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West Virginia Life Insurance — Requirements & Free Practice

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Insurance Producer — Life

Individual Life authority covers human lives, endowment and annuities, including the ordinary initial and returning-applicant routes. Preneed burial and scripted telemarketing are activities of this license, with distinct continuing-education conditions, rather than separate credentials. Section 33-12-19 expressly prohibits solicitors for life insurance agents.

Licensing authority: West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner · Application information

New resident license after cancellation for CE noncompliance
WV Life
Applicable Exemptions
The statutory §33-12-14 interstate exemptions remain applicable if their independent conditions are met; those applicants use the separately stated exempt route.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Previous Status
License automatically cancelled for failure to comply by the end of the biennium following suspension.
Restoration after automatic CE suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
After restoration obtain new insurer appointments and pay their applicable fees.
Ce
Complete and submit the missing CE; pay $5 per hour for credits carried back after the reporting period under 114CSR42 §6.3, and any assessed hearing costs.
Duration
Restoration applies while the license is suspended and has not been cancelled; the Code cancels for continuing noncompliance at the end of the following biennium.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident qualification in a reciprocal contiguous municipality
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Residency
Applicant resides in an urban community of two immediately contiguous municipalities, one in West Virginia, not separated by a river or stream; the other jurisdiction must establish like residency treatment.
Resident issuance based on a current license for the same line
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Education And Exam Exemption
Section 33-12-14(a) exempts prelicensing and examination. The narrower rule 114CSR2 §2.3(b) mentions a currently licensed home-state resident; the statute also expressly covers the timely cancelled-license applicant.
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Previous License
Currently licensed and in good standing for Life in the prior state; certification or the NAIC producer database must establish that status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Fraternal agent grandfathered examination exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Fraternal Service
Acted as or served as an agent for a fraternal benefit society on or before July 1, 1989; §33-23-33 exempts the examination.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Fraternal officer, employee or member acting incidentally
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Compensation
No commission or other compensation directly based on solicitation; solicitation contemporaneous with joining the society counts as solicitation of a member.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Employment
Salaried officer, employee or member of a fraternal benefit society whose occasional incidental duties solicit contracts only from society members.
Exemptions
Section 33-23-33 exempts the examination and continuing education, while retaining licensing.
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal or restoration relief for military service or other hardship
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Hardship
Unable to comply with renewal procedures because of military service or another extenuating circumstance such as long-term medical disability.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Waiver Request
May request waiver of renewal procedures, any examination requirement, or a fine/sanction; §33-12-9(d) permits a request rather than an automatic waiver. The Life examination remains relevant if the underlying restoration otherwise requires it.
Resident licensure with a college insurance degree
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Degree
Holds a college insurance degree; 114CSR2 §2.3(a)(4) exempts all lines except Crop from the competency examination.
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Implementing Waiver Text
2.3. Waiver of examination. -- An examination is not required as proof of competency for those persons applying for a resident individual insurance producer’s license if such person: 2.3.a.4. All lines of authority except crop -- College insurance degree.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Statute And Rule Reading
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(a) expressly requires a written examination unless exempt under §33-12-14. The lower-ranked licensing rule offers the professional-designation, insurance-degree or public-employment exemption stated for this route. Applying the survey contract’s statute-over-rule priority, the WV Life examination remains a leaf; the rule’s exemption is recorded as an applicant condition.
Nonresident reciprocal licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the home-state application or Uniform Application and pay the $50 nonresident fee plus the NIPR service charge.
Home State License
Currently holds a resident license in good standing for Life, awarded on the same basis; the home state must grant West Virginia residents nonresident licenses on the same basis.
Same Line
Apply for the same line of authority held in the resident state; the home-state credential is an applicant condition, not a West Virginia examination leaf.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Home-state CE satisfies West Virginia CE when recognized reciprocally under §33-12-33(b).
Home License
Maintain the home-state Life license and reciprocal status.
Renewal
Renew by the biennial birth-month deadline and pay the applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident licensure with a Life professional designation waiver
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Implementing Waiver Text
