OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

North Carolina Life Insurance — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NC · License preparation

237 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

corporation or partnership

Entity license used by a life-insurance agency; no line of authority is assigned to the entity. Life authority comes from individually licensed producers.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Nonresident business entity initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the Uniform Business Entity Application through NIPR and pay applicable fees.
Corporate qualification
Comply with North Carolina Secretary of State requirements to operate.
Organization
Hold a resident business-entity license in the home state and satisfy reciprocity requirements.
Responsible producer
Designate a natural person already licensed in North Carolina who is responsible for entity compliance. Individual life-producer licensure is a qualification condition, not an examination sat by the entity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Business entity reapplication after change of tax identification number
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
New entity identity
When a name change also changes the tax identification number, reapply, pay fees, and attach the Secretary of State certificate of authority with the new name.
Responsible producer
Designate an active North Carolina producer.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual business entity renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Pay the renewal fee so the license does not expire March 31; renewal date is April 1. Submit payment electronically through NIPR.
Responsible producer
Retain an active designated responsible licensed producer.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident business entity initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the Uniform Business Entity Application through NIPR and pay applicable fees.
Corporate qualification
Comply with North Carolina Secretary of State requirements to operate.
Organization
Organized as a corporation, association, partnership, LLC, LLP, or other business entity; a sole proprietor is not an entity.
Responsible producer
Designate a natural person already licensed in North Carolina who is responsible for entity compliance. Individual life-producer licensure is a qualification condition, not an examination sat by the entity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

North Carolina Limited Line Credit Insurance License

Limited representative authority for limited line credit insurance, including mortgage life coverage.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Nonresident limited line initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional qualification
The authority is restricted to insurance associated with an extension of credit, including credit life; be at least 18, apply through NIPR, and hold the company appointment. Credit-agent applicants are exempt from the statutory fingerprint requirement.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees.
Home license
Hold an equivalent restricted home-state license in good standing; North Carolina grants only the scope of the home-state authority and requires reciprocal nonresident licensing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a lapsed nonresident limited line license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Restore the equivalent home-state restricted authority or meet the relocation and new-home-license conditions in G.S. 58-33-30(h)(2)a1; scope remains restricted to the home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited line relicensure following surrender or termination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Meet the same qualifications and application requirements as an initial limited-line applicant; the limited line retains its statutory examination exemption.
Qualifications
The authority is restricted to insurance associated with an extension of credit, including credit life; be at least 18, apply through NIPR, and hold the company appointment. Credit-agent applicants are exempt from the statutory fingerprint requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual limited representative renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
The limited-representative license renews April 1 on payment of the annual fee. Maintain the required company appointment and underlying qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident limited line initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Qualifications
The authority is restricted to insurance associated with an extension of credit, including credit life; be at least 18, apply through NIPR, and hold the company appointment. Credit-agent applicants are exempt from the statutory fingerprint requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Other Limited Lines

Nonresident limited authority recognized for an applicant whose home-state life coverage is narrower than the full Life line and for which North Carolina has no corresponding limited-license category. This record is restricted to life coverage, not every other limited line.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Nonresident recognition of other restricted life authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed nonresident application and fees.
Home license
Current home-state restricted authority in good standing and reciprocal nonresident licensing.
Limited life scope
The home-state authority must be less than the full Life line. North Carolina grants the same restricted scope, not a full Life license.
Other state exam
A home-state examination is a qualification condition and is not referenced as a North Carolina exam.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident reinstatement of other restricted life authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Restore the home-state authority or qualify through relocation and a new home-state license under G.S. 58-33-30(h)(2)a1; the restricted life scope is unchanged.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Other limited line continuation and renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Pay any applicable limited-representative annual renewal fee.
Restricted authority
Maintain the home-state limited-life authority, good standing, and reciprocal eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Foreign Military Sales Agent

Restricted representation of a North Carolina-domiciled life insurance company abroad on United States military installations or with United States military personnel.

