The Leaders Nest
Merritt Financial • Team Resources
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Internal use only • Prescott, AZ
GETTING STARTED
Exam Prep Tips
How to Pass Your State Insurance Exam on the First Try
You have completed your pre-licensing course. Here are the strategies to walk in confident and walk out licensed.
OVERVIEW
What To Expect
100-150Questions (varies by state)
70%Typical passing score
2-3 hrsTime allowed
60-90 minMost finish in
Multiple choice at Pearson VUE or PSI. Valid government photo ID required. Results typically immediate.
PREPARATION
Before the Exam
CRITICAL
Schedule it fast. Within 3-5 days of finishing pre-licensing. The longer you wait, the more you forget. Take practice exams until you consistently score 80% or higher. Use ExamFX's "Focused Review" to target your lowest-scoring topics.
STRATEGIES
Study Strategies
Study in Focused Blocks
45-60 minutes study, then 10-15 minute break
2-3 blocks per day the week before your exam
Use the Flashcards
Virtual flashcards for definitions, policy types, regulatory terms
Review during downtime — breaks, before bed
Understand, Don't Memorize
The exam tests how insurance works, not just definitions
Ask: "Why does this rule exist?"
KEY TOPICS
High-Priority Topics
Types of Life Insurance (Term, Whole, Universal, Variable, IUL)
Policy Provisions, Riders, & Options
Beneficiary Designations & Ownership
Tax Treatment of Premiums, Benefits, & Cash Values
State Regulations & Dept. of Insurance
Ethical Practices & Suitability
Annuity Types & Features
Policy Replacement Rules
EXAM DAY
Exam Day
The Night Before
Light review — do NOT cram
Full night of sleep (7-8 hours)
Lay out your ID and testing center info
Morning Of
Solid breakfast — brain needs fuel
Arrive 15-30 minutes early
Phone in car or locker
During the Exam
Read every question fully before answers
Eliminate wrong answers — turn 4 into 2
First instinct is usually correct
Flag and return to hard questions
TRICKS
Test-Taking Tricks
Words That Mean Correct
- "Usually"
- "Generally"
- "Most"
- "Typically"
- "May" or "Can"
Words That Mean Wrong
- "Always"
- "Never"
- "All"
- "None"
- "Must" (unless regulation)
AVOID
Common Mistakes
Waiting too long to schedule after finishing pre-licensing
Cramming the night before instead of steady study
Skipping practice exams — your most valuable tool
Overthinking questions — foundations, not edge cases
Changing answers — stick with first choice
Poor sleep or nutrition — physical state affects performance
RESULTS
After the Exam
If you pass: Congratulations! Notify your upline immediately to begin contracting and carrier appointments.
If you don't pass: Review your score report, use Focused Review, reschedule within 1-2 weeks.
If you don't pass: Review your score report, use Focused Review, reschedule within 1-2 weeks.
CLOSE
You've Got This
You've Got This
Thousands of agents pass every month. Use practice exams, focus on weak areas, trust your preparation. When you pass, we get you contracted and into the field.