2.3. Waiver of examination. -- An examination is not required as proof of competency for those persons applying for a resident individual insurance producer’s license if such person: 2.3.a. With respect to the following lines of authority, holds one or more of the following professional designations or degrees: 2.3.a.1. Life Line of Authority -- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI), Life Underwriting Training Counsel Fellow (LUTCF);
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Professional Designation
Holds CEBS, ChFC, CIC, CFP, CLU, FLMI or LUTCF. 114CSR2 §2.3(a)(1) waives the competency examination.
Statute And Rule Reading
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(a) expressly requires a written examination unless exempt under §33-12-14. The lower-ranked licensing rule offers the professional-designation, insurance-degree or public-employment exemption stated for this route. Applying the survey contract’s statute-over-rule priority, the WV Life examination remains a leaf; the rule’s exemption is recorded as an applicant condition.
Return after insurance related public employment
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Application Window
Apply within one year after termination of the employment; 114CSR2 §2.4 exempts re-examination.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Implementing Waiver Text
2.4. Any applicant who previously held a West Virginia insurance license which was terminated as a condition of public employment is exempt from re-examination provided that the public employment was in an insurance-related field and the license application was made within one year of the termination of the employment.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Prior License
A former West Virginia insurance license was terminated as a condition of public employment in an insurance-related field.
Statute And Rule Reading
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(a) expressly requires a written examination unless exempt under §33-12-14. The lower-ranked licensing rule offers the professional-designation, insurance-degree or public-employment exemption stated for this route. Applying the survey contract’s statute-over-rule priority, the WV Life examination remains a leaf; the rule’s exemption is recorded as an applicant condition.
New resident license after more than one year of lapse
WV Life
Applicable Exemptions
The statutory §33-12-14 interstate exemptions remain applicable if their independent conditions are met; those applicants use the separately stated exempt route.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Previous Status
The late-renewal form is no longer accepted after one year; meet all requirements for a new license.
Resident issuance within 90 days of cancellation in the prior state
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Education And Exam Exemption
Section 33-12-14(a) exempts prelicensing and examination. The narrower rule 114CSR2 §2.3(b) mentions a currently licensed home-state resident; the statute also expressly covers the timely cancelled-license applicant.
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Previous License
Application received within 90 days of cancellation of the previous Life license; prior-state certification or NAIC producer database must show good standing at cancellation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within 12 months after lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce
Complete delinquent CE if applicable and obtain new insurer appointments after restoration.
Payment
Pay double the unpaid renewal fee; the current late-renewal form specifies $100 ($50 renewal plus $50 late fee).
Time Limit
Apply within 12 months of the renewal fee due date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Change of home state to West Virginia
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Exemption
No prelicensing or examination for a previously held line under §33-12-14(b), except where the Commissioner determines otherwise by regulation.
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Residency Change
Previously licensed for Life; apply within 90 days after establishing West Virginia residence. 114CSR2A §4.2 also requires address/contact notice within 30 days and fingerprint forms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident licensure by examination
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Residency
Resides in West Virginia; a West Virginia resident license is an election of residence under §33-12-6a.
Resident biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late Consequences
Failure to renew suspends/expires the license and cancels appointments; late renewal is available for one year with penalties.
Renewal
Apply and pay $50 by the last day of the birth month biennially; satisfy required continuing education unless exempt.
Specialized Activities
Section 33-12-8(c)(1) limits CE to six hours biennially for producers selling only preneed burial insurance or only scripted telemarketing products with a Commissioner-approved script.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New resident license after voluntary cancellation
WV Life
Applicable Exemptions
The statutory §33-12-14 interstate exemptions remain applicable if their independent conditions are met; those applicants use the separately stated exempt route.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Previous Status
A voluntarily cancelled license cannot be reinstated without satisfying the applicable new-license education and examination requirements.
Restoration after voluntary CE suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appointment
After restoration obtain new insurer appointments and pay their applicable fees.
Ce
Complete and submit the missing CE; pay $5 per hour for credits carried back after the reporting period under 114CSR42 §6.3, and any assessed hearing costs.
Duration
Restoration applies while the license is suspended and has not been cancelled; the Code cancels for continuing noncompliance at the end of the following biennium.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Insurance Producer — Life