Licensing authority: Commissioner · Application information

Restricted foreign military sales license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
The insurer requests licensure on Commissioner forms and pays the statutory fee.
Insurer
Represent a life insurer domiciled in North Carolina.
Territory
Act only in a foreign country or territory and on a United States military installation or with United States military personnel.
Training
The insurer certifies necessary life-agent training and accepts responsibility for the applicant's acts within employment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual continuation of the overseas military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual fee
Pay the statutory overseas-military annual fee and retain the qualifying insurer, restricted territory, and insurer certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

North Carolina Pre-Need Insurance Representative

Limited representative authority to sell life insurance or annuity contracts funding a specific preneed funeral contract; a preneed sales license is a qualification condition.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Nonresident limited line initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional qualification
Hold an active preneed sales license from the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service; submit the Uniform Limited Insurance Representative Application, fees, required fingerprints, and insurer appointment.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees.
Home license
Hold an equivalent restricted home-state license in good standing; North Carolina grants only the scope of the home-state authority and requires reciprocal nonresident licensing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a lapsed nonresident limited line license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Restore the equivalent home-state restricted authority or meet the relocation and new-home-license conditions in G.S. 58-33-30(h)(2)a1; scope remains restricted to the home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited line relicensure following surrender or termination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Meet the same qualifications and application requirements as an initial limited-line applicant; the limited line retains its statutory examination exemption.
Qualifications
Hold an active preneed sales license from the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service; submit the Uniform Limited Insurance Representative Application, fees, required fingerprints, and insurer appointment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual limited representative renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
The limited-representative license renews April 1 on payment of the annual fee. Maintain the required company appointment and underlying qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident limited line initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Qualifications
Hold an active preneed sales license from the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service; submit the Uniform Limited Insurance Representative Application, fees, required fingerprints, and insurer appointment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

