Around 63% of people pass their insurance license exam on the first try. In an industry built on confidence and compliance, that stat isn’t just concerning—it’s a signal that your prep course matters.
That’s where XCEL Solutions comes in.
I wanted to see if this insurance exam prep platform actually lives up to the hype. So I took a deep dive into how XCEL Solutions delivers content, structures its assessment exams, and supports students chasing careers in insurance and securities licensing.
Spoiler: there’s a lot to like—if you know what you’re looking for.
Let’s take a closer look.
Who Should Use This Course
- If you like learning at your own pace, then XCEL’s self-guided format makes it easy to stay in control.
- If visuals help things click, then you’ll appreciate the clean dashboard and clear content layout.
- If you’re on your phone more than your laptop, then the mobile access will fit your routine without a hitch.
- If you’re comparing options, then XCEL is a great baseline to see what other courses might be missing.
- If you want extra coaching or live instruction, then you’ll need to look elsewhere—this course is pretty hands-off.
Course Overview
XCEL Insurance Training helps you prep for your state’s life, health, property, or casualty licensing exam, all online, all self-paced. As I clicked through the course dashboard, I appreciated how clean and straightforward the layout was. Each section is clearly marked, and the lesson flow makes it easy to hop in and out without losing your place.
One thing I liked right away? The transcript breaks everything into clear, clickable lessons and quizzes. It doesn’t overwhelm you with too much at once, and the order keeps you focused without needing to figure out what to do next. Perfect if you like structure without the pressure.
Whether you’re going for a Life and Health license or something more niche like Personal Lines, the content is clearly labeled and tailored to each track. I noticed the Life and Health course was more detailed, while the P&C felt a bit quicker to get through. Either way, you’re not stuck guessing what’s relevant—each lesson aligns directly with your state’s exam outline. That level of clarity saves a lot of second-guessing and Googling.
Pros
- User-friendly: Super easy to navigate. Everything’s labeled clearly, and I could jump in without watching a tutorial.
- Organized layout: The dashboard shows your progress step-by-step, so you always know what’s next without having to guess.
- State-specific: Each course is tailored to your state exam—no filler, just what you need to pass.
- Bite-sized: Lessons are short and focused. I could knock one out on a lunch break without feeling rushed.
- Mobile-ready: It worked smoothly on my phone. I reviewed a few modules while waiting in the pickup line—no glitches.
Cons
- No live help: There’s no live instructor support or tutoring. If you get stuck, you’re mostly on your own.
- Brief explanations: Some quiz answers could use more detail. I felt that a few were too short to really explain why you got it wrong.
XCEL Insurance Training Review
XCEL Solutions Course Package Options
XCEL keeps things simple with two main packages: Standard and Premier. Both are built to get you across the finish line, but one offers a few extra tools if you want a more supported study experience. Here’s how they stack up.
Premier Pre-licensing
If you’re prepping for your Life and Health, Property and Casualty, or Personal Lines license in North Carolina or any other state, XCEL’s Premier package gives you extra ways to study smarter, not harder. It’s a good fit if you want reinforcement tools beyond just reading and testing.
- 800+ digital flashcards to help review key concepts
- A recorded version of XCEL’s live 1-day exam review class
- Prepared to Pass Promise (full refund if you don’t pass on your first try)
- Plus everything from the standard package
Standard Pre-licensing
If you’re confident with self-paced learning and just want a clear, structured path to pass, the standard package covers the essentials. I moved through the dashboard easily, and the way it locks and unlocks content kept things organized.
- Online pre-licensing course (state-approved)
- Condensed Prep Review course aligned to your state exam
- Three exam simulators with unlimited retakes
- 30-day access to each part of the system
| Feature | Standard | Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-licensing course (state-approved) |  | |
| Prep Review course (condensed content) | | |
| Exam simulator (3 full-length exams) | | |
| Unlimited exam retakes | | |
| 30-day access per course segment | | |
| 800+ digital flashcards |  | |
| Recorded livestream review class | | |
| Prepared to Pass Promise (full refund) | | |
| Price | $299 | $199 |
| Get Started | Get Standard | Get Premier |
Course Discounts
No Discounts If you’re planning to enroll, check for current promotions before you do. XCEL often runs limited-time discounts on its Premier packages across license types.
Course Offerings
How the Course Works
Everything with XCEL is fully online and self-paced. No classrooms, no live Zooms. Just a clean course you can work through when it fits your schedule. I clicked into the Life and Health track, and the layout made it easy to pick up right where I left off. You won’t get lost trying to find the next lesson.
Each course (Life and Health, P&C, or Personal Lines) comes with:
- A structured core course that satisfies state requirements
- A review module built around your actual state exam outline
- Three practice exams with unlimited tries
If you choose the Premier package, you’ll also receive over 800 digital flashcards and a recorded livestream review that you can rewatch at any time.