Provisional Life licensure while the criminal-history record is pending; ends at its stated expiry or the Commissioner’s decision on the permanent application.

Licensing authority: West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner · Application information

Provisional resident Life authority for an examination exempt professional
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Implementing Waiver Text
2.3. Waiver of examination. -- An examination is not required as proof of competency for those persons applying for a resident individual insurance producer’s license if such person: 2.3.a. With respect to the following lines of authority, holds one or more of the following professional designations or degrees: 2.3.a.1. Life Line of Authority -- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI), Life Underwriting Training Counsel Fellow (LUTCF); 2.3.a.4. All lines of authority except crop -- College insurance degree.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Pending Check
Fingerprint items properly submitted with no disclosed disqualifying matter; grant is discretionary and expires at the earlier stated date or permanent decision.
Statute And Rule Reading
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(a) expressly requires a written examination unless exempt under §33-12-14. The lower-ranked licensing rule offers the professional-designation, insurance-degree or public-employment exemption stated for this route. Applying the survey contract’s statute-over-rule priority, the WV Life examination remains a leaf; the rule’s exemption is recorded as an applicant condition.
Waiver
Applicant holds a qualifying Life professional designation or college insurance degree under 114CSR2 §2.3(a).
Provisional resident Life authority after examination
WV Life
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Attempt Limit
W. Va. Code §33-12-5(e) permits seven additional examination attempts after failure. The Board application instructions say a failed candidate may retake at any time; this does not remove the statutory attempt limit.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
End
Earlier of stated provisional expiration or decision granting/denying the permanent license.
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Passing Score Timing
The June 2026 handbook requires licensure within one year after passing; otherwise prelicensing and the examination must be repeated.
Pending Check
Submitted all §114-2A-3 items properly, with no disclosed disqualifying matter; Commissioner may grant provisional authority before receiving the criminal-history report.
Prelicensing
Complete 20 hours of approved study for Life and present the certificate or authorized exemption form at testing. The certificate is valid for six months.
Provisional Life authority for an examination exempt interstate applicant
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Uniform Application and applicable license fees. The implementing instructions specify a $50 initial fee and permit online application through NIPR.
Appointment
An individual acting as an agent of an insurer must be appointed by the insurer; an individual not acting as an insurer agent need not be appointed.
Controlled Business
The license must not be obtained principally to procure insurance on the applicant, family, relatives or other controlled interests specified in §33-12-6(a)(7).
Fingerprints
Provide fingerprints, required identifying information and processing fees under 114CSR2A; the Commissioner may waive these for eligible previous good-standing licensees or physical inability. Applications are complete when criminal-history information is received.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; no ground for denial under W. Va. Code §33-12-24. The application must be true, complete and correct.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Pending Check
Fingerprint items properly submitted with no disclosed disqualifying matter; grant is discretionary and expires at the earlier stated date or permanent decision.
Prior License
Meets §33-12-14(a) or (b) for previously held Life authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

