How To Pass An Insurance Exam In New York

Transcription

1 INTRODUCTION NEW YORK Department of Financial Services Licensing Information Bulletin For examinations on and after September 7, 2015 Register online at Published by Prometric Providing License Examinations for the State of New York Fax: TDD: Copyright 2015 Prometric Inc., a Delaware corporation. All rights reserved. REVISED

2 Contents Introduction 1 A message from the Department... 1 At a glance... 1 Understanding license requirements 2 Overview of the licensing process... 2 Pre-licensing education requirements... 3 Agent licenses... 4 Broker licenses... 5 Life Settlement Broker licenses... 6 Adjuster licenses... 6 Consultant licenses... 7 License requirements based on residency... 7 Resident licensing requirements... 8 Nonresident licensing requirements... 8 Registering and scheduling an examination appointment 9 Registration process... 9 Scheduling an examination... 9 Testing fee... 9 Rescheduling an appointment... 9 If you are absent or late for your appointment... 9 Emergency closings Special test considerations Testing Centers 11 New York test sites Preparing for your exam 14 Study materials Content outlines overview Taking your exam 15 The testing process Testing regulations Question types Your exam results Candidate feedback Appeals process Obtaining your license 19 Applying for your license Agent applicants Broker applicants Adjuster applicants License fees and renewal dates Continuing Education Exam content outlines 24 New York Life Insurance Agent/Broker Examination Series New York Accident and Health Insurance Agent/Broker Examination Series New York Personal Lines Insurance Agent/Broker Examination Series New York Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Agent/Broker Examination Series New York Property and Casualty Insurance Broker Examination Series New York Life, Accident and Health Insurance Consultant Examination Series New York Property and Casualty Insurance Consultant Examination Series New York Bail Bond Agent Examination Series New York Mortgage Guaranty Agent Examination Series New York Public Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Accident and Health Insurance Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Fire Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Casualty Insurance Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Automobile Insurance Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Aviation Insurance Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Fidelity and Surety Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Inland Marine Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent General Adjuster Examination Series New York Independent Automobile Damage and Theft Appraisal Adjuster Series New York Independent Motor Vehicle No-Fault and Workers Comp. Health Services Adjuster Series New York Examination for Life, Accident and Health Insurance Laws and Regulations Series ii

3 CONTENTS New York Examination for Property and Casualty Insurance Laws and Regulations Series New York Life Insurance Life Settlement Broker Examination Series New York Agent's Examination for Title Insurance Series Examen para agentes y corredores de seguros de vida de Nueva York Serie Examen para agentes y corredores de seguros médicos y contra accidentes de Nueva York Serie Examen para agentes y corredores de seguros de vida, seguros contra accidentes y seguros médicos de Nueva York Serie Examen de Nueva York acerca de leyes y reglamentos sobre seguros de vida, seguros contra accidentes y seguros médicos Serie Exam Registration Form 91 Credit Card Payment Form 93 iii

4 INTRODUCTION Introduction A message from the Department This bulletin provides you with information about the examination and licensing process for individuals who wish to operate as insurance agents, brokers and consultants, independent adjusters and public adjusters, and others, as defined in New York Insurance Laws. It also contains information that is useful once you become licensed. We suggest you keep this bulletin for future reference. Once the Department is satisfied that you have met all requirements for a license, the appropriate license will be issued. At a glance We wish you well in preparing for your examination and remind you that by law you are required to continue your insurance education after becoming licensed. Remember that a license is a privilege, not a right or a gift. You must commit yourself from the beginning to comply with the laws and regulations set forth to regulate the insurance industry. Follow these steps if you wish to obtain an insurance license. To obtain your insurance license 1 Review this bulletin thoroughly to determine any exams needed and the prelicensing requirements for those exams. 2 Contact Prometric to register, schedule an appointment and pay for your exam. The easiest way to register is online at (See Page 9.) 3 Prepare for your exam, using this bulletin and materials received in your prelicensing course, if required, or materials from other sources. The content outlines in this guide are the basis for the exams. (See Page 24.) 4 Take the scheduled exam, bringing required identification to the test center. You will receive your results immediately after the exam. If you pass, go on to Step 5. If you do not pass, repeat steps 2 through 4. 5 Apply for your license through the New York State Department of Financial Services. (See Page 19.) Please wait at least 24 hours after passing your exam receiving the passed score report before applying for your license. To get answers not provided in this bulletin Direct all questions and requests for information about exams to: Prometric 7941 Corporate Drive Nottingham, MD Phone: Fax: TDD User: Visit our website at 1

