Texas Life and Health Insurance Exam Pass Rate

If you're searching for the Texas Life and Health Insurance exam pass rate, you've probably noticed something frustrating: there's no single, publicly updated dashboard showing you a neat percentage. That's not an accident—it's a reflection of how the state handles exam data. Here's what we actually know, what the law requires, and what it all means for your preparation strategy.

Does Texas Publish a Pass Rate for This Exam?

The short answer: not in the way most candidates expect.

Texas law does include a statutory framework for monitoring exam pass rates, but it applies specifically to limited and single lines licenses—not to the general Life and Health license most agents pursue. The relevant statute, Tex. Ins. Code §4002.008, requires the commissioner (or a contracted vendor) to review a license examination if it exhibits an overall pass rate of less than 70 percent for first-time examinees during any 12-month period beginning September 1 (Tex. Ins. Code §4002.008). That same section mandates the department collect demographic information from examinees and compile an annual report.

However, because §4002.008 explicitly limits its scope to examinations for "limited and single lines licenses, including agent licenses issued under Subchapters C and I, Chapter 4051; and Subchapters C and G, Chapter 4054" (Tex. Ins. Code §4002.008), the general Life and Health exam doesn't fall under this particular reporting mandate. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) does not routinely publish pass-rate statistics for the general lines exam in a consumer-facing format.

What Industry Estimates Tell Us

Anecdotal data from pre-licensing schools, exam prep providers, and insurance industry forums consistently suggests that first-time pass rates for state insurance licensing exams nationally hover between 50% and 70%, with many states falling closer to the lower end of that range. Texas is widely considered to have a moderately difficult exam. Without official TDI data for this specific line, no one can give you a verified number—be skeptical of any source claiming an exact figure.

The 70% Threshold You Should Know About

There's another "70 percent" figure in Texas insurance law that's worth understanding. Under Tex. Ins. Code §4001.161, an agent, insurer, or HMO must ensure that during any two consecutive calendar quarters, at least 70 percent of their applicants for temporary licenses actually sit for the required licensing examination. Of those who take it, at least 50 percent must pass (Tex. Ins. Code §4001.161). This provision exists to prevent organizations from using temporary licenses as a loophole to avoid the exam entirely—it's not a public pass-rate disclosure, but it does confirm the legislature's expectation that a meaningful percentage of candidates will fail.

Exam Structure: What You're Up Against

Understanding the exam's structure helps explain why many candidates struggle on their first attempt. The Texas Life and Health exam administered by Pearson VUE consists of 130 scored questions with a 150-minute time limit. You need a score of 70 to pass, and the exam fee is $49.

The content spans 12 sections:

• Types of Life Policies (~15 questions)
• Life Policy Riders, Provisions, Options, and Exclusions (~15 questions)
• Completing the Application, Underwriting, and Delivering the Policy (~12 questions)
• Retirement and Other Insurance Concepts (~8 questions)
• Types of Health Policies (~16 questions)
• Health Policy Provisions, Clauses, and Riders (~15 questions)
• Social Insurance (~6 questions)
• Other Health Insurance Concepts (~5 questions)
• Field Underwriting Procedures (~8 questions)
• Texas Statutes and Rules Common to Life and Health Insurance (~14 questions)
• Texas Statutes and Rules Pertinent to Life Insurance Only (~6 questions)
• Texas Statutes and Rules Pertinent to Health Insurance and HMOs (~10 questions)

That's a lot of ground to cover. The Texas-specific statute sections alone account for roughly 30 questions—nearly a quarter of the exam. These questions test concepts like the Texas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association (Tex. Ins. Code §463.001), policy form approval requirements (Tex. Ins. Code §882.453), and health-related underwriting rules including HIV testing protocols (28 TAC §21.705).

Why Candidates Fail (and How to Avoid It)

Based on common patterns, candidates who fail typically share a few traits:

1. They underestimate the Texas-specific content. Thirty questions on state statutes and rules is substantial. Generic national study materials won't cover these adequately.
2. They run out of time. At 150 minutes for 130 questions, you have roughly 69 seconds per question. Candidates who haven't practiced under timed conditions often panic.
3. They confuse similar policy types. The exam tests fine distinctions—whole life vs. universal life, HMO vs. PPO provisions, individual vs. group policy rules.
4. They skip practice exams. Reading a textbook is not the same as answering exam-style questions under pressure.

FAQ

What is the pass rate for the Texas Life and Health Insurance exam?

Texas does not publicly release pass-rate data for the general Life and Health license exam. The statutory reporting requirement under Tex. Ins. Code §4002.008 applies only to limited and single lines exams. Industry estimates suggest first-time pass rates for state insurance exams typically range from 50% to 70%.

How many questions do I need to get right to pass?

You need a score of 70 on a 130-question exam. While the exact scoring methodology isn't published in granular detail by Pearson VUE, this generally means answering approximately 91 questions correctly.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Yes. Pearson VUE allows retakes, and you'll pay the $49 exam fee again each time. There is no mandatory waiting period specified by TDI for general lines retakes, though you should confirm current scheduling policies with Pearson VUE directly.

Your Next Steps

The pass rate may be uncertain, but your preparation doesn't have to be. Focus on timed practice with exam-realistic questions, pay special attention to Texas-specific statutes, and don't sit for the exam until you're consistently scoring above 80% on practice tests.

Start with our free Texas Life and Health practice test to see where you stand today, then review our complete Texas Life and Health exam guide for a section-by-section study plan.