What Has Changed
Effective January 1, 2026, California updated its pre-licensing education (PE) requirements for insurance producer licensing. The new legislation eliminated most state-mandated pre-licensing requirements, leaving only 12 hours of Code and Ethics training.
This change also removed the $6 roster fee per student previously applied to all California pre-licensing courses, except for the required Code and Ethics course.
Impacted Courses
The following XCEL pre-licensing courses have been affected by this change:
- California Life and Health Pre-Licensing
- California Life Pre-Licensing
- California Health Pre-Licensing
- California Property and Casualty Pre-Licensing
- California Personal Lines Pre-Licensing
- California | Salud | Curso Educativo – Health Pre-Licensing
- California | Vida | Curso Educativo – Life Pre-Licensing
- California | Vida y Salud | Curso Educativo – Life and Health Pre-Licensing
- Bundles containing any of the courses above
Understanding the Change
As of January 1, 2026, California:
- Removed the 20 hours of general pre-licensing education previously required for each line of authority.
- Retained only the 12-hour Code and Ethics course, which includes at least one hour of insurance fraud training.
- Eliminated the $6 roster fee per student for all impacted pre-licensing courses, except the required Ethics course.
These updates are supposed to make it easier for new professionals to enter the insurance industry by simplifying the licensing process and removing unnecessary barriers. However, while the state’s requirements have been reduced, the licensing exam remains just as rigorous. This means that choosing the right education partner is more important than ever for success.
How XCEL Has Adapted for Your California Insurance License Success
We are committed to helping future agents succeed on their licensing exams with confidence. To align with California’s new rules, XCEL has updated its pre-licensing education platform to reflect the state’s latest requirements while continuing to provide the industry’s best insurance exam prep.
Here’s what you can expect from XCEL’s California pre-licensing education:
- Updated Course Structure: XCEL continues to offer the California pre-licensing courses used by thousands of candidates to pass their insurance license exam. These courses will now include a standalone 12 hour California Code and Ethics course.
- Faster Progression: With no seat time requirements, students can move through the course material related to their licensing exam at their own pace.
- Same Proven Exam Prep: XCEL’s focus remains on high pass rates and effective learning strategies to help you master the content quickly and confidently.
These updates ensure that your XCEL learning experience is not only compliant with California’s new rules but also faster, more efficient, and more affordable.
Why Pre-Licensing Education Still Matters
Although California removed most PE requirements, pre-licensing education is still your best path to success. The state exam is challenging and requires a solid understanding of insurance concepts, laws, and ethics.
Attempting the exam without a structured education program can lead to failure, lost time, and additional expenses. XCEL’s targeted courses are designed to help you understand what you need to know and prepare you to pass the exam on your first attempt.
When choosing a pre-licensing education provider, look for:
- Proven Pass Rates: Select a provider with a track record of student success.
- Focused, Efficient Learning: Choose a course that teaches the essentials without unnecessary filler content.
- Confidence on Exam Day: Look for providers offering practice exams and simulations that mirror the real test experience.
XCEL’s pre-licensing training delivers on all these and more.
Your Path to a California Insurance License
- Determine which line(s) of authority you want to pursue (Life, Health, Property, Casualty, or Personal Lines).
- Complete the required 12 hours of Code and Ethics education.
- Complete an appropriate pre-licensing course to prepare for your exam.
- Schedule and pass the California insurance licensing exam.
- Apply for your license through the appropriate state channels.
With XCEL, you can take full advantage of the new requirements while still preparing with the best insurance exam prep available!
FAQs: California Insurance License Education Changes
Q: What changes took effect January 1, 2026?
A: California removed most pre-licensing education requirements, keeping only the 12-hour Code and Ethics course. The $6 roster fee per student will also be eliminated for all courses except the required Ethics course.
Q: Which courses were affected by this update?
A: All California pre-licensing courses offered by XCEL, including Life, Health, Property, Casualty, and Personal Lines, as well as Spanish-language equivalents and course bundles.
Q: Do I still need to complete pre-licensing education to pass the exam?
A: While most requirements were removed, pre-licensing education remains the best way to prepare for the challenging state exam.
Q: Did XCEL courses change in price?
A: Yes. The $6 roster fee was removed from applicable courses cost starting January 1, 2026.
Q. How does this change impact students enrolled in California Property and Casualty or California Personal Lines Pre-licensing?
- If you complete your course before January 1, 2026:
You will not be impacted. - If you enroll before January 1, 2026 but finish after that date:
Your course requirements updated on January 1, 2026 to reflect the new standards.
You will also still need to complete the 12-hour California Code and Ethics Pre-licensing course if you haven’t already. - If you enroll on or after January 1, 2026:
You will automatically receive the standalone 12-hour California Code and Ethics Pre-licensing course in addition to your line-specific course.
Note: The total roster fee remains the same at $6 per course enrollment.
*12 hours of California Code and Ethics is only required once per licensee.
Q. How does this change impact students enrolled in California Life and Health, Life, or Health Pre-licensing courses?
- If you complete your course before January 1, 2026:
You will not be impacted. - If you enroll before January 1, 2026 but finish after that date:
Your course requirements updated on January 1, 2026 to reflect the new standards.
You will also still need to complete the 12-hour California Code and Ethics Pre-licensing course if you haven’t already. - If you enroll on or after January 1, 2026:
You will automatically receive the standalone 12-hour California Code and Ethics Pre-licensing course in addition to your line-specific course.