5 UNDERSTANDING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Direct applications and questions about licensure to: New York State Department of Financial Services One Commerce Plaza, Suite 2003 Albany, NY Phone: Visit the Department s website at Understanding license requirements Overview of the licensing process This section describes: Pre-licensing education requirements. The types of licenses offered and their requirements. Licensing requirements based on residence. The New York State Department of Financial Services is authorized to license individuals who wish to operate as insurance agents, brokers consultants, independent adjusters, public adjusters, and others, as defined in New York Insurance Laws. Generally, the steps to becoming licensed are: 1 Complete any pre-licensing education requirements. 2 Pass an exam to confirm that you have attained a minimum level of knowledge regarding the principle statutes and regulations affecting the insurance profession and the products and services you will sell or represent to the public. 3 Submit/process a completed license application to the Department within two years of passing your exam. (See Page 19 for application information.) The Department will review your application packet, verify that you have nothing in your background that should prohibit you from being licensed, and then issue the appropriate license. Important Passing an examination does not guarantee that you will be issued a license. You must submit your license application, appropriate fees and all supporting documentation to the Department. Issuance of a license depends on a review and approval of all license application materials. If you take an exam unnecessarily or are found unqualified, neither the exam fee nor the licenseprocessing fee will be refunded. 2

6 PRE- LICENSING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Pre-licensing education requirements Pre-licensing requirements by license Pre-licensing education requirements have been established to ensure that license candidates have a minimum level of knowledge about the insurance marketplace and related New York State laws and regulations. Pre-licensing requirements are noted below: License Accident and Health Agent only Minimum Hours Required 20 hours Accident and Health Broker only 20 hours or * Life Agent only 20 hours Life Broker only 20 hours or * Life/Accident and Health Agent 40 hours Life, Accident and Health Broker 40 hours or * Life/Accident and Health Insurance Consultant Personal Lines Insurance Agent TBD 40 hours Personal Lines Broker 40 hours or * Property and Casualty Agent 90 hours Property and Casualty Broker 90 hours or * Property and Casualty Insurance Consultant Independent Adjusters TBD TBD Life Settlement Broker 20 hours or * Public Adjuster 40 hours or * *Statement of Employer in lieu of Pre-licensing Education. If applying for a Broker license, you may submit a Statement of Employer form to the Department in lieu of completing a prelicensing course. The Statement of Employer must document that you have been regularly employed by a New York licensed insurance company, broker or agent for no less than one year during the three years preceding the date of application, and have been employed (a) in the case of a Property/Casualty Broker, in reasonable insurance duties relating to the underwriting or adjusting of losses in any one of the following lines of insurance: fire, marine, liability, workers Compensation, or fidelity and surety; or (b) in the case of a Life Broker, in responsible insurance duties relating to the use of life insurance, accident and health insurance and annuity contracts, or in the design and administration of plans for estate conservation and distribution, employee benefits and business continuation. If applying for a Life Settlement Broker license, you may submit a Statement of Employer form to the Department in lieu of completing a pre-licensing course. The Statement of Employer must docment that you have been regularly employed by a life settlement provider, life insurance company, life settlement broker or an insurance producer with a life line of authority, for a period or periods aggregating not less than one year, during the three years preceding the date of application, in responsible duties relating to the use of life insurance and annuity contracts in the design and administration of plans for estate conservation and distribution, employee benefits and business continuation and settlements of life insurance and annuity contracts. If applying for a Public Adjuster license you may submit a Statement of Employer form to the Department in lieu of completing a pre-licensing course. The Statement of Employer must document that you have been regularly employed in the insurance business for no less than one year in duties involving sales, underwriting or claims, or other experience considered sufficient by the Superintendent. 3

7 UNDERSTANDING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Pre-licensing education providers. Pre-licensing providers are approved by the Department to teach appropriate and meaningful courses that will enable potential licensees to become familiar with the requirements prescribed by law. A list of approved providers and courses is available on the Department s Web site at or by calling the Department at Pre-licensing Education School Certificate. Once you complete a pre-licensing course, the course provider will issue a Pre-licensing Education School Certificate certifying your satisfactory completion of the course. This certificate must be submitted to the Department with your application (see Page 19) and retained in your records. The certificate is good for a lifetime and is your evidence you successfully completed the pre-licensing course. Exemptions from pre-licensing education. Individuals who hold a professional designation may waive the education requirement for certain exams and need only take a laws and regulations exam, as indicated below. License Designation Type Exam Title and Number General Consultant (C3) CPCU, FCAS, ACAS No exam required Life Agent CLU, CLUA Life and Health Law and Regulations Life Broker ChFC, CLU, MSFS Life and Health Law and Regulations Life Consultant (C1) CLU, FAS, ASA No exam required Life Settlement Broker CLU, CLUA Life and Health Law and Regulations Personal Lines Agent/Broker Property Casualty Agent/Broker CPCU CPCU Property Casualty Laws and Regulations Property Casualty Laws and Regulations Agent licenses An insurance agent represents an insurance company(ies) and sells insurance for whichever company(ies) have appointed that agent. An agent is required to have at least one company appointment on file in order to sell insurance. The appointment must be filed within 15 days of either the date an agency contract is executed with the insurance company or the date the first insurance application is submitted to the company. The applicant must pass an exam before submitting the license application. The table below lists the agent licenses and the corresponding exam number. License Exam Series Life Agent Accident and Health Agent Personal Lines Agent Property Casualty Agent Bail Bond Agent Mortgage Guaranty Agent