life agent

Life line of authority covering human lives, including accidental death or dismemberment and disability income; insurance includes annuities, and producers include agents and brokers.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Resident reinstatement after the four month CE cure period
North Carolina Life Agent
Application
Submit the relicensure application and required fees and any fingerprints required for the duration of the lapse.
Lapse
Did not cure the CE lapse within four months; must pass the appropriate Life Agent licensing examination.
Prelicensing conflict
The Department CE page still states: If the required CE hours are not met by the end of the 4-month period, the license will become inactive. Licensees must complete pre-licensing and pass the state exam for each line of authority to be issued a new license. Mandatory prelicensing instruction is superseded by G.S. 58-33-30(d)(1) and the October 2025 repeal notice.
Resident reinstatement after CE lapse within four months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Complete the required CE and pay the $75 administrative reinstatement fee within four months after the prior compliance period ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure following child support revocation
North Carolina Life Agent
Compliance
Obtain the designated representative's certification of child-support or subpoena compliance, including judicially approved restoration to permit a payment schedule.
Fingerprints
Submit the required resident-producer fingerprints for a child-support suspension or revocation.
Licensing requirements
G.S. 58-33-46(d) requires all Article 33 requirements before another license is issued after revocation. The current Life Agent exam is retained; the child-support certification remains a separate condition.
Restoration following child support suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance
Obtain the designated representative's certification permitting reinstatement under G.S. 110-142.1.
Fingerprints
Provide resident-producer fingerprints required by 11 NCAC 06A .0418(a)(5).
Scope
Restoration of the suspended existing license; a revoked license requiring another license follows the separate relicensure route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Grandfathered fraternal agent continuation without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior license
Agent licensed pursuant to former G.S. 58-268 as of July 1, 1977.
Scope
Continued fraternal life business under the life-producer credential and general licensing laws; the statutory examination exemption is grandfathered, not a new first-time applicant route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation with grandfathered CE exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Grandfathered exemption
A CE exemption granted before October 1, 2010 remains available if the producer is at least 65, continuously licensed in the line for at least 25 years, and holds a qualifying professional designation or annually certifies inactive practice without solicitation or day-to-day agency operations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation with long term medical disability CE exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce exemption
Unable to complete CE due to long-term medical disability; provide a notarized physician statement and annual medical certification. The exemption is for up to one year.
Existing license
Continue an existing producer license without a new licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation with military service CE exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce exemption
Unable to complete CE due to military service; provide deployment orders. The exemption is for up to one year.
Existing license
Continue an existing producer license without a new licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident license continuation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
No annual producer renewal application.
Discipline
Any separately ordered competency reexamination is addressed by the secondary-route note.
Home license
Keep the home-state license in good standing and satisfy reciprocal home-state CE requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident initial licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed request, the home-state application or Uniform Application, and applicable fees.
Brokerage
G.S. 58-33-10 defines a broker as an insurance producer. The older codified 11 NCAC 06A .0404 still states: (a) An applicant shall be a licensed agent in North Carolina for each kind of insurance to be brokered. (b) A broker's license gives the holder authority to broker only those kinds of insurance for which he holds an agent's license. Brokering shall be done through a licensed and appointed agent of the company with which the business is being placed. A broker's license does not confer binding authority; it only gives authority to share in commissions with a writing agent. (c) Each applicant shall file with his application a surety bond or cash, certificates of deposit, or securities as provided by statute. Any cash, certificate of deposit, or securities deposited in lieu of the surety bond shall be held in accordance with 11 NCAC 11B .0100. The former separate broker provision in G.S. 58-33-30(f) was repealed effective July 7, 2022; the current producer identity includes the agent and broker roles.
Home license
Current resident life authority in good standing in the home state.
Other state exam
Any home-state examination evidence is an applicant condition; it is not a North Carolina examination requirement.
Reciprocity
The home state awards nonresident producer licenses to North Carolina residents on the same basis.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a lapsed nonresident producer license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Home license restored
Within 30 days following lapse, be otherwise entitled to licensure and supply proof that the home-state license was reinstated or reissued.
Outside period
If these reinstatement provisions are not met, submit a new licensing application.
Relocation alternative
Alternatively provide proof of relocation, a new home-state license, and a change-of-address notice filed within 60 days after issuance of that license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident relicensure after surrender or termination beyond the examination waiver period
North Carolina Life Agent
Application
Apply through NIPR, pay fees, and submit fingerprints when required for a lapse of one year or longer.
Lapse period
The examination waiver is no longer available; meet all requirements for a previously unlicensed applicant.
Prelicensing
Mandatory prelicensing was repealed effective October 1, 2025.
Resident relicensure following revocation
North Carolina Life Agent
Board review
Resolve the basis for revocation and satisfy the Commissioner's licensing review, including the current life licensing examination unless a statutory exemption applies.
Prelicensing
Mandatory prelicensing was repealed effective October 1, 2025.
Revocation
No individual whose license was revoked may receive another license without complying with all Article 33 requirements.
Resident license continuation with continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
Individual resident producers do not submit an annual renewal application.
Continuing education
Complete 24 continuing-education credits each biennial compliance period, including three ethics credits, unless a lawful exemption or extension applies.
Course assessment
If an approved CE course requires an examination, passing that course examination is a course-completion condition, not an independently identified licensing examination.
Discipline
Any separately ordered competency reexamination is addressed by the secondary-route note.
Existing license
Existing life producer license remains effective unless suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident initial licensure by examination
North Carolina Life Agent
Application
Submit the Uniform Application through NIPR, declare its information true, pay required fees, and supply supporting documentation for screening responses.
Appointment
An insurer appointment is required to act as its agent; the license alone does not bind an insurer.
Brokerage
G.S. 58-33-10 defines a broker as an insurance producer. The older codified 11 NCAC 06A .0404 still states: (a) An applicant shall be a licensed agent in North Carolina for each kind of insurance to be brokered. (b) A broker's license gives the holder authority to broker only those kinds of insurance for which he holds an agent's license. Brokering shall be done through a licensed and appointed agent of the company with which the business is being placed. A broker's license does not confer binding authority; it only gives authority to share in commissions with a writing agent. (c) Each applicant shall file with his application a surety bond or cash, certificates of deposit, or securities as provided by statute. Any cash, certificate of deposit, or securities deposited in lieu of the surety bond shall be held in accordance with 11 NCAC 11B .0100. The former separate broker provision in G.S. 58-33-30(f) was repealed effective July 7, 2022; the current producer identity includes the agent and broker roles.
Character
No act constituting a ground for probation, suspension, nonrenewal, or revocation under G.S. 58-33-46.
Exam eligibility
Apply and obtain Pearson VUE authorization before scheduling; the NIPR application and examination eligibility period lasts six months.
Fingerprints
Resident initial applicants must submit certified electronic fingerprints and the criminal-history documentation and costs required by G.S. 58-33-48 and 11 NCAC 06A .0418.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under G.S. 58-33-31(a)(1).
Prelicensing
Mandatory prelicensing instruction was repealed effective October 1, 2025; optional study remains available.
Residency
Resident of North Carolina, or an applicant residing in a contiguous border county who qualifies as a resident under G.S. 58-33-30(h)(1).
Resident initial licensure with prior home state life authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply through NIPR and pay fees; resident transfer applicants must submit fingerprints and required criminal-history documentation.
Board timing instruction
The Department license-changes page states: An individual who applies for an insurance producer license in this State who was  licensed for the same kinds of insurance in his or her previous home state is not required to pass the NC exam per N.C.G.S. 58-33-32(g),. This exemption is only available if the application is received within 90 days after the applicant's previous home state license(s) are cancelled. ASD accepts the information on the Producer Database (PDB) maintained by the NAIC or affiliates or subsidiaries of the NAIC, indicating that the producer was licensed in good standing for the kind of insurance requested.
Brokerage
G.S. 58-33-10 defines a broker as an insurance producer. The older codified 11 NCAC 06A .0404 still states: (a) An applicant shall be a licensed agent in North Carolina for each kind of insurance to be brokered. (b) A broker's license gives the holder authority to broker only those kinds of insurance for which he holds an agent's license. Brokering shall be done through a licensed and appointed agent of the company with which the business is being placed. A broker's license does not confer binding authority; it only gives authority to share in commissions with a writing agent. (c) Each applicant shall file with his application a surety bond or cash, certificates of deposit, or securities as provided by statute. Any cash, certificate of deposit, or securities deposited in lieu of the surety bond shall be held in accordance with 11 NCAC 11B .0100. The former separate broker provision in G.S. 58-33-30(f) was repealed effective July 7, 2022; the current producer identity includes the agent and broker roles.
Exemption eligibility
G.S. 58-33-32(g) permits the examination exemption for a current home-state license, a qualifying application within 90 days of cancellation with certification of good standing, or NAIC database evidence of present or prior good standing for the requested lines.
Resident transfer
A producer moving to North Carolina must apply within 90 days after establishing legal residence.
Same authority
Previously licensed for the same life line in the home state.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident reinstatement of a surrendered or lapsed life license within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the reinstatement application and pay the applicable fees.
Ce exclusion
CE Inactive or Expired cases follow the separate four-month cure or examination routes.
Lapse period
The Department resident requirements chart permits examination-free reinstatement only for a producer license lapsed less than one year with a status other than Inactive or Expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