WV Life

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based written examination
Exam questions
Handbook: 90 questions. Published outline: 50 general scoreable + 5 general pretest; 28 state scoreable + 6 state pretest. These published figures differ; neither is replaced with an inferred count.
Time limit
120 minutes
Passing score
70 scaled score
Exam fee
$84
Examination outline
  • Life — General Knowledge: I. TYPES OF POLICIES (published scoreable-question count: 15)
    • A. Traditional whole life products
    • A. Traditional whole life products > 1. Ordinary whole life
    • A. Traditional whole life products > 2. Limited-pay and single-premium life
    • B. Interest/market-sensitive/adjustable life products
    • B. Interest/market-sensitive/adjustable life products > 1. Universal life
    • B. Interest/market-sensitive/adjustable life products > 2. Variable whole life
    • B. Interest/market-sensitive/adjustable life products > 3. Variable universal life
    • B. Interest/market-sensitive/adjustable life products > 4. Interest-sensitive whole life
    • B. Interest/market-sensitive/adjustable life products > 5. Indexed life
    • C. Term life
    • C. Term life > 1. Types
    • C. Term life > 1. Types > a. Level
    • C. Term life > 1. Types > b. Decreasing
    • C. Term life > 1. Types > c. Return of premium
    • C. Term life > 1. Types > d. Annually renewable
    • C. Term life > 2. Special features
    • C. Term life > 2. Special features > a. Renewable
    • C. Term life > 2. Special features > b. Convertible
    • D. Annuities
    • D. Annuities > 1. Single and flexible premium
    • D. Annuities > 2. Immediate and deferred
    • D. Annuities > 3. Fixed and variable
    • D. Annuities > 4. Indexed
    • D. Annuities > 5. Accumulation and Annuity Periods
    • D. Annuities > 6. Payout options
    • E. Combination plans and variations
    • E. Combination plans and variations > 1. Joint life (first to die)
    • E. Combination plans and variations > 2. Survivorship life (second to die)
  • Life — General Knowledge: II. LIFE PROVISIONS, RIDERS, OPTIONS, AND EXCLUSIONS (published scoreable-question count: 15)
    • A. Policy riders
    • A. Policy riders > 1. Waiver of premium and waiver of monthly deduction
    • A. Policy riders > 2. Guaranteed insurability
    • A. Policy riders > 3. Payor benefit
    • A. Policy riders > 4. Accidental death and/or accidental death and dismemberment
    • A. Policy riders > 5. Term riders
    • A. Policy riders > 6. Other insureds
    • A. Policy riders > 7. Long term care
    • A. Policy riders > 8. Return of premium
    • A. Policy riders > 9. Disability
    • A. Policy riders > 10. Cost of Living
    • B. Policy provisions and options
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 1. Entire contract
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 2. Insuring clause
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 3. Free look
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 4. Consideration
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 5. Owner’s rights
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 6. Beneficiary designations
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 6. Beneficiary designations > a. Primary and contingent
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 6. Beneficiary designations > b. Revocable and irrevocable
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 6. Beneficiary designations > c. Common disaster
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 6. Beneficiary designations > d. Minor beneficiaries
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 6. Beneficiary designations > e. Designation by class
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 7. Premium Payment
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 7. Premium Payment > a. Modes
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 7. Premium Payment > b. Grace period
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 7. Premium Payment > c. Automatic premium loan
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 7. Premium Payment > d. Level or flexible
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 8. Reinstatement
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 9. Policy loans, withdrawals, partial surrenders
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 10. Non-forfeiture options
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 11. Dividends and dividend options (e.g., participating, non- participating)
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 12. Incontestability
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 13. Assignments
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 14. Suicide
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 15. Misstatement of age or gender
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 16. Settlement options
    • B. Policy provisions and options > 17. Accelerated death benefits
    • C. Policy exclusions
    • C. Policy exclusions > 1. War
    • C. Policy exclusions > 2. Aviation
    • C. Policy exclusions > 3. Dangerous Occupation
  • Life — General Knowledge: III. COMPLETING THE APPLICATION, UNDERWRITING, AND DELIVERING THE POLICY (published scoreable-question count: 12)
    • A. Completing the application
    • A. Completing the application > 1. Required signatures
    • A. Completing the application > 2. Changes in the application
    • A. Completing the application > 3. Consequences of incomplete applications
    • A. Completing the application > 4. Warranties and representations
    • A. Completing the application > 5. Collecting the initial premium and issuing the receipt
    • A. Completing the application > 6. Replacement
    • A. Completing the application > 7. Disclosures at point of sale (e.g., HIPAA, HIV consent)
    • A. Completing the application > 8. USA PATRIOT Act/anti-money laundering
    • A. Completing the application > 9. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Privacy
    • B. Underwriting
    • B. Underwriting > 1. Insurable interest
    • B. Underwriting > 2. Medical information and consumer reports
    • B. Underwriting > 3. Fair Credit Reporting Act
    • B. Underwriting > 4. Risk classification
