How to Pass the Insurance Exam | StateRequirement
If you’re preparing to take a state insurance exam or any other exam, it’s good to know what you’re getting into.
Here at staterequirement, we want you to be able to walk into the test center with the confidence that you will be one step closer to earning your insurance license.
Reading: How to pass the state insurance exam
In this article you will learn everything you need to know to face your exams without fear (we have carried out some of these tests ourselves). We’ve combed through tons of resources to find the information you need on how to pass an insurance exam (like how many questions are on the insurance exam as well as tips and tricks to help you prepare for the day of the exam).
so sit back and keep your reading glasses handy. we are sure to get into the weeds with this guide. Go ahead and bookmark this page so you can easily find it the next time you need it.
Before you begin, keep in mind that the best tool to use when studying for an insurance exam is a pre-licensing education course from an insurance company. accredited insurance education.
insurance basics exam
what is the format of the insurance exam?
The format of the insurance exams is a timed proctored multiple choice test, consisting of around 50 to 180 questions. the actual length of each exam will depend on the state in which you take the exam and the license you are applying for.
So what exactly is a proctored exam?
Most states use third-party testing companies, such as Pearson Vue or Prometric, to administer their exams. this means that you will take the exam at a standardized testing center on a computer with a person watching you.
For some, this can cause some anxiety, which we’ll cover later in this article.
The exam is a multiple choice test, usually with four options available as answers. this means that if you are unsure about a question, you still have a chance to get the correct answer.
There will be no essay section on your insurance licensing exam, as the laws on which your exam is based are not open to interpretation or opinion.
The amount of time you have to complete each exam will be set by the state and the testing center.
how many insurance tests should i take?
The number of tests you must take will depend on the types or lines of licenses you are applying for and the state in which you are licensed.
example 1: if you are applying for your life & health license in missouri, you will take an exam with two sections. both sections must be passed in one session, or you will need to retake the entire exam.
Example 2: In Tennessee, the test for each line is separate. This means that there is a test for the life insurance line and a separate test for accident and accident insurance. health line. the tests can be taken back-to-back, but are separated in that you may pass one, but not the other. in such cases, you would only need to retake the exam you failed.
Depending on the licenses you’re looking for, you could be taking two to four exams if you’re looking for Life & Health and Property & Casualty licenses. if you only get one line (eg, only a life insurance license), then you only need to take one exam.
Another thing to note is that you can apply for one license, then come back at a later date and apply for another. this may have different consequences depending on the state in which you apply.
how much does the insurance license exam cost?
Price for insurance exams depends on the state in which the application is submitted.
Exam prices range from $40 to $150, averaging around $70 per attempt.
Multiple attempts on exams are possible, but can be quite expensive. at staterequirement we strongly encourage you to take your studies and exam preparation seriously and do your best to pass the exam on your first try.
schedule your insurance exams
In most states, you will need to schedule a date and time to take the exam. this scheduling will be done by phone or on the website of the entity in charge of testing in your state.
Third-party testing companies like Pearson Vue and Prometric handle most states, but some states use different third-party companies or manage their own tests in-house.
There are several states that do not allow testing to be scheduled for the same day. this means that you will need to plan ahead for the date you will attempt to take the test. this also means that if you do not pass the exam, you cannot take the exam again that day. sometimes even the next day.
We think the same-day scheduling rule is a good one, as it gives you a real chance to reflect on your studies if you don’t pass on the first try.
staterequirement recommends that you schedule your exam two to three weeks in advance after you get your study materials or start your pre-licensing course. this will allow you enough time to study properly and prepare for the exam without taking too much time to psych yourself up.
Taking tests is a mind game, and you should do everything you can to put yourself in the right headspace.
Another item we suggest is that you only study and schedule one exam at a time.
These tests are not just preliminary tests and can be very data intensive. it’s easy to remember wrong facts like: you have 30 days for one type of policy and 35 for another.
be smart and work on one issue at a time.
Is the insurance license exam difficult?
The answer to this question will obviously vary from person to person and from state to state.
We know many people who have passed the exams their first chance, and we also know many people who have taken each test multiple times. We’re not saying this to scare you, but to prepare you.
There is no “national average” of pass/fail statistics, but based on the states that publish the results, the average number we see is 55% of test takers pass the exams on their first try . the pass rate is slightly higher for repeat attempts.
What this tells us is that people tend to test blindly and expect the best results. if they miss, they hit the books a little harder, then come back and are a little better.
testing is a mind game, and you need to control as many factors as you can to get the best results.
