Remote Testing Frequently Asked Questions

3. Am I required to take a remote test?

No. Remote testing is an option for a license applicant to schedule a remote license examination or take a license examination at the Department’s Los Angeles test center or one of the PSI Services LLC’s (PSI) test centers.

4. What will the examinee experience during the examination check-in and during the remote testing?

Using the testing computer’s "moveable" webcam, the examinee will be asked to take a photo of the examinee’s authorized identification, a photo of the examinee, and perform a 30-second room scan. Examinees will also be asked to share their screen and "moveable" webcam, including video and audio throughout the examination. Once the proctor verifies the validity of the examinee’s check-in material, the proctor will release the examination. PSI has developed the following video that demonstrates the check-in and security procedures examinees will encounter.

5. Who can take a remote test?

A person who is 18 years of age or older and who has a computer that meets PSI’s Bridge^TM technology requirements for remote testing. The examinee’s computer must have a "moveable" webcam, microphone, and Internet for the proctor to validate the license examinee’s authorized identification and to monitor the examinee throughout the license examination. Before the remote testing is confirmed, the examinee is required to use the PSI Bridge^TM compatibility check tool to confirm the computer the examinee will use for their remote test meets the PSI Bridge^TM technical requirements (hardware and software).

6. How can I schedule to take a remote test?

License examinees can go to the PSI website to register to take a remote test.  

Note: Before a PSI remote test can be scheduled, the examinee is required to use the PSI Bridge^TM compatibility check tool to confirm the computer the examinee will use for their remote test meets the PSI Bridge^TM technical requirements. PSI Bridge^TM is compatible with any modern Windows or Mac OS X computers with a working "moveable" webcam, microphone, and Internet connection. The compatibility check tool will ensure the examinee’s system meets the following technical requirements (hardware and software) for their recorded examination session:

• Operating System Supported: Windows 7 and later; 32bit (x86) and 64bit (x64)
• Browsers Supported: PSI Secure Lock-down Browser
• Google Chrome Extension: Required installation only if client prefers non-secure browser mode 
• Browser Settings: Browser must accept third-party cookies for the duration of the exam ONLY
• "Moveable" webcam/Microphone: Minimum VGA 640 x 480 resolution, enabled built in or external microphone
• Bandwidth: Minimum 400 kb/s download and upload
• Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM Memory; 1 GB Free Disk Space, minimum 1368x768 screen resolution

7. Does the Department have a phone number for technical assistance during a remote test?

Yes, the Department's licensing examination vendor, PSI has the following phone number to assist with any technical issues that occur during the examination: (844) 267-1017.

8. If I already have an examination scheduled at a physical location, can I re-schedule to take a remote test?

Yes, examinees can re-schedule their test center examination to take a remote test as long as the examinee re-schedules the remote test by 4 p.m. (Pacific Time) two days prior to the original scheduled examination date. To re-schedule an examination, the examinees will need to contact PSI at (833) 518-7456 to speak with a Consumer Service Representative or go to the PSI website to cancel their current examination and to re-schedule for a remote test. Examinees can go online at the PSI website to re-schedule their “test center” license examination online to take a remote test. Note: The re-scheduling must be completed 48 hours before the scheduled “test center” examination.

9. How long do I have to wait to take a remote test examination after I complete the examination registration process?

Once examinees have officially registered for an examination, they have one year to schedule for an examination. However, examinees can take the test remotely as soon as 24 hours after registering and paying the examination fee.

10. What is the cost to take a remote test?

Examinees will pay PSI a $33 ($43 effective December 15, 2022) convenience fee to take the remote test, which is the fee PSI currently charges for scheduling a license examination at one of PSI’s test centers. This fee is in addition to the California Department of Insurance’s license examination fee.

11. How and when will I receive my examination results?

Examinees will see if they “pass” or “fail” their examination immediately on their computer monitor upon completion of an examination. The official license examination results letter will be emailed to examinees within 24 hours after the completing their license examination.

12. What steps do I take if I do not receive my license examination results in an email?

Examinees will need to contact PSI at (833) 518-7456 to speak with a Consumer Service Representative to have their license examination results letter re-created. The recreated examination results letter will be sent to the examinee via email. 

13. Can I still take an examination at a physical test center location? 

Yes, remote testing is an option. License examinees may choose to take a remote test or take a license examination at the Department’s Los Angeles test center or at one of PSI’s 20 centers throughout California. 

14. I am a current California resident licensee and would like to add a license qualification to my license.  Can I take a remote test to complete the license examination requirement for the new license qualification?

Yes, if a licensee wishes to add another license qualification to their existing license, The licensee may choose to schedule a remote test or take a license examination at the Department’s Los Angeles test center or at one of PSI’s test centers located throughout California.

15. How does remote testing affect me if I am a non-resident?

A licensed non-resident is not required to take a license examination using PSI’s remote testing or at a test center located in California. However, for an independent insurance adjuster license applicant, the applicant can schedule their California independent insurance license examination through remote testing or at one of PSI’s test centers in the examinee’s state.

16. Can I submit my fingerprints before I schedule a remote test or schedule a test center license examination?

No. Please do not submit your fingerprint impressions until a licensing application is received at the California Department of Insurance. To ensure that your fingerprint impressions are properly recorded, the applicant must pay the applicable fee and do the following:

• Complete the Request for Live Scan Service form BCIA 8016 and print the Licensing Applicant Instructions form LIC 442-39A.
• Give your completed Live Scan Service Form to the examination proctor at the test center or take your completed Request for Live Scan Service form to the Department of Justice live scan vendor.
• Complete the fingerprint impressions.
• Retain a copy of the Request for Live Scan Service form BCIA 8016 for your records. The fingerprint technician who will provide you with the Automated Transaction Identifier (ATI) number that is assigned to your fingerprint impressions on the Live Scan Service Request form. If your fingerprint impressions are rejected, the ATI number will allow for you to have your fingerprint impressions redone at no charge.

In addition, if a license is not issued within twelve months of the date the fingerprints are submitted, a new set of fingerprint impressions will be required.

Please note: Nonpayment of the fingerprint fee or failure to submit the fingerprint impressions will delay the processing of your application. The fingerprint requirement must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of your license.

If you have examination scheduling questions, please call PSI at (833) 518-7456 to speak with a Customer Service Representative Monday through Friday between 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Pacific Time.

For all other questions, contact the Department's Curriculum Review Section by email at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or by telephone at (916) 492-3064.