8 BROKER LICENSES Note Prometric offers a combined Life, Accident, and Health exam (17-55) for those wishing to apply for both the Life, and Accident and Health licenses at the same time. Broker licenses Exemptions from agent licensing exams. You may be exempt from exam requirements if: You previously passed an agent or broker exam and were licensed as an agent within the two years immediately preceding your application or you are currently licensed as a broker in the same lines of insurance for which you are applying. You are a travel accident or baggage agent who is a ticket-selling agent or representative of a railroad, steamship or other public carrier and will act as an insurance agent only in the issuance of accident insurance tickets or baggage insurance tickets primarily for the purpose of covering the risk of travel. Exemptions from agent licensing. You may be exempt from agent licensing if you meet the following criteria as specified in NYS Insurance Law: You are a regular salaried officer or employee of an insurance company as defined in Section 2101 (a)(1) of NYS Insurance Law. You are representing only a fraternal benefit society authorized by Sections 4501(h-p) & 4505 and you do not qualify as an insurance agent as defined by Section 2101 (a)(3) of the Insurance Law of this state. An insurance broker represents the public and can sell insurance for any insurance company licensed in New York State which deals with brokers. The applicant must pass an exam before submitting the license application. The table below lists the broker licenses and the corresponding exam number. License Exam Series Property Casualty Broker Personal Lines Broker Accident and Health Broker Life Broker Life Settlement Broker Note Prometric offers a combined Life, Accident, and Health exam (17-55) for those wishing to apply for both the Life, and Accident and Health licenses at the same time. Exemption from broker licensing exams. You may be exempt from exam requirements if you have previously passed an agent or broker exam and were licensed as a broker within the two years immediately preceding the application or you are currently licensed as an agent in the same lines of insurance for which you are applying. Note If you are seeking an Excess Lines Broker license, Section 2105 of the Insurance Law requires you first be licensed as a Property Casualty broker under Section You should contact the Department at or online at for further licensing requirements. 5

9 UNDERSTANDING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Life Settlement Broker licenses A Life Settlement broker solicits, negotiates or offers to negotiate a life settlement contract. An applicant must pass the Life Settlement Broker examination #17-50 before submitting the license application. Exemption from life settlement broker licensing examination. You may be exempt from exam requirements if you have previously passed the examination and were licensed as a life settlement broker within the two years immediately preceding the application. You may be exempt from examination requirements if you are currently licensed, for at least one year, as an agent or broker with a life line of authority in this state or any other state. Adjuster licenses Public Adjusters investigate and adjust, on behalf of the insured, claims connected with losses from the following risks enumerated in the Insurance Law Sections 1113(a): 4 (fire); 5 (miscellaneous property); 6 (water); 7 (burglary and theft); 8 (glass); 9 (boiler and machinery); 10 (elevator); and 20 (B)(C) (marine and inland marine). An applicant must pass the Public Adjuster exam before submitting the license application. Independent Adjusters act on behalf of the insurer in the work of investigating and adjusting claims. An applicant must pass an examination for each license s/he wishes to hold before submitting a license application. Independent adjusters can be licensed in the following lines of insurance: Independent Adjuster License Exam Series Accident and Health Automobile Aviation Casualty Fidelity and Surety Fire Inland Marine General Auto Damage or Theft Appraisal Motor Vehicle No Fault and Workers Compensation Health Services Charges An applicant applying for the Multi-peril Crop Adjuster license must have received accreditation from the Federal Crop Adjuster Proficiency Program administered by National Crop Insurance Services, Inc. Exemption from adjuster licensing exams. You may be exempt from exam requirements if you have previously passed an adjuster exam and were licensed as an adjuster within the two years immediately preceding the application. Exemption from adjuster licensing. You may be exempt from independent adjuster licensing if you are an insurance company employees, lawyer, broker, etc., listed under subsections (g) (1) and (2) of Insurance Law Section If you intend to adjust on behalf of multiple insurance companies, you must obtain an adjuster license. 6

