How to Pass the Property and Casualty Exam

To sell property and casualty insurance, you need a Property and Casualty license. But first, you must first pass the licensing exam in the state in which you want to sell insurance. The licensing process varies by state, as does the passing score and pass rate. However, the exam structure and content topics are generally the same across states. We recommend you follow these best practices for studying in order to pass your Property and Casualty exam.  

Start Studying Early/Set a Study Calendar

The average insurance exam-taker should expect to spend about 35 to 40 hours studying to pass the Property and Casualty exam. It is recommended that you study for the exam over the course of a few weeks, rather than trying to cram the week of the exam. The best way to avoid cramming is to set a study plan and stick to it. If you take a course with Kaplan, you can simply plug in your exam date into our study calendar tool, and we’ll set a study plan to keep you on track.

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Focus on the State Exam Outline

You will want to print out the State Exam Outline for General Lines Property and Casualty Agent so you understand what material will be covered under each of these topics, as well as how it will be weighted on the exam. The State Exam Outline explains how many questions are included in each section of the test. We recommend that you concentrate on the sections with the most questions so you can attain mastery of the key topics.

Remove Distractions

For your brain to absorb new information, it is important that you do your best to avoid multitasking and stay focused on what you’re studying. This can be much easier said than done. You may find that setting a study schedule over a period of a few weeks will help you carve out time where you can solely focus on preparing for the exam. Try to remove distractions around you, such as your phone, TV, or the Internet whenever possible. Some people find the Pomodoro technique helps them focus better—this is where you set a timer for a 25-minute interval to focus on one specific task, followed by a 5-minute break. 

Utilize Practice Exams

Be sure to utilize Property and Casualty practice exams in your studies. These will help you gauge how well you have absorbed the information you’ve read and figure out which areas still need your attention. It is a good idea to take at least one practice exam while mimicking testing conditions. This will help you determine whether your pacing is right to get through the exam in the allotted time.

Take an Exam Prep Course

While not all states require it, it is a good idea to take an insurance certification course for your Property and Casualty licensing exam. Not only will it help you make sense of the material, but it will help you prioritize and stay on track with your study calendar. With Kaplan, you can choose from live online classes, OnDemand courses, or printed books for self-study. No matter which study option you choose, you’ll receive the License Exam Manual (LEM), State Law Supplement, a QBank containing hundreds of practice questions, and access to an expert instructor.

The Property and Casualty insurance licensing exam is challenging. It requires hard work and effort to prepare, but by following these study tips, you should be well on your way to passing the exam on the first try. It's also helpful to learn what to expect on exam day.

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