    • B. Underwriting > 5. Stranger/Investor-owned life insurance (STOLI/IOLI)
    • C. Delivering the policy
    • C. Delivering the policy > 1. When coverage begins
    • C. Delivering the policy > 2. Explaining the policy and its provisions, riders, exclusions, and ratings to the client
    • D. Contract law
    • D. Contract law > 1. Elements of a legal contract
    • D. Contract law > 1. Elements of a legal contract > a. Consideration
    • D. Contract law > 1. Elements of a legal contract > b. Offer and Acceptance
    • D. Contract law > 1. Elements of a legal contract > c. Competent parties
    • D. Contract law > 1. Elements of a legal contract > d. Legal purpose
    • D. Contract law > 2. Unique aspects of the insurance contract
    • D. Contract law > 2. Unique aspects of the insurance contract > a. Conditional
    • D. Contract law > 2. Unique aspects of the insurance contract > b. Unilateral
    • D. Contract law > 2. Unique aspects of the insurance contract > c. Adhesion
    • D. Contract law > 2. Unique aspects of the insurance contract > d. Aleatory
  • Life — General Knowledge: IV. RETIREMENT AND OTHER INSURANCE CONCEPTS (published scoreable-question count: 8)
    • A. Third-party ownership
    • B. Life Settlements
    • C. Group life insurance
    • C. Group life insurance > 1. Conversion privilege
    • C. Group life insurance > 2. Contributory vs. noncontributory
    • D. Retirement plans
    • D. Retirement plans > 1. Qualified plans
    • D. Retirement plans > 2. Nonqualified plans
    • E. Life insurance needs analysis/suitability
    • E. Life insurance needs analysis/suitability > 1. Personal insurance needs
    • E. Life insurance needs analysis/suitability > 2. Business insurance needs
    • E. Life insurance needs analysis/suitability > 2. Business insurance needs > a. Key person
    • E. Life insurance needs analysis/suitability > 2. Business insurance needs > b. Buy sell
    • F. Social Security benefits
    • G. Tax treatment of insurance premiums, proceeds, and dividends
    • G. Tax treatment of insurance premiums, proceeds, and dividends > 1. Individual life
    • G. Tax treatment of insurance premiums, proceeds, and dividends > 2. Group life
    • G. Tax treatment of insurance premiums, proceeds, and dividends > 3. Modified Endowment Contracts (MECs)
  • Life — West Virginia Specific: I. WEST VIRGINIA LAWS AND RULES COMMON TO LIFE, ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE (published scoreable-question count: 21)
    • A. Insurance Commissioner (published scoreable-question count: 2)
    • A. Insurance Commissioner > 1. Broad powers
    • A. Insurance Commissioner > 2. Examination of records
    • A. Insurance Commissioner > 3. Notice and conduct of hearing
    • A. Insurance Commissioner > 4. Penalties
    • A. Insurance Commissioner > 5. Filing and approval of forms
    • B. Definitions (published scoreable-question count: 4)
    • B. Definitions > 1. Domestic, foreign, alien, nonadmitted, and unauthorized companies
    • B. Definitions > 2. Stock and mutual
    • B. Definitions > 3. Transacting insurance
    • B. Definitions > 4. Producer
    • C. Licensing (published scoreable-question count: 7)
    • C. Licensing > 1. Purpose/Requirements
    • C. Licensing > 2. Qualifications
    • C. Licensing > 2. Qualifications > a. Producer
    • C. Licensing > 2. Qualifications > b. Direct response
    • C. Licensing > 2. Qualifications > c. Nonresident Life/A&H producer
    • C. Licensing > 2. Qualifications > d. Fingerprinting
    • C. Licensing > 3. Termination of license
    • C. Licensing > 3. Termination of license > a. Expiration and cancellation
    • C. Licensing > 3. Termination of license > b. Revocation and suspension
    • C. Licensing > 3. Termination of license > c. Nonrenewal
    • C. Licensing > 4. Limitation of license
    • C. Licensing > 5. Appointment
    • C. Licensing > 6. Education requirements
    • C. Licensing > 6. Education requirements > a. Continuing education
    • C. Licensing > 7. Mandatory reporting requirements
    • C. Licensing > 7. Mandatory reporting requirements > a. Criminal prosecution and administrative action
    • C. Licensing > 7. Mandatory reporting requirements > b. Fraud
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices (published scoreable-question count: 6)
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 1. Unfair claims methods and practices
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 2. Excessive charges
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 3. Rebating
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 4. Coercion
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 5. Misrepresentation
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 6. Defamation
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 7. Advertising
    • D. Unfair Trade Practices > 8. Penalties
    • E. Mass Marketed Life and Sickness Insurance (published scoreable-question count: 1)
    • F. West Virginia Life and Health Guaranty Association (published scoreable-question count: 1)
    • G. Unauthorized Insurers
  • Life — West Virginia Specific: II. WEST VIRGINIA LAWS AND RULES PERTINENT TO LIFE INSURANCE ONLY (published scoreable-question count: 7)
    • A. Replacement (published scoreable-question count: 3)
    • A. Replacement > 1. Definitions
    • A. Replacement > 2. Duties of producers
    • A. Replacement > 3. Duties of insurance companies
    • A. Replacement > 4. Exemptions
    • B. Disclosure (published scoreable-question count: 0-1)
    • C. Policy Clauses and Provisions (published scoreable-question count: 1)
    • C. Policy Clauses and Provisions > 1. Protection, beneficiaries, and creditors
    • C. Policy Clauses and Provisions > 2. Policy loan interest rate
    • D. Group Life (published scoreable-question count: 2)
    • D. Group Life > 1. Assignment of proceeds
    • D. Group Life > 2. Employee and debtor groups
    • D. Group Life > 3. Labor union and trustee groups
    • D. Group Life > 4. Conversion on termination of policy
    • D. Group Life > 5. Conversion on termination of employment
    • E. Suitability in Annuity Transactions (published scoreable-question count: 0-1)
    • F. Insurable Interest (published scoreable-question count: 0-1)
Examination sources