10 CONSULTANT LICENSES Consultant licenses A Life Insurance Consultant or Property & Casualty Insurance Consultant provides expert and professional advice on insurance to clients. Licensed Consultants cannot sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy as to do so would require licensing as an Agent or Broker. Life Insurance (Life) Consultants must pass Exam before submitting a license application. Licensed Life Consultants are authorized to provide clients with expert advice on the following lines of insurance: Life Insurance Annuities Accident & Health Property & Casualty Insurance (General) Consultants must pass Exam before submitting a license application. Licensed General Consultants are authorized to provide clients expert advice on the following lines of insurance: 1. Animal 2. Boiler & Machinery 3. Burglary and Theft 4. Collision 5. Credit 6. Elevator 7. Fidelity and Surety 8. Fire 9. Glass 10. Marine and Inland Marine 11. Marine Protection and Indemnity 12. Miscellaneous Property 13. Mortgage Guaranty 14. Motor Vehicle and Aircraft Physical Damage 15. Personal Injury liability 16. Property Damage Liability 17. Residual Value 18. Title 19. Water Damage 20. Workers Compensation and Employers Liability Exemptions from consultant licensing exams. You may be exempt from consultant exam requirements if: You are applying for a General Consultant license and are currently licensed as a Property/Casualty agent or broker, or you are applying for a Life Consultant license and are currently licensed as a Life, Accident & Health agent or broker. You have previously passed the exam and were licensed within the two years immediately preceding the application date. License requirements based on residency Requirements for licensing vary according to the applicant s currently declared home state. This section describes general licensing requirements for New York resident and nonresident applicants. A resident licensee is one who has declared New York as their home state. A nonresident licensee is one who has declared a state other than New York as the home state and is licensed in good standing for the lines of authority for which one is applying for in New York. Home state is defined as the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant maintains a principal place of residence or principal place of business. 7

11 UNDERSTANDING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Resident licensing requirements Generally, to qualify for a New York resident insurance license, you must: Be at least 18 years old. Complete any necessary pre-licensing education requirements (see Page 3). Pass the appropriate license exam(s), if required (see Page 4). Apply to the Department for a license within two years of passing an exam. Pay the appropriate licensing fee. Nonresident licensing requirements Nonresident Agents and Brokers. If you wish to obtain a New York state nonresident license, you must submit a nonresident license application and the appropriate fees. You must currently be licensed and in compliance in your declared home state. Note Your license information must be included in the National Producer Database; if not, Certification from your home state must be submitted with the application. There is no reciprocity in regard to licensing adjusters. All applicants must pass the New York exam. National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). New York is a participating state in the NIPR, an affiliate of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This database of producer information links the licensing systems of participating states, facilitating the exchange of electronic information. If you wish to file a nonresident individual agent or broker license in multiple states, you may do so quickly and easily, in one transaction, through NIPR. For more information, log on to the NIPR website at or call Producer applicants relocating to New York State. If you are currently licensed or have been licensed in another state within the last 90 days and are relocating to New York, the education and exam requirements may be waived by submitting the resident license application. Your license information MUST be included in the National Producer Database; if not, you must submit with the application a currently dated Certification from the state you had previously declared as your home state. 8

12 REGISTRATION PROCESS Registering and scheduling an examination appointment Registration process Scheduling an examination To register and schedule an examination online, follow these steps: Access If it is your first time, under Insurance License exam click Create or Login to Your Account to set up your user ID and password. Complete the registration process by clicking on Schedule Your Test. Once your registration has been processed, you can schedule an examination appointment at any time online at york/insurance or by calling between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. You will receive a number confirming your appointment. Keep this confirmation number for your records you will need it to reschedule, cancel or change your appointment. Note You must schedule your examination within 90 days from the date your registration form has been processed by Prometric. Testing fee The testing fee is $40 and is payable when you schedule your examination. Generally, all major cards are accepted; however, for some exam programs, certified bank checks, money order or wire transfers are acceptable forms of payment. Rescheduling an appointment Examination testing fees are not refundable or transferable. If you need to reschedule an examination for another date, time or location, you must contact Prometric. Rescheduling fees will apply as follows: There is no additional fee if you reschedule at least 3 calendar days prior to your appointment date. Another full examination fee will be charged if you reschedule less than three calendar days before your appointment date. Note Rescheduling an examination must be done online at or by calling You cannot reschedule an examination by fax, or voic . Customer Service Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are absent or late for your appointment If you miss your appointment or arrive late and are not allowed to test, your entire examination fee will be forfeited and you must pay another examination fee to schedule a new appointment. 9

13 REGISTERING AND SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT Emergency closings Severe weather or an emergency could require canceling scheduled examinations. If this occurs, Prometric will attempt to contact you by phone or ; however, you may check for testing site closures at If the test center is closed, your examination will be rescheduled with no rescheduling fee. If a test center is open and you choose not to appear for your appointment, your fee will be forfeited. You must then reschedule your examination and pay another full examination fee. Special test considerations ADA Accommodation. If you require testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please call Prometric at to obtain an Accommodation Request Form. Reasonable testing accommodations are provided to allow candidates with documented disabilities recognized under the ADA an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Candidates should submit professional documentation of the disability with their form to aid Prometric in determining the appropriate testing accommodations. Thirty days advance notice is required for all testing arrangements and there is no additional charge for these accommodations. ESL Accommodation. If English is not your primary language, you may qualify for additional time for your test by requesting an ESL Authorization from Prometric. Please include: A personal letter requesting the authorization; and A letter from your English instructor or sponsoring company (on company letterhead), certifying that English is not your primary language. If documentation is approved, Prometric may extend the time limit on your examination to time-and-one-half. You will be notified by mail of this approval and should not schedule your exam until you have received the approval letter. 10