temporary insurance producer license

Temporary life-producer authority for servicing an existing insurance business, ordinarily for no more than 180 days, with a longer period possible for good cause.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Designee of a producer entering active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant case
(3) To the designee of a licensed insurance producer entering active service in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Board discretion
The Commissioner must find a temporary license necessary to service the insurance business.
Death disability appointments
For death or disability requests, represent only insurers that appointed the affected producer at the time of death or disability.
Duration
Up to 180 days, or longer for good cause; the license terminates on transfer of the business.
Sponsor
A suitable licensed-producer or insurer sponsor may be required, and the Commissioner may limit authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Spouse, personal representative, or guardian after death or disability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant case
(1) To the spouse or surviving spouse or court-appointed personal representative or guardian of a licensed insurance producer who dies or becomes mentally or physically disabled to allow adequate time for the transfer of the insurance business owned by the producer, for the recovery or return of the producer to the business, or for the training and licensing of new personnel to operate the producer's business.
Board discretion
The Commissioner must find a temporary license necessary to service the insurance business.
Death disability appointments
For death or disability requests, represent only insurers that appointed the affected producer at the time of death or disability.
Duration
Up to 180 days, or longer for good cause; the license terminates on transfer of the business.
Sponsor
A suitable licensed-producer or insurer sponsor may be required, and the Commissioner may limit authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Business entity member or employee after the designated producer's death or disability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant case
(2) To a member or employee of a business entity licensed as an insurance producer, upon the death or disability of an individual designated in the business entity application or the license.
Board discretion
The Commissioner must find a temporary license necessary to service the insurance business.
Death disability appointments
For death or disability requests, represent only insurers that appointed the affected producer at the time of death or disability.
Duration
Up to 180 days, or longer for good cause; the license terminates on transfer of the business.
Sponsor
A suitable licensed-producer or insurer sponsor may be required, and the Commissioner may limit authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Extension of temporary life producer authority for good cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing limits
Existing sponsorship and authority limits continue; transfer of the business terminates the temporary license.
Good cause
The Commissioner may allow a period longer than 180 days for good cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Other public interest temporary licensing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant case
(4) In any other circumstance where the Commissioner deems that the public interest will be served best by the issuance of this license.
Board discretion
The Commissioner must find a temporary license necessary to service the insurance business.
Death disability appointments
For death or disability requests, represent only insurers that appointed the affected producer at the time of death or disability.
Duration
Up to 180 days, or longer for good cause; the license terminates on transfer of the business.
Sponsor
A suitable licensed-producer or insurer sponsor may be required, and the Commissioner may limit authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited Lines Travel Business Entity

Business-entity travel insurance license allowing unlicensed individuals to sell coverage under the entity’s license; requires at least one DRLP holding the individual travel, accident, and baggage license in North Carolina.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Nonresident entity holding appropriate home state authority in good standing under reciprocity initial travel licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the Commissioner-prescribed entity application and pay fees.
Fingerprints
Responsible producer and controlling officers must comply with resident-state fingerprint requirements.
Reciprocity
Nonresident entity holding appropriate home-state authority in good standing under reciprocity
Responsible producer
Designate an employee with an active North Carolina individual Travel, Accident, and Baggage license.
Retailer register
Maintain and annually update the statutory register of supervised travel retailers, certify compliance with 18 U.S.C. 1033, and produce the register on request.
Retailer training
Provide instruction on insurance types, ethical sales practices, and disclosures to retailer personnel offering and disseminating travel insurance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual travel business entity renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Exemption
The statutory travel-producer exemption from examination and CE continues.
Renewal
Renew the entity license April 1 by paying the annual fee before March 31 expiration; retain the responsible producer and current travel-retailer register.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident entity initial travel licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the Commissioner-prescribed entity application and pay fees.
Fingerprints
Responsible producer and controlling officers must comply with resident-state fingerprint requirements.
Reciprocity
Resident entity
Responsible producer
Designate an employee with an active North Carolina individual Travel, Accident, and Baggage license.
Retailer register
Maintain and annually update the statutory register of supervised travel retailers, certify compliance with 18 U.S.C. 1033, and produce the register on request.
Retailer training
Provide instruction on insurance types, ethical sales practices, and disclosures to retailer personnel offering and disseminating travel insurance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Travel, Accident & Baggage

