Understanding General Lines Life and Health Insurance Licensing in Texas

Key Differences for Texas General Lines Licensure

Texas requires a distinct set of education, examination, and fingerprinting steps for a general lines life and health insurance license, separate from other states' processes. Applicants must complete a state‑approved 20‑hour pre‑licensing course, pass the Texas insurance exam with a minimum score of 70%, and submit a fingerprint‑based background check through the Department of Public Safety. Unlike some jurisdictions, Texas also mandates a separate ethics module for agents handling health policies.

Eligibility and Pre‑Licensing Education

To begin, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have a clean criminal record. The required pre‑licensing curriculum covers life insurance fundamentals, health insurance regulations, and Texas-specific statutes. Courses can be taken online or in‑person, but must be approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate of attendance, which you'll upload during the application.

Examination Process

The Texas insurance exam is administered by Pearson VUE. It consists of 150 multiple‑choice questions split evenly between life and health sections, with a 3‑hour time limit. A passing score is 70% overall; you do not need to pass each section separately, but a low score in one area can jeopardize the total. After passing, you receive an electronic score report that you attach to your license application.

Application Submission and Fees

Submit the application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or directly via the TDI portal. Required items include:

• Completed pre‑licensing certificate
• Exam score report
• Fingerprint results (TDCJ‑approved)
• License fee of $125

Processing typically takes 7‑10 business days if all documents are in order.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Texas licenses are valid for two years. Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE), with at least 2 hours dedicated to ethics. CE can be earned through TDI‑approved providers and must be reported online before the license expiration date to avoid a lapse.

Comparison of State Requirements