California Insurance Code and Ethics Course FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about California's 12-hour Insurance Code and Ethics course.
Do I need the 12-hour ethics course for a California insurance license?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, it's the only prelicensing education California requires for an insurance producer license: life-only, accident and health or sickness, property, casualty, personal lines, commercial lines and limited lines automobile. Assembly Bill 943 removed the 20 hours per line that used to sit alongside it. A professional designation such as the CLU or CPCU doesn't replace the course.
Do I have to finish it before the exam?
No. You can schedule and take the licensing exam without it, but the course must be finished before your license is issued. Taking it alongside your exam prep means it's done by the time you pass.
Do I take it again for a second license?
No. California Insurance Code section 1749(g) requires the 12 hours only once, so one course covers a life and health license and a property and casualty license alike.
Is Achievable's course approved?
Yes. The California Department of Insurance approved it as course 393923, and it's listed under Achievable in the Department's Education Provider Course Lookup as a 12-hour ethics and code course you take online.
Can I finish the course in one day?
No. California counts study time, and the course counts up to eight hours a day, so the 12 hours take at least two days. It signs you out after 20 minutes without activity, and time you aren't studying isn't counted.
How does the Department find out I finished?
When you finish, you confirm the personal details the Department needs to record your completion and sign the student affidavit. Achievable reports your completion to the Department of Insurance, as approved providers must within 10 business days, and gives you your certificate of completion. The certificate is valid for three years.
Is this the same as the ethics hours in continuing education?
No. The 12-hour course is prelicensing education, taken once before your first license. Once licensed, you complete 24 hours of continuing education every two-year license term, three of them on ethics. This course doesn't count toward those.
Does the course prepare me for the license exam?
No. It covers ethics and the California Insurance Code, and the state exam for your line is separate. Our guides cover each exam and every licensing step: California life and health license and California property and casualty license.
Finish California's 12-hour requirement.
Achievable's California Insurance Code and Ethics course is approved by the California Department of Insurance as course 393923. Study online at your own pace, and when you finish, we report your completion to the Department and send your certificate.