIC's "combined health‑and‑life" license, and its CE credit system is stricter than many neighboring states. Additionally, Texas requires fingerprinting for all applicants, whereas some states only require it for certain lines.

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