Like it or not, tests like these are sometimes more a measure of your ability to do the tests well, rather than how well you know the material. This may not seem fair, but it is the truth, and we have to follow the rules that are presented to us.
Be sure to read on as we’ll give you our best ways to make sure your testing capabilities are as effective as possible.
what’s on the insurance licensing exam?
Each state’s exams will vary based on their specific rules and regulations. Obviously, the Life and Health Proof will have different material than the Property and Casualty Proof, and since Florida’s laws are different than New York’s, this material will also be different.
To view the exam outlines for your state, visit the choose your state page and follow the instructions from there.
- types of policies
- traditional whole life products
- interest rate/market sensitive/adjustable life products
- term life
- annuities
- combined plans and variations
- policy clauses, provisions, options and exclusions
- policy clauses
- policy provisions and options
- complete the application, subscribe and deliver the policies
- complete the application
- subscription
- deliver the policy
- contract law
- taxes, retirement and other insurance items
- third-party property
- viatical agreements
- living agreements
- group life insurance
- retirement plans
- life insurance needs/adequacy analysis
- social security benefits
- tax treatment of insurance premiums, profits and dividends
- marketing practices
- duties/responsibilities of agent
- types of policies
- term life
- all life
- variable life
- annuities
- medical insurance
- etc…
- contract details
- clauses
- provisions
- beneficiaries
- cousins
- etc…
- request and subscription
- signatures
- usa patriot (against money laundering)
- insurable interest
- fair credit reporting act
- etc…
- taxes and other concepts
- viatical declarations (this is a very interesting concept)
- group life
- needs analysis: suitability
- social security
- tax treatment
- etc…
- specific state regulations regarding life, health, property and casualty insurance
- definitions
- insurance commissioner
- licenses
- marketing practices
- free view
- per diems
- etc…
- types of policies
- owners
- flood
- inland sea
- commercial
- etc…
- terms
- risk
- responsibility
- danger
- danger
- loss
- bonds
- etc…
- provisions and contract law
- statements
- exclusions
- evaluation
- gramm bliley leach
- insurance law against terrorism risks
- etc…
- state specific rules and regulations
- director of insurance
- licenses
- marketing practices
- fiduciary responsibilities
- commissions and compensation
- etc…
- identification (sometimes they will need a second form of identification, such as a credit card or social security card)
- in states where pre-licensing education is required, a completion form from the education company
- Take a good pre-licensing insurance education course.
- read the how to study section of this article.
the specific part of the state is usually drier information (which can make it harder to focus and remember when studying). things like dates, law names, and dollar amounts will be part of this portion.
how to study for the insurance exam
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Since the insurance exam is just that, an exam, preparing to take it can be accomplished just like studying for any other exam.
so what is the best way to study for a test? it is better to let science answer that question. The 8 Science-Based Study Tips is an excellent article on how to study and pass any exam. We’ll borrow some of your points, add some of our own, and customize them for the insurance exam.
When it comes to study materials, be sure to get a study book or take a pre-licensing course from a reputable insurance education company.
1. take enough time to study
The number one reason for failing an exam is not allowing enough time to study.
While studying hard may have worked in high school, this is not the time to try to learn everything overnight. there is a lot of very specific information about these tests, and 0% is common sense information. you can’t fake your way through this ordeal. build a solid foundation of information before you try.
When you learn, you actually create new connections between neurons in your brain. these connections require time and repetition to develop and maintain. if you try to force too much information at once, retaining it for testing time and beyond will be a struggle against your anatomy.
staterequirement recommends that you take at least a week to study for this exam. if you are less confident, take a little more time, but don’t allow too much time, as you may start to miss some of the information or unconsciously not take the study seriously.
The best way to approach this situation is to gather all of your study materials, then call your testing company and schedule a time to take the exam. this will give you a real hard deadline that you can work towards.
2. take practice tests
this is one we can absolutely help with. In all of our research, we’ve found an amazing practice insurance exam that you can take online. this test is provided by passpen.
To take this practice test, go to the Passport Insurance Practice Test and begin your practice test questions.
3. organize your study space
“make sure you have enough space to spread out your textbooks and notes. do you have enough light? is your chair comfortable? Are your computer games out of sight?
try to get rid of all distractions and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible. For some people, this can mean almost total silence; for others, background music helps. some of us need everything completely neat and organized in order to focus, while others thrive in a more cluttered environment. think about what works for you and take the time to do it right.”