Individual limited travel insurance authority covering individuals while traveling or on vacation; coverages can include life, health, accident, baggage loss or damage, trip interruption, and similar losses.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Nonresident limited line initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional qualification
Authority is limited to travel insurance. Apply, pay fees, and maintain insurer appointment and required fingerprints. Travel licensing is exempt from licensing examinations and CE.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and fees.
Home license
Hold an equivalent restricted home-state license in good standing; North Carolina grants only the scope of the home-state authority and requires reciprocal nonresident licensing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a lapsed nonresident limited line license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Restore the equivalent home-state restricted authority or meet the relocation and new-home-license conditions in G.S. 58-33-30(h)(2)a1; scope remains restricted to the home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited line relicensure following surrender or termination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Meet the same qualifications and application requirements as an initial limited-line applicant; the limited line retains its statutory examination exemption.
Qualifications
Authority is limited to travel insurance. Apply, pay fees, and maintain insurer appointment and required fingerprints. Travel licensing is exempt from licensing examinations and CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual limited representative renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
The limited-representative license renews April 1 on payment of the annual fee. Maintain the required company appointment and underlying qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident limited line initial licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Qualifications
Authority is limited to travel insurance. Apply, pay fees, and maintain insurer appointment and required fingerprints. Travel licensing is exempt from licensing examinations and CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Variable Life and Variable Annuity Products

Supplemental insurance-producer line for variable life contracts and variable annuities. Resident applicants first hold Life authority and securities registration.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Department of Insurance · Application information

Variable product reinstatement within the CE cure period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Complete required CE and pay the $75 administrative fee within four months after the compliance period.
Underlying qualification
Retain the life authority and securities registration required for resident variable-product authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Continuation of existing variable product authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
Individual producer licenses do not require an annual renewal application.
Continuing education
Satisfy applicable CE, including the biennial ethics requirement, or the reciprocal home-state requirements.
Underlying qualification
Keep required life authority, securities registration, and insurer appointment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident variable product licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed nonresident application and fees.
Home authority
Hold the Variable Life and Variable Annuity Products line in the resident state, in good standing, with reciprocal nonresident licensing.
Life prerequisite
The Department variable-products FAQ makes the separate Life prerequisite apply to resident licensees only.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of nonresident variable product authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Meet the nonresident home-license restoration or relocation conditions in G.S. 58-33-30(h)(2)a1 and again hold the variable-products home-state authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident variable product licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply through NIPR, pay fees, and submit required fingerprints.
Appointment
The appointing insurer must be authorized to sell variable products and verify FINRA requirements.
Life license
Hold a resident life-producer license before applying. This prerequisite license is an applicant condition.
Securities registration
Obtain proper securities registration through the North Carolina Secretary of State and provide a CRD number; FINRA-related securities qualifications are another profession's requirements, not insurance examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

North Carolina Life Agent

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Four-option multiple-choice; general and state-specific parts receive one overall score
Exam questions
55 scored questions plus up to 5 unscored pretest questions
Time limit
1 hour, 15 minutes
Passing score
70 on a scaled score range of 0 to 100
Exam fee
$45 per examination attempt
Examination outline
  • I. TYPES OF INDIVIDUAL LIFE INSURANCE (17 questions)
    • A. Term
    • A.1. General nature
    • A.2. Basic types of term contracts
    • A.3. Special features
    • A.3.a. Renewability
    • A.3.b. Convertibility
    • B. Whole life insurance
    • C. Endowment
    • D. Premium variations
    • D.1. Single
    • D.2. Level (continuous/straight)
    • D.3. Adjustable/Flexible
    • D.4. Modified
    • D.5. Graded
    • D.6. Indeterminate (nonguaranteed)
    • E. Combination policies and variations in the basic forms
    • E.1. Double or triple (multiple) protection
    • E.2. Term riders
    • E.3. Family policy/riders
    • E.4. Face amount plus cash value
    • E.5. Face amount plus return of premium
    • E.6. Joint life
    • E.7. Last survivor / Survivorship Life
    • E.8. Juvenile / Jumping Juvenile
    • E.9. Limited benefit
    • F. Non-Traditional
    • F.1. Universal life (Adjustable life)
    • F.1.a. General nature
    • F.1.b. Features and Characteristics
    • F.1.b.(1). Target premium
    • F.1.b.(2). Unbundled
    • F.1.b.(3). Death benefit options
    • F.1.b.(4). Guaranteed values
    • F.1.b.(5). Corridor of insurance
    • F.2. Interest Sensitive Whole Life (Current Assumption Life)
  • II. ANNUITIES (5 questions)
    • A. The annuity principle
    • B. Annuity features
    • B.1. Premium paying method
    • B.1.a. Single premium
    • B.1.b. Installment premium: fixed/flexible/periodic
    • B.2. Determination of benefits
    • B.2.a. Fixed
    • B.2.b. Variable
    • B.2.c. Equity Index
    • B.3. When benefits begin
    • B.3.a. Immediate
    • B.3.b. Deferred
    • B.4. Number of lives of benefit payment
    • B.4.a. Single
    • B.4.b. Joint
    • B.4.c. Joint and survivor
    • B.5. Guarantee prior to annuity starting date
    • B.6. Guarantee of minimum total benefit
    • B.6.a. Straight (pure) life annuity
    • B.6.b. Annuity with period certain
    • B.6.c. Cash or refund installment annuity
  • III. POLICY PROVISIONS, OPTIONS, AND OTHER FEATURES (11 questions)
    • A. General provisions
    • A.1. Insuring agreement / Clause
    • A.2. Ownership clause
    • A.3. Entire contract clause
    • A.4. Incontestable clause
    • A.5. Grace period
    • A.6. Reinstatement clause
    • A.6.a. Common requirements
    • A.6.b. Possible advantages to policyholder
    • A.7. Misstatement of age clause
    • A.8. Assignment
    • A.8.a. Absolute
    • A.8.b. Collateral
    • A.9. Conversions/Change of plan
    • A.10. Excess interest provision
    • A.11. Free look provision
    • A.12. Withdrawal provisions
    • A.13. Additional / Other insured
    • A.13.a. Spouse
    • A.13.b. Child
    • A.14. Suicide
    • A.15. War
    • A.15.a. Results Type
    • A.15.b. Status Type
    • A.16. Aviation
    • B. Nonforfeiture values
    • B.1. Nature
    • B.2. Options for use of the value
    • B.3. Option applicable if no election made
    • C. Loan provisions
    • C.1. Nature
    • C.2. Interest
    • C.2.a. Fixed
    • C.2.b. Variable
    • C.3. Automatic premium loan
    • D. Right to defer loan or payment of cash value
    • E. Dividends
    • E.1. Nature of dividends
    • E.2. Options for the use of dividends
    • F. Settlement options
    • F.1. Options for the disposition of proceeds
    • F.2. Election
    • F.2.a. By owner
    • F.2.b. By beneficiary
    • G. Beneficiary provision
    • G.1. Beneficiary categories
    • G.1.a. Estate vs. named party
    • G.1.b. Named vs. class
    • G.1.c. Primary and contingent
    • G.1.d. Revocable vs. irrevocable
    • G.1.e. Minor designation
    • G.2. Common disaster and short-term survivorship
    • G.3. Uniform Simultaneous Death Act
    • G.4. Changing the beneficiary
    • G.4.a. Right to change
