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Finally passed ALU 101 after two attempts — what actually helped

by Jessica L. 75 views3 replies
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Jessica L.OP
May 27, 2026

So I just got my results back yesterday and I'm honestly still in shock — I passed! 84% on my second attempt after bombing it with a 71% the first time around. I work in underwriting and my manager basically told me this certification was non-negotiable for my next review, so the pressure was real.

First attempt I went in way too confident. I'd read through the material once and figured my on-the-job experience would carry me. Big mistake. The exam goes way deeper on morbidity concepts and underwriting principles than I expected. Second time around I spent about 6 weeks actually studying — used the LOMA study guide cover to cover, did every ALU 101 practice test I could find, and made flashcards for the financial statements section specifically.

The thing that pushed me over the line was drilling case-based questions. The exam loves scenarios where you have to apply a concept, not just define it. Anyone else going through this right now? Happy to share what worked for my weak areas.

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Amanda H.
May 27, 2026
Congrats! I'm sitting for mine in three weeks and this is genuinely reassuring. I've been struggling with the insurance regulatory stuff — it's so dry and there's so much of it. Did you find the practice tests lined up pretty well with the actual question style? I've heard some third-party ones are way off base compared to what LOMA actually tests.
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emily_w
May 28, 2026
Two attempts is totally normal for this one — don't let anyone make you feel bad about it. A colleague of mine took it three times and now she's one of the sharpest underwriters on our team. The ALU 101 study guide is dense but it's worth reading slowly. Rushing it the first time is the most common mistake I see.
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Kevin O.
May 28, 2026
The case-based question point is so accurate. I passed on my first try but I'd spent a solid month doing scenario questions from the official study guide. One exam tip that helped me: if you're unsure between two answers, ask yourself which one protects the insurer's long-term risk. That framing got me through probably four or five questions I would've otherwise guessed on.

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