4. use flow charts and diagrams
“Visual aids can be really helpful when revising. At the start of a topic, challenge yourself to write down everything you already know about a topic, then highlight where the gaps are. closer to the exam, condense your review notes into one-page diagrams. writing down your ideas in this short format can help you quickly remember everything you need to know during the exam.”
Flashcards are a great way to study. Don’t want to write hundreds of terms and definitions? you do not have to do it! check out quizlet.com. tons of people before you have compiled their study materials, creating this amazing resource for learning terms.
simply search for the test type and status, then choose the list you want to use or create your own.
Please note, however, that since all of this information is compiled by individuals, there is a chance that some of it may not be accurate.
5. explain your answers to others
One of the best ways to check that you understand a topic is to teach it to someone else.
Find a willing party and ask them to borrow some time. anyone who listens will do well. if you have questions, that’s even better. the better you know the material, the smoother it will be and the better chance you have of passing the exam.
as albert einstein said, “if you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself.”
6. get up and move your body
Exercise is great for both physical and mental health. in fact, regular exercise is known to increase vascular strength and help blood flow to the brain, specifically the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory center.
During your study sessions, take breaks for short walks. Not only will this get your blood flowing, but it will also give you time to reflect on what you’ve just learned.
For best results, try to go for a run or hit the gym within four hours of your study. one study has shown that people who exercised within four hours of studying a topic were able to recall the information when tested later.
Here we are not asking anyone to become an Olympic weightlifter. just get up, take a little walk and do it again!
7. take regular breaks
While you may think it’s best to study as many hours as possible, it can actually backfire. if you were training for a marathon, you wouldn’t try to run 24 hours a day! Also, studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really helps.
Everyone is different, so develop a study routine that works for you. if you study better in the morning, start early before taking a lunch break. or if you’re more productive at night, take a longer break earlier so you’re ready to settle down for the night.
try not to feel guilty about being outside enjoying the sun instead of hunched over your textbooks. remember vitamin d is important for a healthy brain!
8. “brain food” snack
stay away from junk food! You may feel like you deserve a treat or don’t have time to cook, but what you eat can actually have an impact on energy levels and focus. keep your body and brain well fueled by choosing nutritious foods that have been shown to aid concentration and memory, such as fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and blueberries. the same applies on the day of the exam: eat a good meal before the exam, based on foods that provide a slow release of energy at all times. sugar may seem appealing, but it won’t help when your energy levels plummet an hour later. – best universities
9. plan your exam day
Make sure you have everything you need to be prepared by meeting the night before. all testing centers require that you bring identification and other materials with you on the day of your test. If you don’t have everything that is required, you could go home without taking the exam and without receiving a refund for your exam fee.
You should also make sure you are not hungry or thirsty when you sit down for the test. there is nothing that kills concentration faster than a rumbling in the belly during the exam. this is an easy fix, just make sure you eat right on test day!
10. drink lots of water
As a final piece of advice, remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to function at its best. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of water during the exam and on the day of the exam as well.
anxiety tested
Test and performance anxiety are real. they can be a very debilitating factor in your insurance examination experience.
If you’re “just not good at tests,” it could be due to many things, one of which is test anxiety.
do you get so nervous that your mind becomes a fog? Are your hands starting to sweat? Do you find it hard to even read the questions on the screen? could be testing anxiety.
daniel k. hall-flavin, m.d. has an excellent article at the mayo clinic on how to overcome test anxiety.
we will do our best to summarize it here:
1. learn to study efficiently
We covered how to study for this test in the last section of this article. reference this and find out what works best for you.
remember, studying as a substitute (not knowing the material) is the number one cause of test anxiety.
Once you have an effective routine, build on it.
2. establish a consistent pre-test routine
Since you won’t be doing many exams, this may be less relevant to your insurance situation. however, we can still learn a lesson: on test day, make sure you take enough time to put yourself in the right headspace. if you do it with confidence, you will be victorious.
3. learn relaxation techniques
“There are a number of things you can do just before and during the test to help you remain calm and confident, such as taking deep breaths, relaxing your muscles one at a time, or closing your eyes and imagining a positive result. ” – Daniel K. hall-flavin, md
4. don’t forget to eat and drink
again, we cover this in the study section, but it is absolutely critical to the success of your test.
If you go into the test dehydrated or hungry, you’re not giving yourself the best chance. take your time and be prepared.
5. do some exercise
the mind and the body are a single tool. if you can keep your body in shape, your head will too.
take a walk before attempting the exam. this will get your blood moving and help you get in the right mindset.