14 NEW YORK TEST SITES Testing Centers New York test sites Test center locations are subject to change. Locations that may be convenient for New York candidates are listed below. Testing center locations in surrounding states are available online at Examinations are administered by computer at Prometric test centers. Most locations are open on Saturdays and some locations are open on Sundays and in the evenings Test Sites Albany 17 Computer Drive East Albany, NY Directions From the North I-87 south, take the right lane at exit 4. At the base of the exit take a left at the light. Get into the center lane and take a left at the next light. Get into the right lane, go under the bridge and take a right onto Wolf Road. At the fourth traffic light take a left onto Computer Drive East. We are on the right side of the street #17. Please park on the street and come in the front door. From the West and East Take I-90 to exit 1N ( I-87 north). Take exit 2E (Wolf Road). Go straight at the end of the ramp onto Wolf Road. At the fourth traffic light take a right onto Computer Drive East. We are on the right side of the street #17. Please park on the street and come in the front door. Brooklyn 111 Livingston Street 11th Floor Brooklyn, NY Buffalo - Tonawanda 3800 Delaware Avenue (Medical Building Free Parking) Tonawanda, NY East Syracuse 5015 Campuswood Drive Suite 106 East Syracuse, NY From the Thruway Take exit 24 (Albany). After the toll booth take I-87 N (Northway) to exit 2E( Wolf Road). Go straight at the end of the ramp onto Wolf Road. At the fourth traffic light take a right onto Computer Drive East. We are on the right side of the street #17. Please park on the street and come in the front door. Take the Brooklyn Queens Expy / I-278 (West) to Tillary Street (Exit 29) toward Manhattan Bridge/Brooklyn Civic Center. Take a slight right onto Tillary Street. Then turn left onto Brooklyn Bridge Blvd./Adams Street. Continue to follow Brooklyn Bridge Blvd. Turn Right onto Livingston Street. We are located on the 11th Floor, Suite If taking public transportation, take 2,3,4,5 train to Borough Hall. The center is located in a Medical Building (Suite 106) at 3800 Delaware Avenue in Tonawanda, NY. From the North and West: Take I-190 to I-290 East, take first exit ( Exit 1), Elmwood Avenue, at end of exit turn left on Knoche Road (CR306) and continue to traffic light (Delaware Avenue, NY384), turn right and proceed ½ mile to location on right. From South and East: I-90 Exit 50 (I-290,Youngmann Expressway) to Exit 1A, Delaware Avenue South (NY384) on I-290 Westbound and continue on Delaware Avenue for ½ mile to location on right. Head north on S. State St. toward E. Fayette St. miles and make a right onto Erie Blvd E. Then turn left onto N. Mcbride St. and immediately turn right to merge onto I-690 E. Take exit 16N-16S- 17 toward Bridge Street/New York 635/Thompson Road/E. Syracuse. Keep left to continue on Exits 16N-17, follow signs for Thompson Rd./NY-635 N and merge onto Thompson Rd./NY-635 N. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto NY-298 E. Turn right onto New Venture Gear Drive. Turn left onto Campuswood Drive, then turn right, and then left. We are located on the left. 11

15 TESTING CENTERS Test Sites Garden City 865 Merrick Ave. 70N Westbury, NY Directions From NYC/Queens on the LIE or the Grand Central Parkway: Take the LIE or Grand Central to the Northern State Parkway, Exit 32 South (Post Ave). Continue through the Town of Westbury, and cross over Old Country Road. At this point Post Ave. turns into Merrick Ave. Continuing on Merrick Ave., make a right at the first light, which will be Privado Road. Make a quick left into the parking lot in the rear of the of the two story building, 865 Merrick Ave From the North Shore: Take the Meadowbrook Parkway South (see directions below). From the South Shore: Take the Southern State (either direction) to the Meadowbrook Parkway North (see directions below). Get off at exit M3 East (aka Merchants Concourse). Stay in the right lane and make a right at the third light onto Privado Road. Go ¼ mile and make right into the rear parking lot for 865 Merrick Ave. Enter the 2 story building, go down elevator or 1 flight of stairs and the test center is directly across the hall. Melville 35 Pinelawn Road Suite 108E Melville, NY, From the West: Take the LIE east to exit 49 north. Continue to the third stoplight and take a right on Pinelawn Road. The testing center is the second building on your right. Or take Southern State Parkway exit 35 Wellwood/Pinelawn make a right at the light. Drive about 3 miles past all cemeteries over the LIE; its the second building on the left. New York/Midtown 675 Third Avenue Second Floor New York, NY One block east of Grand Central Station the northeast corner of Third Avenue and E. 42nd Street. Actual entrance on E. 42 St. Trains & Subway: Metro North trains and all subway number 4, 5, 6, 7, Shuttle to Grand Central; walk to E 42 St. going north east towards Third Avenue. New York 1 Penn Plaza New York, NY Suite Suite 1728 Poughkeepsie 1 Civic Center Plaza/ 249 Main St. 5th Floor Poughkeepsie, NY The testing center is located on 34th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Take the 1, 2, 3 or A, C, E subway trains to 34 Penn Station. Take the Long Island Railroad and the New Jersey Transit to Penn Station. From the west side of the Hudson River: Take I-87 to Exit 18. Turn right onto Route 299 east and go six miles. Turn right onto 9W south. At Route 44/55, cross the Mid-Hudson Bridge. At the third stop light after the bridge, turn left onto Market Street. From the east side of the Hudson River and south: Take 9D north to Route 9 into Poughkeepsie. Route 9 and 9D merge together approximately six miles from the testing center. Continue on Route 9 north to the 44/55 Exit east. At the third stop light after the bridge, turn left onto Market Street. The Test center is located at 249 Main St. on the right-hand side corner of Market and Main St. with a Municipal multi-level parking lot behind the building. Metro North train Husdson line from Grand Central to Poughkeepsie takes approx. 1 hour 50 minutes. Take taxi to the Center. 12

