Getting Ready for Your Exam
Preparing for your exam can be challenging, even if it's not your first time! Here are some of our best tips to help you do your best.
Build a Study Strategy
Mike Bronzino, Managing Director of Assessments, has earned his CPCU, ARM, AIM, ARe, and AMIM designations — that's more than 25 Institutes exams completed!
He has a few tips to help you get exam-ready...
- Focus on the educational objectives
- Apply your study knowledge to everyday activities
- Set a study schedule and test early
Study Tips: Build Confidence, Stay on Track
Simulated Exams: Practice for the Real Thing
Students who use the simulated exam in the study materials package score higher on their exams!*
Simulated Exams
Our simulated exams are timed and mimic the type of questions on the actual exam. Since you can only take the simulated exam ONCE, we've found the best time to take your simulated exam is after you complete all course materials and quizzes. It’s located in the Exam Prep section of your online course.
* Based on analysis of CPCU®, AINS®, and ARM™ student exam results versus exam-preparation methodologies, 2020-2021.
Quiz Early, Quiz Often with Unlimited Practice
Quizzes are your flexible study tool. Take them as many times as needed to reinforce learning and track your progress.
Quizzes
We always suggest you take the assignment quiz BEFORE you start each assignment. This will give you an idea of how well you already know the material and help you know what to focus on. Once you complete the assignment, try to get a B or higher on the quiz before moving on. Plus, you can use the new QuizMe app to study on the go and reinforce key concepts with practice quizzes anytime, anywhere.
Find Your Study Buddy, Stay on Track
Studying is better with support. A study buddy can help you stay motivated and accountable.
Study Buddies
With a study buddy, you can quiz each other on important terms and concepts, celebrate milestones, and help each other reach common goals.
Join The Institutes' Chat on Facebook to connect with other students, find a study buddy, and get advice from those who have done it before!
Leverage Exam Prep Resources
We’ve compiled multiple resources to help you feel fully prepared. Take time to explore everything available before test day.
Exam Prep Tools
Preview the question formats you will see on your exam and get tips on how to answer them on the Exam Question Formats page. Plus, our Exam Information page has detailed information on how to register for, prepare for, and complete your exam.
Study Tips From a Working Parent
Learn the study tips that Beth Illian, CPCU, AINS, AIS used to stay on track with her Institutes courses and prepare to pass her exams.
- Create a (flexible) study schedule
- Follow a study routine
- Use your study resources
Leverage Study Materials
Our exam prep materials are designed to help you take your exam with confidence. Your course package includes:
- A simulated exam proven to increase your chances of passing. Simulated exams can only be taken once.
- The QuizMe app so you can take practice quizzes to reinforce key concepts whenever works best for you.
- Interactive, online learning activities you can access anytime, anywhere.
- Full-length practice exams that help you focus and maximize your study time.
- A printable workbook that highlights key points and breaks down complex concepts. (CPCU and AINS only)
Testing Tips: Final Steps for a Good Exam Day
Get Familiar with All Question Types
Your exam includes different question formats. Understanding these formats will help you feel confident and prepared.
Question Format
In addition to multiple choice, your exam may include fill-in-the-blank, drag and drop, and numeric entry questions. These formats are designed to help you better understand, retain, and apply course content—while also preparing you for real-world scenarios. To learn more, visit the Exam Question Formats FAQ page.
Make Time for a Smooth Experience
Give yourself enough time to take the exam without distractions. Planning ahead can reduce stress and help you stay focused.
Schedule Enough Time
Choose a time that works best for you, and block it on your calendar now. Make sure to reserve at least 75 minutes for the full exam experience: you'll have 65 minutes to complete 50 questions, and you’ll also need a few minutes to review and complete the Exam Affidavit and Agreement before launching the exam.
Prepare Your Space
Your environment matters. Choose a space that supports your success on exam day.
Prepare Your Space
Find a quiet, distraction-free spot to test. Many people who test from home ask family members to stay offline during the exam to help maintain a strong, stable internet connection.
Have Your Tech Ready
All designation exams now include virtual proctoring. Your exam session will be recorded and reviewed, if necessary, to ensure compliance with exam rules.
Prepare Your Tech
Make sure you have a stable internet connection, along with a working camera and microphone. We recommend that you use this link to test your camera and microphone at least 48 hours prior to when you plan to take the exam. Visit our virtual proctoring page to learn more.
On Exam Day
You can complete your virtual exam anytime, from any location. Log in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam to make sure your internet connection, computer, and camera are working properly. Then, here’s how to get started:
- Log in to your Institutes account, click on My Courses, then find and launch your exam.
- Complete the Exam Administration Affidavit and Agreement, agreeing to The Institutes’ Code of Academic and Professional Integrity and The Institutes Rules of Conduct.
- You’ll be guided to the proctoring screen to set up your device. Learn more about how proctoring works.
- The timer starts when you Open Exam; it cannot be paused. You have one attempt and 65 minutes to complete 50 questions.
- You need to score 70% to pass your exam. You will find out if you passed as soon as you submit, and your student record will update within 48 hours.
Not Ready to Test?
If you are not ready to test, you can transfer your exam online (fee applies). If you don't pass your exam, you can retake it once in the same testing window and save $80 on your exam fee.