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Essential Guide to Continuing Education for California Insurance Professionals

Updated: Oct 8, 2025

Understanding CE Requirements


Most California resident producers need 24 hours of CE every 2-year license term. This includes at least 3 hours of ethics training. It’s crucial to stay updated on these requirements to maintain your license without any hiccups.


Special Training Requirements


Some lines of insurance require specific training. For example, if you’re involved in Long-Term Care, Annuities, Life Insurance, or Homeowner Valuation, you need to complete designated courses. Browse CE Courses to find the right ones for you.


When to Complete Your CE


All CE must be completed before your license renewal date. The California Department of Insurance (DOI) recommends finishing early to avoid last-minute panic.


Important: For certain products, you must complete specific CE courses before you are allowed to sell them. Here are some examples:


  • Life Insurance: Completion of your Life Insurance CE course is required before selling life insurance products.

  • Annuities: You need 8-hour annuity training before selling your first annuity. Additionally, a 4-hour update is required every renewal term (per SB 263 effective January 1, 2025).

  • Long-Term Care (LTC): An 8-hour LTC training is required before selling LTC insurance, plus 8 hours every two years thereafter.

  • Homeowners’ Valuation: You must complete a 4-hour training before selling homeowners’ policies in California.


These courses still count toward your 24-hour CE requirement for the 2-year renewal period.


Fastest Way to Complete CE


Online, self-paced courses let you work at your own speed. At Great Test Academy, the process is simple. When you buy a course, you immediately download the course book and take an open-book quiz of no more than 27 questions. You have unlimited attempts to pass. Once you do, we typically report your completion to the California Department of Insurance within 24 hours. Many students finish all 24 hours in just a few hours of study time.


Proof of Completion


Your provider reports your CE hours directly to the California Department of Insurance. At Great Test Academy, we typically submit completions within 24 hours, so your record updates fast, allowing you to renew without delays.


Tips for Success


Completing your CE doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:


  1. Plan Ahead: Set a timeline for when you want to complete your courses. This will help you avoid last-minute rushes.

  2. Stay Organized: Keep track of the courses you need and their deadlines. A checklist can be very helpful.

  3. Engage with the Material: Take notes and highlight important sections in your course materials. This will help reinforce your learning.

  4. Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it’s your course provider or a colleague, getting clarity can save you time.


Conclusion


Knock out your CE the easy way. Start online now with Great Test Academy’s California-approved courses. Browse CE Courses—Individual courses are $25, or unlimited CE is $50.


By staying informed and organized, you can easily meet your continuing education requirements and keep your California insurance license active. Let's make this journey a smooth one together!

 
 
 

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