$449 to $933typical total, before any agency reimbursement
40 hoursof pre-licensing study
$184for 2 exams, per attempt
The steps in Illinois
- Take the 40-hour pre-licensing course20 hours for life plus 20 hours for accident and health, with 7.5 hours of each in a classroom setting. Bring your completion certificate to the exam, and get licensed within 12 months of finishing.
- Pass the state examExams are run by Pearson VUE. You take a life exam and a health exam, each with a general part and a state part. You need a score of 70 to pass.
- Apply for your licenseWait 5 days after passing, then apply online through NIPR. The $215 fee covers both lines; NIPR adds a small transaction fee.
- Get appointedThe insurance companies you will represent appoint you. When you join an agency, it usually handles this for you.
What it costs
| Pre-licensing course | $50 to $350 (set by the course provider) |
| State exam | $92 per attempt, 2 exams ($184 total) |
| Fingerprints | Not required for residents |
| License fee | $215 |
| Typical total | $449 to $933 |
|---|
The low end assumes you pass the first time with a budget course. The high end includes a full-price course and one retake. Many agencies cover or reimburse licensing costs, so ask before you buy anything.
Estimate my exact cost
Good to know
- Book the general and state parts of each line on one order and the pair costs $92, so life and health together are about $184 per attempt. Pass both parts of a line within 90 days of each other.
- After you are licensed: 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics in a classroom or webinar.
Official sources
New to licensing? Start with How to Get Your Life and Health Insurance License for the full picture.
Checked against official Illinois sources in October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the Illinois insurance department before you pay. This is general information, not licensing advice.
Also hiring: remote insurance roles
Work from home on your own hours
Full-time or part-time, helping families find the right coverage, with training, a mentor, and help getting licensed.
