Finally passed CGL after two failed attempts — here's what actually worked — Forums

Nicole F.OP

May 27, 2026

I'm not going to sugarcoat it — I failed the CGL exam twice before I finally cracked it last month. First time I walked in completely underprepared, figured my accounting background would carry me. Scored a 68, needed a 75. Second attempt I bought some random book off Amazon and got a 71. Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it.

What finally made the difference was being brutally honest about where my weak spots were. I spent about six weeks really digging into the study guide material, focusing heavily on general liability coverage triggers and exclusions — those questions absolutely destroyed me on my first two attempts. I also started doing a CGL practice test every Sunday to simulate real exam pressure, and tracking which topic categories I kept missing.

Anyone else here prepped for the CGL? I'd love to compare notes on what worked. Specifically curious if others found the coverage territory questions as tricky as I did, or if that's just a me problem.

emily_w

May 28, 2026

Congrats on passing! I'm in the middle of studying for mine right now, sitting for it in about five weeks. The coverage triggers stuff is definitely the hardest part — I keep second-guessing myself on the occurrence vs. claims-made distinction. How many practice tests did you end up doing total before you felt ready? I'm averaging maybe two a week right now and not sure if that's enough.

Jordan L.

May 28, 2026

Same boat as you were in. Failed once, currently on round two of prep. My exam tips from my instructor were basically 'read slower and eliminate obviously wrong answers first,' which, thanks, super helpful. What I've actually found useful is writing out exclusions by hand rather than just reading them. Something about physically writing it makes it stick better. Also the additional insured endorsements section — brutal.

Brian Y.

May 28, 2026

Six weeks sounds about right from what I've heard. I passed on my first try but I was genuinely studying 90 minutes a day for two months straight. Don't underestimate the products-completed operations hazard questions — they show up more than you'd expect.

Finally passed CGL after two failed attempts — here's what actually worked

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