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Finally passed the AXIS exam after two failed attempts — here's what worked

by David K. 531 views3 replies
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David K.OP
May 27, 2026

So I just got my results back this morning and I passed with a 78. Honestly didn't think it was going to happen after bombing it twice before. The first time I just read through the study material once and figured I had enough industry experience to wing it — big mistake. The second time I used a random AXIS practice test I found on some sketchy site and the questions were nothing like the real exam.

What actually turned things around was finding a proper AXIS study guide that broke down the coverage sections and policy structure stuff in a way that finally clicked for me. I also started timing myself on practice sets because I was running out of time on the actual exam. Spent about 6 weeks studying, maybe 90 minutes a day, really focused on the surplus lines and excess coverage questions since those always tripped me up.

Happy to share what resources I used if anyone's in the same boat. Also got a few AXIS exam tips that I wish someone had told me before my first attempt — particularly around how they word the scenario-based questions.

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Daniel M.
May 27, 2026
Congrats! I'm sitting for mine in about three weeks and this is really encouraging to read. I've been struggling with the same timing issue — I keep second-guessing myself and burning through time on the harder questions. Did the study guide you used have a lot of those scenario-based questions, or was it more concept-focused? That's been my biggest gap so far.
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Kevin O.
May 28, 2026
The wording on scenario questions is no joke. I passed on my second try and honestly the biggest exam tip I can give is to always read what the question is actually asking before diving into the answer choices. Sounds obvious but under pressure you start rushing. Also the surplus lines section is worth really knowing cold — it shows up more than you'd expect for the points it's worth.
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Hannah K.
May 28, 2026
Two failed attempts and still coming back for more takes real grit. Well done on pushing through. For anyone else studying right now — don't skip the practice test timed sections even if you feel ready. The clock pressure on exam day is its own thing entirely.

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