Video Content and Navigation
The interface is simple—almost minimal, which I appreciated. It loads quickly, works well on mobile, and everything’s clearly labeled. Most videos are under 10 minutes, which makes it easier to stay focused without zoning out. I liked that you could take notes directly in the platform, and the next video autoplays if you want to keep going without clicking around.
I also noticed the videos had closed captioning, which came in handy when I forgot my headphones but still wanted to follow along. It’s small stuff, but it adds up when you’re trying to knock out multiple lessons in one sitting.
This setup works well if your learning style leans visual. And since the platform is built by XCEL Solutions, it keeps the tech side smooth while delivering the standardized knowledge you’ll need for your insurance license exam.
What You’re Really Getting
This isn’t one of those bloated courses with extra fluff. XCEL Testing Solutions sticks to what matters: passing your state exam. The course is built around pre-licensing requirements, and every module ties directly into what you’ll face on test day.
The Premier package adds real value with study tools like flashcards, assessment exams, and a “Prepared to Pass” guarantee that refunds your fee if you don’t pass on the first try. For students entering the insurance and securities licensing world, that extra peace of mind goes a long way.
I tried out the flashcards and found them surprisingly effective—they’re fast to flip through, and they’re organized in a way that helped reinforce key concepts I’d just reviewed. Perfect for those in-between moments when you want a quick refresher.
Availability and Assistance
You get 30 days of access for each phase of the course: the main training, the condensed review, and the exam simulator. That means plenty of time to review the material, take practice exams, and get exam-ready without cramming.
Support is available through email and chat if you run into any issues, though I didn’t experience any customer service problems myself. That said, some users have reported delays. One Reddit user shared: “Call their customer support. I found the website to be super buggy. I kept emailing them for issues and didn’t get responses. It’s better to call.”
There’s no live tutoring or around-the-clock support team, but the help that is available generally covers what most students need. It’s a streamlined approach that works well if you prefer to study independently and don’t expect a lot of hand-holding.
Course Competitors
| Feature | |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Format | 100% online, self-paced | Self-paced + live online options | Self-paced + scheduled live sessions |
| Instructor Support | | (webinars, live chat) | (instructors, forums) |
| Flashcards | (Premier only) | (included) | (printed or digital) |
| Video Lessons | | | |
| Mobile Access | | | |
| Custom Study Plans | | | |
| Guarantee/Pass Promise | (Premier only) | Guarantee Exam) | |
| Exam Simulators | (3, unlimited retakes) | (varies by package) | (varies by package) |
| Printed Study Materials | | | (included or optional) |
| Learn More | Visit XCEL | Visit ExamFX | Visit Kaplan |
XCEL vs ExamFX
XCEL and ExamFX are both popular for insurance licensing, but they serve different styles of learners. XCEL is more streamlined, with a self-paced format, clear progression, and built-in structure that keeps you focused. There are no live classes or one-on-one options, which keeps distractions low and the price reasonable. If you like learning independently and prefer clean design, XCEL hits that sweet spot.
ExamFX, on the other hand, offers more flexibility with live online training, customizable study plans, and simulated exams. Their Guarantee Exam feature is a strong accountability tool for test readiness. Choose ExamFX if you need more personalized guidance or prefer instructor interaction. Pick XCEL if you want a clear, no-frills study experience that gets the job done efficiently.
XCEL vs Kaplan
Kaplan is one of the most well-known names in test prep, and their insurance courses reflect that. Their platform includes robust printed materials, scheduled classes, and instructor support—great for learners who want structure and hand-holding. But with that comes a slightly steeper learning curve and more time commitment.
XCEL, by contrast, is lean and focused. It’s better suited for busy learners who want a simplified course layout and tools like flashcards, video reviews, and timed exam simulations to stay on track. Choose Kaplan if you want more academic-style support. Choose XCEL if you want to work on your own time and pass efficiently.
Bottom Line
XCEL doesn’t try to do too much—and that’s what makes it work. I liked that I could log in, pick up where I left off, and not get bogged down with a bunch of extra clicks or clutter. It’s built for people who want to study on their own time and move through the material without distractions. If you’re in North Carolina and looking for something that’s easy to follow and gets straight to the point, this is a solid pick.
That said, if you prefer live classes or more hands-on support, a course like ExamFX may be worth checking out. But for independent learners who want something clean, mobile-friendly, and structured for first-time passers? XCEL does the job.
FAQs
The exam typically includes questions on insurance regulations, policy provisions, underwriting, claims processing, and ethics. Specific content may vary by state.
The number of questions varies by state and license type. For example, the Life and Health Insurance exam may have between 100 to 150 questions.
Most states require a minimum score of 70% to pass the insurance licensing exam.
Yes, XCEL offers state-approved pre-licensing courses for Life, Health, Property, and Casualty insurance in North Carolina.
The Premier package includes additional study tools such as flashcards, a recorded review class, and a pass guarantee to enhance exam preparation.
