South Carolina Life & Health Insurance Licensing Requirements

If you’re planning to become a licensed Life & Health insurance producer in South Carolina, here’s a clear and streamlined guide to help you through each step—so you can get licensed and ready to serve clients with confidence.

1. Confirm Basic Eligibility

Before getting started, make sure you:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are a South Carolina resident
  • If you’re not a U.S. citizen, can provide proof of work eligibility
  • Have no disqualifying criminal history (applicants may need to complete a SLED report if there’s a past record)

2. Complete Pre‑Licensing Education (Optional but Strongly Recommended)

South Carolina does not require pre‑licensing courses by law. However, they’re highly recommended to help you pass the exam:

  • Life only: 20-hour course
  • Health (Accident & Health/Sickness): 20-hour course
  • Combined Life & Health: 40-hour course

These courses typically include practice tests and study materials tailored to the state’s exam content.

3. Schedule & Pass the State Exam

  • Exams are administered by Pearson VUE (as of May 2023)
  • Key exam details:
    • Life exam: 85 questions (75 scored, 10 pretest), 2-hour limit, 70% passing score
    • Health exam: Same format as Life
    • Combined Life & Health exam: 145 questions (130 scored, 15 pretest), 3‑hour limit, 70% passing score

Schedule online or by phone and be sure to bring valid, government-issued photo ID matching your registration name.

4. Complete Background Check & Fingerprinting

  • After passing the exam, submit a fingerprint background check via IdentoGO, or a SLED report if applicable

5. Apply for Your License

Once your exam is passed and background check is submitted:

  • Submit your application electronically via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)
  • Production license fee: ~$25 (plus NIPR transaction fee)

6. Receive Your License

After your application is processed and approved, you’ll be issued your official Life & Health insurance license—allowing you to legally sell insurance in South Carolina.

Key Process Summary

StepAction
1Confirm eligibility (age, residency, background)
2Complete optional pre-licensing course (20–40 hours)
3Pass the Pearson VUE state exam (70% passing score)
4Complete fingerprinting or SLED background check
5Apply via NIPR and pay the application fee
6Receive license and begin your career

If you’d like help preparing with the right pre-licensing course and resources, SCInsuranceSchool.com offers comprehensive, SC‑specific online training and support.