A candidate preparing for the North Carolina Life examination asks what prelicensing education the state currently requires. Under G.S. 58-33-30(d)(1), the correct answer is:

Why C is correct

Repealing legislation (S.L. 2025-45) removed the former 20-hour prelicensing education requirement, and current G.S. 58-33-30(d)(1) bars the Commissioner from requiring any specific course or number of hours. Approved provider courses remain available on a voluntary basis, so candidates may still study, but no mandated hours exist under current North Carolina law.

Why the other options are wrong

• A) Twenty hours was the historical requirement before repeal; it is no longer the law and can never be the keyed answer.
• B) No college degree of any kind is required for insurance licensure in North Carolina.
• D) The NCDOI does not operate a mandatory training program; provider courses are voluntary.

Memory hook

North Carolina repealed its PLE hours - the Commissioner cannot require any course or hours now.

Why A is correct

Under G.S. 58-33-30(d), the Commissioner of Insurance is barred from requiring any specific prelicensing course or number of hours; the former 20-hour prelicensing education requirement was repealed effective October 1, 2025 by S.L. 2025-45. Approved provider courses remain available voluntarily, but no hours are mandated before taking the North Carolina Accident and Health examination. The candidate needs only a qualifying license application and the exam itself.

Why the other options are wrong

• B) 20 hours was the historical prelicensing requirement, repealed effective October 1, 2025; G.S. 58-33-30(d) now permits no mandated hours.
• C) 40 hours has never been a North Carolina prelicensing requirement, and no hours may be required at all under G.S. 58-33-30(d).
• D) 15 hours has never been a North Carolina prelicensing requirement, and the current statute permits no mandated hours under G.S. 58-33-30(d).

Memory hook

2025 repeal: NC wants your exam, not your classroom hours.