16 NEW YORK TEST SITES Test Sites Rego Park 9525 Queens Blvd 11th Floor Rego Park, NY Directions MTA Directions: Take Queens bound 'R/M' train to 63rd Drive- Rego Park station. *If coming from Queens-ride in the first car of the train *From Manhattan, ride the last car of the train. If coming from Manhattan when you exit the station you will be on the south side of Queens Blvd. (Rite Aid should be behind you.) You want to cross Queens Blvd. to the North side of Queens Blvd. (you will see Marshall's, Sears, TD Bank). Rochester 3300 Monroe Avenue Pittsford Place Mall Suite 211 Rochester, NY Utica 502 Court Street Utica, NY Continue to walk down Queens Blvd. toward TD Bank, Applebee's (we're right next to Applebee's). You will see the big '95-25' on the Queens Tower building. From I-90 west of Syracuse: Take exit 45 (490 west) to 590 south and exit at 2b (Route 31 west, Pittsford exit). Follow 31 west through the town of Pittsford. From I-90 east of Buffalo: Exit 490 east to 390 south to 590 north and exit on Monroe Avenue (Pittsford exit). Stay to the right (east). The testing center is in the second building on the left. Take Exit 31 toward Utica/ I-790 / Rte 8 /Rte 12. Keep left to take Genesse Street South ramp toward Downtown Utica / Rte 5 S. Keep left to take the Genesee Street ramp. Turn right onto North Genesee Street. Turn right onto Court Street and 502 Court Street is on the right. From the South: Take Rte 5 E / Rte 8 N / Rte 12 N toward I-90 Thruway/Utica. Turn right onto Court Street and 502 Court Street is on the left. From the East: Take Rte 5 S W. Make U-turn onto Liberty Street/Oriskany Street W / Rte 5 S E. Turn right onto Genesee Street. Turn right onto Court Street and 502 Court Street is on the right. From the West: Take Rte 49 S., merge onto I-790 W / Rte. 5 W toward Downtown Utica. Take the Rte 5 S E ramp toward State Street / Downtown Utica. Keep right to take the State St. ramp. Turn right onto State Street. Take the 3rd right onto Court Street. 502 Court Street is on the right. Vestal 4104 Old Vestal Road Vestal, NY I-81 N toward Binghamton Merge onto PA-309 S Continue onto PA-115 S Take the exit on the left onto I-81 N toward Scranton Take exit 4N-S toward Hillcrest Turn left onto Bevier St. Turn left to merge onto NY-7 S. Continue onto NY-363 S/N Shore Dr. Take the New York 434 W ramp to Vestal Follow NY-434 W/Vestal Pkwy E to Plaza Dr. in Vestal Merge onto State St. Continue onto NY-434 W/Vestal Pkwy E. Turn left onto Plaza Dr., center will be located on the right. Building is marked as 200 Plaza Drive Building B. Parking and main entrance door are at the rear of the building. 13

