Sen Lin, PrepPass Founder · Verified against New York Department of Financial Services · How we review
Reviewed by John Zihao Zhang California-Licensed Life Insurance Agent (CA Dept. of Insurance License #4396095 verify)

How hard is the New York Life & Health Insurance exam?

Quick answer

The New York Life & Health Insurance exam is a serious, studiable test — its difficulty comes less from any single hard idea than from the breadth of material across 13 weighted content areas. You must score 70%, which leaves little room for guessing. Candidates who drill real practice questions by topic until they consistently clear the passing mark usually pass on the first try — PrepPass has 40+ free New York Life & Health Insurance practice questions with explanations.

The New York Life & Health Insurance exam at a glance

70%
to pass
13
content areas

The 13 content areas on the New York Life & Health Insurance exam

The exam is built from weighted content areas — focus your study time where the weight is. Weights reflect the official content outline.

General Insurance Concepts10%
Life Insurance Basics12%
Life Insurance Policies13%
Life Policy Provisions, Riders, Options & Exclusions12%
Annuities10%
Life & Annuity Taxation and Uses8%
Health Insurance Basics10%
Health Policies13%
Health Policy Provisions, Clauses & Riders7%
Group Insurance, Social Insurance & Senior Products5%
New York Producer Licensing40%
New York Insurance Law35%
New York Ethics & Marketing25%

How the New York Life & Health Insurance exam is administered

New York State Department of Financial Services oversees licensing. The exam is delivered by PSI. Prelicensing education: 40 hours (combined life, accident & health) or 20 hours per single line. Confirm the current details with the official authority before you rely on them.

How to make the New York Life & Health Insurance exam easier

The single best predictor of passing is practicing real questions until you consistently clear the passing mark. PrepPass has 40+ free New York Life & Health Insurance practice questions with answer explanations and a full timed mock exam — no signup required.

What is the pass rate, and can you retake it?

Wondering about pass rates and what happens if you don't pass the first time?

See New York Life & Health Insurancepass rate & retake rules →

Frequently asked questions

What score do you need to pass the New York Life & Health Insurance exam?+

You need to score 70% on the New York Life & Health Insurance exam.

Who regulates life & health insurance licensing in New York?+

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) licenses life, accident & health agents and brokers. DFS uses PSI to administer the licensing examinations.

Does New York require prelicensing education for the life & health exam?+

Yes. New York requires a Department-approved prelicensing course of at least 40 hours for the combined life, accident & health authority, or 20 hours for a single line.

How many exams does New York offer for life & health?+

New York does not use one combined 'Life & Health' exam by default; most candidates take the combined 17-55 exam, while separate life-only and accident & health-only exams also exist. A score of at least 70% is required to pass, and the exam must be passed within two years of applying.

How should I study for the New York Life & Health Insurance exam?+

Focus your time on the heaviest content areas, then drill practice questions by topic until you consistently clear the passing mark. PrepPass has 40+ free New York Life & Health Insurance practice questions with full explanations and a timed mock exam.

Last updated: August 2026

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