6. get enough sleep
sleep is absolutely related to the success of the tests. it’s hard to be sharp when you’re not firing on all cylinders. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep the night before the test.
am I ready for the insurance exam?
if you’ve followed all the steps we’ve listed above and you’re sure you’re well versed in the information, then yes, you’re good to go!
What if I don’t feel ready?
As test day approaches, if you feel unprepared, you can always reschedule for another time.
taking the insurance test
what to bring on test day
Each state and testing company will differ slightly on what is required to bring on test day, but the basics are:
You are not allowed to bring your study materials, cell phone, wallet, or any other personal effects into the testing room. Some test centers have lockers or other storage space where you can store things while testing.
If you try to bring something into the proctoring room and get caught, you will be taken out of the test center and you will lose your test fee.
Insurance Exam Tips, Tricks & Strategies
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good! This is what you came to see. the shortcut to pass the exam without studying!
well……..
not. Unfortunately, this test will still take some time to study for, but with these strategies, you’ll have much less chance of stumbling while taking the test.
Because this is a multiple choice test, unlike an essay test, you will not write any of your answers in sentences. (And don’t worry, you won’t be graded on spelling.)
penn state has a one page pdf with a great approach to multiple choice questions. we’ll include your suggestions with some of our own proven plans.
1. read the last sentence first
When reading the questions, it’s easy to get confused by the details, especially if there are three or four sentences. If you read the last sentence first, you’ll find exactly what you’re asking. Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to better understand the rest of the question.
reading the last sentence first will also help when the question appears to be a double negative or something similar.
2. predict your answer before looking at the options
If you read the question and think you know the answer, make a mental note so you can see if your answer is in the options. if you were right, great. if not, follow these steps.
3. read all options before selecting an answer
this is a lifesaver if you find yourself in a rush to beat the clock.
when you read the question and look at the options, you might read the first one and think, “yes, this is the correct answer”, but if you continue reading the options and find that a different option makes more sense .
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Keep in mind not to rush. This may be a timed test, but you have plenty of time to finish if you pace yourself.
4. delete any answer you are sure is wrong
One of the beautiful things about multiple choice tests is that even if you don’t know the answer, you still have a 25% (if there are four choices) chance of answering correctly.
To further increase your chances of guessing, go ahead and remove the choices you’re sure are wrong.
If you’re not 100% sure what the answer is, it’s better to guess from two options instead of four. when choosing between the last two options, follow the next step…
5. follow your instinct
there are times when you read the options and you have the feeling that one is correct, even if you are not sure. Often, this is the study of him bearing fruit unconsciously. if two answers make sense, choose the one your gut tells you.
Trust your intuition, unless you can show that another option is the correct answer.
6. remember the previous questions
The good thing about a test that has more than 160 questions is that sometimes you will find an answer to a question in the text of another question.
There will be times when you read a question and then remember two or three questions on a similar topic. when you return to the already answered question, reading it again may help you solve the current question.
this can also be useful retrospectively. if you answer a question but aren’t sure you were correct, then you come across another question that helps solve the first one, you can go back and correct your mistake!
7. if you don’t know, don’t waste your time on it
If you come across a question you can’t quite make sense of, skip it and come back later.
Remember, you have plenty of time to finish the test, but this doesn’t mean you can spend five minutes trying to solve every hard question. avoid it, but try to keep the question in the back of your mind, so you can try to extract the answer from reading other questions.
8. at the end of the exam, go back and complete all unanswered questions
Before taking the exam, ask the proctor if there are any penalties for “guessing.” We’re not aware of any states that practice this, but it’s worth asking.
After you have finished answering all the questions you knew, go back to the unanswered questions. Read them again carefully and try to remember if any of the other questions would help answer this one. if not, just remove the options that are definitely wrong, then guess from the options that remain.
if you leave it unanswered, you will definitely be wrong. if you take a wild stab, you have a chance to get lucky!
9. use your time effectively
when you reach the last two or three minutes of your time limit go back and complete your unanswered questions!
Ending with unanswered questions is a sure way to go wrong.
If you took enough time to study and followed these strategies, you should have no problem passing your insurance exam.
after the insurance exam
I passed, now what?
first of all, congratulations!!!
Passing your exams is the first step in your new career and you are off to a great start.
so the next step depends on what state you’re in and what types of licenses you’re looking for.
If you are going to get more than one type of license, come back to the study table for your next course.