17 PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAM Test Sites White Plains 2975 Westchester Ave Suite 112 Purchase, NY Directions With GPS you will get the address in either City of Purchase, Rye or Harrison. Driving Directions: Take Exit 10 off 287 East, follow sign towards Port Chester, go under a bridge and turn right unto Webb Ave. Take Exit 10 (Bowman Avenue) off 287 West, cross over the traffic light on the ramp and the building is on your left. Train Directions: Take Metro North Train (Harlem Line) to White Plains Station and take Bus 13 (Port Chester) to the junction of Westchester Avenue and Webb. Take Metro North Train (New Haven Line) to Port Chester and take bus 13 (White Plains) to the junction of Westchester Avenue and Webb. Preparing for your exam Being well prepared can help you pass your exam and possibly save you money and time spent retaking it. This section offers: Information about study materials. An overview of the exam content outlines. Study materials The exam content outlines in this bulletin are the basis for the exams.. The content outlines are updated periodically, and outdated study materials may not be consistent with them. Where such discrepancies exist, the outlines take precedence. Make sure your study materials cover the topics in the outlines. The Department does not specify an official study manual, however each approved pre-licensing provider is given a copy of the exam content outlines listed in this bulletin for use in developing a course of study and the materials used in a course. However, because of the number and the diversity of approach, neither the Department nor Prometric lists or recommends study materials or pre-licensing course providers to potential licensees. A list of all approved pre-licensing providers can be obtained from the Department s website at or by calling Content outlines overview The license exam for each type of license consists of questions that test knowledge of topical areas listed in the content outline for that exam. These exam content outlines appear in this bulletin, beginning on Page 24. The content outlines were developed in cooperation with the Department and an Examination Review Workshop (ERW) consisting of individuals from the New York State insurance industry. The purpose is to identify and classify the level of knowledge that insurance licensees must have to properly serve their clients. Item development staff at Prometric and insurance professionals research the content and write questions. The questions are then submitted to industry professionals in New York State for review and approval. These industry professionals first identify the important areas of knowledge and then confirm that the exam questions appropriately test them. This process ensures that the exams 14

18 THE TESTING PROCESS reflect content that you, as an entry-levellicensee, will need to know to properly perform your duties for the insurance-buying public. If you prefer, you can view a complete outline specific to your exam on Prometric s website at Hint Do not schedule your exam until you are familiar with all subject areas in the applicable content outline. Completion of an approved pre-licensing course before taking the exam is strongly suggested for successful results. Taking your exam The testing process Knowing what to expect when taking your exam may help you prepare for it. This section contains: An overview of the testing process. Regulations that will be enforced at the testing center. Information about the types of questions. A guide to understanding your exam results. Information about appeals. Your exam will be administered by computer at a Prometric testing center. You do not need any computer experience or typing skill to take your exam. Before you start the exam, you will receive a personalized introduction to the testing system. You can also take an introductory lesson on the computer. Arrival. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment. This allows time for you to sign in and for staff to verify your identification. Identification requirements. You must present two valid pieces of identification before you may test and one piece must: Be government-issued (e.g., driver s license, state-issued identification card or military identification card); Contain both a current photo and your signature; and Have a name that exactly matches the name used to register for the exam (including designations such as Jr. and III ) Second form must include a signature for verification purposes (e.g., credit card, library card, voters registration card, etc.). Important Failure to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam is considered a missed appointment. As a result, you must pay a $40 rescheduling fee before making another appointment. If you cannot provide the identification listed above, contact Prometric before scheduling your appointment to arrange an alternative way to meet this requirement. 15

19 TAKING YOUR EXAM Testing regulations References Calculators Personal items Breaks Visitors Disruptive or illegal behavior Misconduct Weapons To ensure that all candidates are tested under equally favorable conditions, the following regulations and procedures will be observed at each testing center. Failure to follow any of these security procedures may result in the disqualification of your examination. Prometric reserves the right to audiotape and videotape any examination session. No reference materials, papers or study materials are allowed at the test center. If you are found with these or any other aids, you will not be allowed to continue the exam and your answers will not be scored. Calculators are not allowed at the test center. Prometric is not responsible for items left in the reception area of the testing center. While lockers are provided, it is recommended that personal items not be brought into the testing center. Note the following: Electronic equipment cell phones, PDAs, pagers, cameras, tape recorders, etc. is not permitted in the testing room and must be powered off while stored in a locker. Pocket items keys, wallet, etc. must remain in your pocket or be stored in a locker during testing. Other personal items digital watches, outerwear that is not being worn while testing (sweater, jacket, etc.), briefcases, purses, etc. are not permitted in the testing room. If you leave the testing room while an exam is in progress, you must sign out/in on the roster and you will lose exam time. You are not allowed to use any electronic devices or phones during breaks. No guests, visitors or family members are allowed at the testing center. Candidates who engage in any kind of disruptive, offensive, violent or illegal behavior may be dismissed from the examination. Examples are: using rude or offensive language and/or violent or illegal behavior that delays or interrupts testing. Candidates who engage in any kind of misconduct may be dismissed from the examination. Examples are: giving or receiving help, taking part in any act of impersonation, and removing test materials or notes from the testing room when not authorized to do so. Candidates acting in such a manner are displaying untrustworthy conduct and will be reported to the NYS Dept. of Financial Services. The Department will place you under Administrative review, an investigation will be conducted and you will not be permitted to test again until the Department authorizes you to do so. Weapons are not allowed at the testing center. Copyrighted questions. All test questions are the copyrighted property of Prometric Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is forbidden under federal copyright law to copy, reproduce, record, distribute or display Prometric s test questions by any means, in whole or in part, without our written permission. Doing so may subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties, including up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine for criminal violations. 16