    • G.4.b. Methods: filing vs. endorsement
    • H. Premium payment
    • H.1. Modes (frequency)
    • H.2. Effect of nonpayment
    • H.3. Mortality charge
    • H.4. Expense charge
    • H.5. Interest credit
    • H.6. Load expense charges
    • H.6.a. Front end
    • H.6.b. Rear end
    • I. Additional rights or optional benefits
    • I.1. Change of contract
    • I.2. Accidental death benefit and dismemberment benefit
    • I.3. Guaranteed insurability
    • I.4. Waiver of premium
    • I.5. Waiver of monthly deduction (Universal Life)
    • I.6. Payor benefit (Juvenile)
    • I.7. Cost of living rider
  • IV. OTHER LIFE TOPICS (8 questions)
    • A. Types of group contracts
    • A.1. Term, including survivorship
    • A.2. Credit life
    • A.3. Mortgage life
    • B. Group underwriting
    • C. Master policy and certificates
    • D. Group Conversion
    • E. Tax qualified (sheltered) retirement plans
    • E.1. Individual retirement account (IRA)
    • E.2. Tax sheltered annuity (TSA)
    • E.3. Keogh Plans
    • E.4. Self-Employed Pension Plan (SEP)
    • E.5. 401k
    • F. Business uses of life insurance
    • F.1. Buy-sell agreements
    • F.1.a. Cross Purchase Plan
    • F.1.b. Entity Plan
    • F.2. Key person insurance
    • G. Social Security survivors, death, and retirement benefits
    • H. Federal income tax treatment of life insurance and annuity premiums, proceeds, dividends, and withdrawals
    • I. Legal concepts
    • I.1. Insurable interest
    • I.2. Misrepresentation and concealment
    • I.3. Impersonation
    • I.4. Unilateral
    • I.5. Adhesion
    • I.6. Indemnity
    • I.7. Aleatory
    • I.8. Conditional
    • J. Cost comparison methods: interest adjusted cost vs. traditional net cost
    • K. Formation of the life insurance contract
    • K.1. Application completion
    • K.2. Types and uses of initial premium receipts
    • K.3. Policy delivery
    • K.3.a. Modified/amended vs. issued as applied for
    • K.3.b. Nonprepaid (Statement of Continued Good Health)
    • K.3.c. Prepaid
    • K.4. Elements of a valid contract
    • L. Variable life, variable universal life, and variable annuity
    • L.1. FINRA registration
    • L.2. Values based on mutual funds or other securities
  • V. NORTH CAROLINA STATUTES AND REGULATIONS PERTINENT TO LIFE (14 questions)
    • A. Contract of Insurance — Ref: Article 1 (G.S. 58-1-10)
    • B. Definitions — Ref: Article 1 (G.S. 58-1-5)
    • C. Commissioner of Insurance — Ref: Article 2 (G.S. 58-2-5, 40, 50, 60, 65, 69, 70, 155, 160, 161, 162, 163, 180, 185, 195, 200); 11 NCAC, Chapter 19, Section .0103
    • D. General Regulations for Insurance — Ref: Article 3 (G.S. 58-3- 25, 30, 40, 115, 120, 130, 135, 140, 145)
    • E. Licensing of Agents, Brokers, Limited Representatives, and Adjusters — Ref: Article 33 (G.S. 58-33-1, 5, 10, 15, 17, 20, 26, 30, 31, 32, 35, 40, 46, 50, 56, 60, 66, 70, 75, 76, 80, 82, 83, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 132, 135); 11 NCAC 4.0423, 11 NCAC, Chapter 4, Section .0423
    • F. Insurance Information & Privacy Protection Act — Ref: Article 39 (G.S. 58-39-5 through 58-39-120)
    • G. Unfair Trade Practices — Ref: Article 63 (G.S. 58-63-15, 20, 50)
    • H. False Pretenses and Cheats — Ref: Article 19 (G.S. 14-100)
    • I. Continuing Education — Ref: 11 NCAC, Chapter 6A, Section .0800
    • J. General Regulations of Business — Ref: Article 58 (G.S. 58-58-1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 22, 25, 30, 35, 40, 70, 75, 80, 85, 95, 100, 110, 115, 120, 135 (1) a– d, 170); 11 NCAC, Chapter 4, Section .0423
    • K. Regulations of Life Insurance Solicitation — Ref: Article 60 (G.S. 58-60-1, 15, 20, 30, 35)
    • L. Replacement Regulations — Ref: 11 NCAC, Chapter 12, Section .0612(a)(4)
    • M. General Regulations — Ref: 11 NCAC, Chapter 4, Section .0423 (Ethical Standards)
    • N. Fraternal Benefit Societies — Ref: Article 24 (G.S. 58-24-1
    • O. Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association — Ref: Article 62 (G.S. 58-62-6, 21(d), 86)
    • P. Viaticals — Ref: 58-58-205(11)
Examination sources