If you’ve passed all the exams you need for now, return to your state page to find your next step.
Whether or not you get licensed to start your own agency, become an insurance producer, or any other reason, you’ve just taken a big step in your success timeline.
If you’re looking for a job where you can put this new license to work, check out our insurance job board!
good job.
what if I didn’t pass my insurance exam?
if it didn’t happen this time, now you have a much better idea of what you’re dealing with. In most states, the test center will give you a printout of the sections of the test you did well on and those you had problems on. use this to your advantage.
Don’t beat yourself up about it. as we said before, only about 55% of first timers pass the exam. it’s a tough test and you shouldn’t feel ashamed.
Now that you know what you’re up against, you can return to your studies with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Be sure to study hard for the parts of the test where you were least successful.
If you came close to passing, go ahead and schedule another session in a week or two.
You know what you have to work on, so make sure you can explain the topics to a six-year-old, and go out there and smash next time!
frequently asked questions about how to pass the insurance exam
what score do you need to pass the insurance exam?
In most states, the passing score for an insurance exam is 70% correct answers. some states have a slightly harder score design, but they also drop around 70%.
how do I study for an insurance exam?
how do i pass the life and health insurance exam?
Make sure you take the time to study properly using the tactics in this article and prepare for the exam knowing you have what it takes to pass. To learn more about passing the life and health insurance exam, read our guide to the life and health insurance licensing exam.
How do I pass the property and casualty insurance exam?
Like the life and health exam, make sure you take the time to study properly using the tactics in this article, and take the exam with the confidence that you have what it takes to pass. See our guide to the Property and Casualty License (P&C License) – Exam Preparation for more details on the P&C insurance exam.
How many questions are there on the life and health insurance exam?
The life and health insurance exam typically has about 150 questions. however, the number of questions depends entirely on the state you are in. choose your state to learn more about the test you will take.
How many questions are on the property and casualty insurance exam?
The property and casualty insurance exam typically has about 150 questions. however, the number of questions depends entirely on the state you are in. choose your state to learn more about the test you will take.
how much does the insurance licensing exam cost?
Exam prices range from $40 to $150, averaging around $70 per attempt.
How long should you study for the insurance exam?
We recommend that you study for at least a week for each exam you are required to take. if you feel like you need more time, take it, but don’t put off the exam just because you’re nervous about taking it. study hard, then take the test. once it’s done, you won’t have to worry anymore.
The information on this page has been compiled from a multitude of sources and was last updated in July 2022.
the information on this site is not guaranteed or guaranteed to be correct, accurate or up-to-date. staterequirement and its members and affiliates are not responsible for any loss, monetary or otherwise. staterequirement is not affiliated with any state, government, or licensing agency. For more information, contact your state insurance authority.
When readers purchase services discussed on our site, we often earn affiliate commissions that support our work. learn more
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Each state will have its own spin on this information, but most of it is standardized nationally. To find out exactly what’s on your property and casualty exam, navigate to your state and find your exam provider’s content outlines.
The state-specific portion of the exam will test your understanding of state statutes, rules, and regulations. this may include:
the specific part of the state is usually drier information (which can make it harder to focus and retain facts while studying). things like dates, law names, and dollar amounts will be part of this portion. we will cover ways to study this in a later section.
property and casualty insurance exam
The property and casualty exam is divided into two parts, general knowledge and state specific. (Again, some states split the property exam and the casualty exam, so make sure you understand how your state works.)
The general knowledge part will test your understanding of the different types of policies and the guidelines that surround them. things like:
Each state will have its own spin on this information, but most of it is standardized nationally. To find out exactly what’s on your life and health exam, navigate to your state and find your exam provider’s content outlines.
The state-specific portion of the exam will test your understanding of state statutes, rules, and regulations. this may include:
As you can see, these tests contain many questions about specific policies and law enforcement.
however, what it doesn’t cover is what it takes to make you a good salesperson, agent, or producer. This information will be of great use to you when you want to comply with the law, but it will not tell you that the combination of your house and your car will give you a 12% discount.
We can joke that this information is dry and not “everyday knowledge”, but there is a lot of fraud around insurance, and having all of this information under your belt will help you be a better agent for your clients, and can even keep it out of legal hot water.
how to prepare for the insurance exam
life and health insurance exam
The life and health exam is divided into two parts, general knowledge and specific state. (again, some states split the life exam and the health exam, so make sure you understand how your state works)
The general knowledge part will test your understanding of the different types of policies and the guidelines that surround them. things like:
