$272 to $712typical total, before any agency reimbursement
Nonepre-licensing course required
$90for 2 exams, per attempt
The steps in North Carolina
- Prepare for the examNorth Carolina does not require a pre-licensing course. Most people still use an online prep course and practice exams.
- Pass the state examExams are run by Pearson VUE. You take a separate life exam and health exam. You need a score of 70 to pass.
- Get fingerprintedNorth Carolina requires fingerprints for a background check, about $38.
- Apply for your licenseIn North Carolina you apply and pay on NIPR first, and Pearson VUE then emails you permission to book the exam. The fee is $44 to process plus $50 per line, so $144 for life and health; 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 | Not required (optional prep, often $50 to $350) |
| State exam | $45 per attempt, 2 exams ($90 total) |
| Fingerprints | $38 |
| License fee | $144 |
| Typical total | $272 to $712 |
|---|
The low end assumes you pass the first time without a paid 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
- North Carolina dropped its pre-licensing course requirement on October 1, 2025, so a prep course is optional. Fingerprints are live scan at a local law enforcement office, which may add its own small fee.
- After you are licensed: 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Official sources
New to licensing? Start with How to Get Your Life and Health Insurance License for the full picture.
Checked against official North Carolina sources in October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the North Carolina insurance department before you pay. This is general information, not licensing advice.
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