Studying
Everything you need to confidently prepare for and pass the California Life Insurance Exam — study guides, practice tests, tips, and resources all in one place.
EXAMFX
ExamFX should prepare you for the test, but use this page for any extra help or studying to ensure success.
After every 4 chapters completed—sign up to join a study hall (via zoom) with our licensing manager to review the chapters and help you to better understand the material.
Sign Up for Study Halls! PST Time (California Standard Time)
Chapters 1-4:
Chapters 5-8:
Chapters 9-12:
Chapters 13-16:
Completed your course?
Schedule a zoom with our licensing manager to start preparing you to take the exam!
Schedule under: General Studying
Requirements:
Completed Course
Feeling ready to take the exam?
Schedule a zoom with our licensing manager for one final review to ensure that you’re prepared!
Schedule Under: Final Exam Study Review
In this zoom, We’ll go chapter by chapter, and you’ll teach me the material.
Why? Because if you can teach it, you truly know it — and that’s what we want before you walk into the testing center.
Requirements:
Completed Course
Attended at least one study review with licensing manager (Araceli Gonzalez)
What to Expect on the Exam
The California Life Insurance Licensing Exam is designed to test your knowledge of both general life insurance concepts and California-specific laws. Here’s a breakdown of the topics you’ll see on the test:
Exam Topics:
General Insurance Concepts
(Risk, perils, hazards, underwriting basics)Life Insurance Policies
(Term, whole, universal, variable, and group life policies)Policy Riders, Provisions, and Options
(Beneficiaries, exclusions, nonforfeiture options)Annuities
(Fixed, variable, immediate, deferred)Taxation
(How life insurance and annuities are taxed)California Insurance Regulations
(State laws, ethics, required notices, agent licensing rules)
Tip: California places heavy emphasis on state-specific regulations, so make sure to review those closely.
Material
ENGLISH LIFE ONLY
These flashcards link to a website—Quizlet— which allow you to study the material in flashcards, or tests if you’d like.
SPANISH LIFE ONLY
ENGLISH LIFE AND HEALTH
Videos
8 Part Exam Prep
Study Tips & Strategies
Create a study schedule and stick to it — consistency beats cramming. (Some schedule formats are provided)
Focus on California state laws — they’re heavily weighted.
Use active recall — test yourself often instead of just rereading.
Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
Review all incorrect answers carefully to understand your mistakes.
Find a study buddy — teaching others helps reinforce learning.
Study Schedule Options
1. Intensive 2-Week Schedule (For Fast Learners)
Ideal if you can dedicate 2+ hours daily.
Week 1: Complete all pre-licensing course modules covering General Insurance, Policies, and Annuities.
Week 2: Review California laws, take practice quizzes, and complete full-length practice exams.
Daily time: 2 to 3 hours each day.
2. Balanced 3-Week Schedule (Steady and Thorough)
Great if you want a steady pace without burnout.
Week 1: Read or watch course modules on General Insurance and Life Insurance Policies.
Week 2: Study Policy Riders, Annuities, and Taxation.
Week 3: Focus on California-specific regulations and ethics, plus practice exams.
Daily time: About 1.5 hours each day.
3. Weekend Warrior (2 Weekends + 1 Week Review)
For those who work weekdays and can only study on weekends.
Weekend 1: Intensive study of General Insurance and Policies (about 6 hours total).
Weekend 2: Study Riders, Annuities, and Taxation (about 6 hours total).
Week 3 (Evenings): Review California laws and take practice tests (about 1 hour on five weeknights).
4. Light & Long 3-Week Plan (For Busy Schedules)
Perfect for very busy people with limited daily time.
Week 1: Overview of all insurance concepts (30 to 45 minutes per day).
Week 2: Detailed study of policies, riders, and annuities (30 to 45 minutes per day).
Week 3: California regulations and practice exams (30 to 45 minutes per day).
5. Custom Flexible Plan
Mix and match based on your schedule — aim for about 30 to 40 total hours.
Complete the required pre-licensing education (minimum 20 hours).
Spend 5 to 8 hours reviewing California state laws.
Spend 5 to 8 hours on practice tests and flashcards.
Schedule rest days and a final review day before the exam.
Finished studying and ready to take your exam? Head on over to our exam info page to help get you ready for the exam!
Please make sure you have met the following criteria before taking the next steps:
Completed the required course
Attended at least one study hall review with our licensing manager
Attended the Final Exam Study Review with our licensing manager
(Information on these requirements are all on this page)