How many hours of pre-license education does New York require for insurance agents?

40 hours for Pre-Licensing Education — required before sitting for licensing exam, as set by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Is an exam required to get licensed in New York?

Yes. In addition to the required education hours, New York requires a licensing exam for one or more license classes.

Can I complete these hours online?

Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

How to get a Pre-Licensing Education — required before sitting for licensing exam license in New York

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) sets the education you must complete before it will license you. Here is the exact requirement, by license class.

New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS)

Required hours by license class

Pre-Licensing Education — required before sitting for licensing exam

40 required hours

A licensing exam is required in addition to these hours.

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) · verified 2026-09-10

Common questions

How many hours of pre-license education does New York require for insurance agents?: 40 hours for Pre-Licensing Education — required before sitting for licensing exam, as set by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).
Is an exam required to get licensed in New York?: Yes. In addition to the required education hours, New York requires a licensing exam for one or more license classes.
Can I complete these hours online?: Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

Already licensed? This page covers getting your first license. If you already hold one, New York insurance agents renewal requires 15 hours of continuing education — see New York insurance agents continuing education.