Finally passed my CAR exam after failing twice — here's what worked

by Sarah M. 21 views3 replies
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Sarah M.OP
May 27, 2026

Okay so I've been lurking here for months and I feel like I owe it to this community to actually share my experience since everyone's posts helped me so much. I failed the CAR exam in November and again in February — both times I scored around a 68 when you need a 75 to pass. I was devastated honestly, especially since I'd already paid out of pocket twice.

What finally clicked for me was ditching the textbook-only approach and actually working through a solid CAR practice test routine every single day for six weeks. I'm talking 30-40 questions every morning before work. The study guide I'd been using before wasn't covering the reinsurance accounting sections in nearly enough depth, and that's where I kept bleeding points.

Third attempt I scored an 83. If anyone is currently prepping and wants to talk through exam tips or study schedules, drop a reply — happy to share exactly what resources I used and how I structured my last few weeks.

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Samantha C.
May 27, 2026
Congrats!! This gives me so much hope. I'm scheduled for next month and the reinsurance section is killing me too. Can I ask how many practice tests you went through total? I've been doing maybe 2-3 full mocks but I'm wondering if that's enough or if I need to grind more individual topic sets before the real thing.
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lisa.prep
May 28, 2026
The daily question habit is underrated. I did something similar for my P&C exam — 25 questions every morning with coffee, no exceptions. What I'd add for CAR specifically: don't neglect the regulatory and compliance stuff. A lot of people focus purely on the accounting mechanics but there's a decent chunk of questions on reporting requirements that catch people off guard. Good exam tips post, seriously.
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Carlos B.
May 28, 2026
Saved this thread. Taking my CAR in July and already nervous. Congrats on getting through it — three attempts takes real grit and I think a lot of people would've just quit.

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