20 QUESTION TYPES If questions arise. Test center administrators are not allowed to answer any questions pertaining to the exam content. If you do not understand a question on the examination, you should answer the question to the best of your ability. If you would like to formally appeal your score, you must follow the process outlined in the Appeals process section on Page 19. Question types The questions in your licensing exam are multiple choice, providing four options from which to choose your answer. Question formats. Two different multiple-choice formats are used. Each format is shown in the following examples. An asterisk (*) indicates the correct answer. Format 1 Direct question Under a Modified Life Insurance Policy, what increases over time? 1. Policy loan rate * 2. Premiums 3. Face amount of the policy 4. Grace period Which one of the following is a type of health insurance policy designed to replace the wages of an insured who is unable to work due to an accident or sickness? * 1. Disability Income Insurance Policy 2. Employer-Sponsored Group Major Medical Policy 3. Hospital Expense Insurance Policy 4. Special Risk Policy Format 2 Incomplete sentence A guaranteed renewable Disability Income Insurance Policy: * 1. Is renewable at the insured s option up to a specified age 2. Cannot be canceled by the insured before a specified age 3. Has guaranteed level premiums for the life of the policy 4. Is renewable at the insurer s option without restrictions or conditions Benefits under workers compensation insurance are payable: 1. For bodily injury that is accidental or intentional * 2. Regardless of the liability of the employer 3. Unless safety rules are violated 4. Up to a maximum of 30 percent of weekly wages Experimental questions. Your exam may include up to five extra questions that will not be scored. If present, they are distributed throughout the exam. These are used to gather statistical information on the questions before they are added to the actual exam for your state. These experimental questions will not: Be counted for or against you in your final exam score. Take any time away from your allotted testing time. 17

21 TAKING YOUR EXAM Your exam results At the end of your exam, you will receive a printed score report. The report indicates your overall score and grade, including the numerical percentage of questions answered correctly and whether you have passed or failed. The report also displays the percentage of correct answers in each major section of the exam, as defined by the exam content outline. These section scores are shown to guide you about areas requiring additional preparation for retesting if you do not pass the exam. Even after you pass, you may want to focus on these areas as you begin to provide insurance products and services to the public. Note that the section percentages will not average out to your total percentage score. That is because individual exam outline sections are allocated different numbers of questions on the exam. Your total percentage score is computed by dividing the number of questions you have answered correctly by the total number of questions in the exam. The total score is not computed by adding the section percentages and dividing by the total number of sections. Sample score report Sample License Exam Score Report New York Life Insurance Agent/Broker Examination Number of Number Percent Questions Correct Correct Life Total Test Score % Insurance Regulation % General Insurance % Life Insurance Basics % Life Insurance Policies % Life Insurance Provisions Options, and Riders % Annuities % Federal Tax Considerations for Life Insurance and Annuities % Qualified Plans % Score: 80% Grade: Pass (A total score of 70 percent is required to pass) Prometric electronically notifies the Department of exam results within two business days of the exam date. Note that exam scores are confidential and will be revealed only to you and to the Department. Candidate feedback Duplicate score report. You may call or write to Prometric to request a duplicate score report for a period of two years after your exam. Any questions or comments about your exam should be directed to Prometric. Prometric s goal is to provide a quality examination and pleasant testing experience for every candidate. If you have comments and/or feedback about how Prometric can enhance or improve the candidate testing experience, Prometric would like to hear from you. Prometric provides an opportunity for general comments at the end of the examination and will review all comments and feedback submitted in this manner, but you will not receive a direct response. 18

22 APPEALS PROCESS Appeals process If you would like to submit an appeal concerning examination content, registration, scheduling or test administration (testing site procedures, equipment, personnel, etc.), please submit your appeal letter in writing. Your appeal letter must provide your name and Social Security number (or unique ID number issued by Prometric), the exam title, the date you tested and the details of your concern, including all relevant facts. Be sure to include your signature and return address. Mail your appeal letter to: Prometric ATTN: Appeals Committee 7941 Corporate Drive Nottingham, MD The Appeals Committee will review your concern and send you a written response within 10 business days of receipt. Faxed appeals will not be accepted because an original signature is required. Obtaining your license This section offers information about: Applying for your license. Licensing fees and renewal information. Continuing Education. Applying for your license After passing the licensing exam (if an exam is required), you will need to submit/process your license application to the Department, along with any other required paperwork for the type of license you are seeking. You may obtain license application information from the Department s website at Important Applications must be received within two years from the date of passing the exam. Incomplete applications or applications without the required fee will not be accepted or placed on file. Non-resident online licensing is also available to first time non-resident applicants applying for an individual license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website If the type of license you are seeking is not listed below, contact the Department at or via at licensing@dfs.ny.gov for more information. Retesting requirements. If you were licensed previously but have not been licensed within the two years immediately preceding the application date, you must: Pass the appropriate licensing exam administered by Prometric; and Submit an application and any required documentation noted in the appropriate application sections noted below. 19