How hard is it to pass the life insurance exam in Texas?


Editorial team Published on

Passing the Texas life insurance exam is moderately challenging for first-time test takers, with an estimated state pass rate around 51%, though it is very manageable if you complete proper pre-licensing education and practice tests.

Exam Details & Structure

  • Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based exam administered through Pearson VUE.
  • Questions: 150 total questions (130 are scored; 20 are unscored pre-test questions).
  • Passing Score: 70% (you need 91 correct answers out of the 130 scored questions).
  • Pre-Licensing Education: Texas requires 20 hours of pre-licensing study if you take the life-only exam, or 40 hours if you take the combined General Lines (Life, Accident, Health, and HMO) exam.
  • Results: Your score is provided immediately at the test center.

Why People Find It Tricky

  • Question Wording: The exam rarely tests simple memorization; instead, it uses carefully worded scenarios, double negatives, and "EXCEPT" style questions.
  • Texas-Specific Rules: Generic national study materials miss the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) state law and code regulations.
  • Combined vs. Life-Only: If you take the combined Life, Accident, and Health exam, candidates often report that the Accident and Health portion is harder than the Life portion.

Best Tips to Pass on Your First Try

  1. Use a Reputable Course: Use structured programs like Kaplan, ExamFX, or National Online Insurance School.
  2. Master Key Chapters: Focus heavily on policy types (term vs. whole vs. universal life) and policy provisions, which make up a large share of the exam.
  3. Use Exam Simulators: Take as many practice tests as possible until you consistently score well above the 70% threshold.