Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Jacques Wong, B.Sc.
Are you ready to launch a career that offers flexibility, stability, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives? Becoming a licensed insurance agent can open the door to a dynamic industry where you can earn a solid income while helping people protect their homes, businesses, and loved ones.
The demand for insurance professionals is projected to grow over the next decade. The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) projects a moderate risk of shortage from now until 2033, which is a positive indicator of stability and opportunity in the field.
This step-by-step guide will break down how to get your insurance license, no matter where you happen to reside.
You’ll also find out how PNC Learning’s pre-licensing course can equip you with the knowledge you need to pass your exam. Our easy-to-understand courses, tutor support, and pass guarantee make prepping for your test fast and hassle-free.
Whether you’re changing careers, breaking into the job market, or looking for extra income, , you can gain the knowledge you need to take your first step toward a rewarding insurance career.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before diving into the insurance license requirements, it’s important to make sure you meet the basic criteria. These are similar in most regions. Specifically:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must be a resident of the province where you’re applying or have legal work authorization (you do not need to be a citizen or PR, as long as you can work in Canada, you can get your insurance license)
- You must have a clean criminal record (any recent convictions for fraud or dishonesty could disqualify you – exceptions apply)
For instance, to get insurance licenses in British Columbia, you need to be a citizen or provide proof of your right to work in Canada. (For more information on licensing in BC, check out our comprehensive guide.)
As long as you meet these three core requirements and can provide the requisite documents, you can move on to step two.
Step 2: Choose Your License Type
Your individual career goals will determine which insurance licensing process you complete. Think about why you want to become an insurance agent and what types of protections you want to help your clients access. The main categories include:
- General Property and Casualty (P&C)
- Life and health
- Adjuster
Your choice should be based on your interests and client base. For example, if you love working with families, personal life and health insurance policies might be the perfect fit. Similarly, if you have a construction background, a P&C license for commercial clients could be a sensible match.
Keep in mind that you can always apply for other insurance licenses later to expand your expertise.
Step 3: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Most regions require a pre-licensing course to prepare for the insurance license exam. These courses typically require 40 – 60 hours of commitment and cover topics like:
- Insurance principles
- Local laws and regulations
- Ethics
Course hours vary by license type and region. Always choose an approved provider to ensure that your course counts. A quality course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to pass your exam.
PNC Learning’s online eLearning platform can simplify the prep for your insurance license exam. Here are just a few of the features it offers:
- Mobile-friendly lessons for studying anywhere
- Audio lectures for on-the-go learning
- Live tutor support to answer your questions
- Plain-language content to make complex topics more accessible
With our pass guarantee, you can study confidently knowing you’ll receive ongoing support until you succeed.
Step 4: Pass the Licensing Exam
The insurance license exam will test your knowledge of insurance concepts, laws, and ethics. You can expect:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 2 – 3 hours of testing time
- A minimum score requirement of 60% – 75% (varies by region)
While each exam will differ based on where you live and what type of license you’re pursuing, you’ll be tested on topics like product knowledge, regulations, and ethical practices. To prepare, follow these best practices:
- Use PNC Learning’s specially curated practice questions
- Study in short, daily sessions over at least 2 – 4 weeks
- Manage any test anxiety you experience (I’ve compiled all my best study tips to help you)
Our courses include mobile tools and a pass guarantee to ensure that you’re ready to conquer your exam.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
At this point, you’re ready to submit your insurance license application to the regulatory body in your region (e.g., Insurance Council of BC, RIBO, Alberta Insurance Council). You’ll need:
- Proof of a passing exam score
- Government-issued ID
- Background check results
- Application fee
Processing typically takes 1- 2 weeks. However, the process could be delayed if your documents are incomplete. Double-check your application to avoid any hang-ups.
Step 6: Get Sponsored or Appointed
In many regions, you must be sponsored or appointed by an insurance company or brokerage to sell policies. This essentially means that they give you permission to represent their products. Here are some general steps:
- Find a brokerage or insurer willing to sponsor you
- Apply for jobs
- Complete the appointment paperwork with your employer
PNC Learning provides post-licensing support, which includes assistance with your resume, job referrals, and tips for success after you’re hired. Our goal is to help you find opportunities fast so you can dive into your new career.
Final Tips for a Smooth Licensing Journey
Here are a few more pieces of advice to make your path to licensure as frictionless as possible:
- Start early: Start your pre-licensing course 2–4 weeks before your exam to avoid having to cram
- Choose wisely: Pick the right license type, as well as a trusted provider like PNC Learning
- Stay organized: Use a checklist to track your progress and confirm that you’re completing all necessary steps
- Get support: Join study groups, work with PNC Learning tutors, or participate in community forums
By applying these tips and making use of our study resources, you can improve your chances of getting through the insurance licensing process without undue stress or difficulty.
Find Success With PNC Learning
Now that you know how to get your insurance license, it’s time to take action. The online courses and mobile-friendly tools from PNC Learning can set you up for success with meaningful support and clear next steps. Our flexible courses and post-licensing guidance are designed to make the journey smooth and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Pass the Insurance License Exam?
With the right preparation, the insurance license exam doesn’t have to be difficult. The Level 1 exam is entirely multiple-choice in every province/state and is written at a high school reading level.
Prep materials from PNC Learning will make learning the concepts as simple as possible, and we have tutor support to help you every step of the way. And if you’re not successful on your first attempt, our pass guarantee provides continued support.
Is an Insurance License Worth It?
According to Indeed, the median wage for insurance brokers is $63,879. However, this base salary doesn’t include commissions and bonuses. Working as an insurance agent or broker is a potentially lucrative career with lots of opportunities. You’ll help clients protect what matters most while enjoying strong earning potential.
What Type of Insurance License Pays the Most?
Life and health (LLQP) licenses offer high initial commissions (potentially up to six figures) but fewer salaried roles. Property and casualty (P&C) licenses, meanwhile, offer more salaried positions and steady commissions that grow with your client base and premium increases.