Failed my insurance exam twice — what am I missing in my study approach? — Insurance

Jordan L.OP

May 27, 2026

So I'm at my wit's end here. I've failed the state licensing exam twice now and honestly I'm starting to wonder if I'm just studying the wrong things. First attempt I got a 68 (need a 70 to pass), second time a 67. Like I'm SO close but I keep missing it. I've been using a physical textbook mostly, grinding through chapters the old-fashioned way.

Someone in my pre-licensing class mentioned switching to an Life & Health Insurance Question and Answers format for drilling the actual test-style questions, and honestly I feel like I've been ignoring that approach. Does anyone have exam tips specifically for the life and health side? That's where my score breakdowns show I'm weakest — annuities and policy provisions are killing me.

I'm giving myself 3 weeks before my third attempt. I work full time so realistically I've got maybe 45 minutes a night during the week, more on weekends. Is that enough time if I focus the right way? What actually moved the needle for you?

Tom W.

May 28, 2026

Honestly the textbook-only approach burned me too. What actually helped was doing like 20-30 practice questions every single night instead of re-reading chapters. The Insurance practice test format trains your brain to think the way the exam phrases things — which is weirdly different from how the textbooks explain concepts. Annuities specifically, I'd focus on the difference between accumulation and annuitization phases. That showed up a LOT on mine.

Samantha C.

May 28, 2026

Three weeks is totally doable if you're strategic about it. I passed on my second attempt after failing by 4 points the first time. My shift was spending the first week ONLY on my weak areas instead of reviewing everything equally. Pull your score breakdown from the testing center — they give you a category report. Then drill those specific topics hard. Also don't underestimate the ethics/regulations section, it's deceptively tricky.

Amanda H.

May 28, 2026

67 and 68 are so painful, you're right there. I'd add: simulate real test conditions at least twice before your attempt. Timer on, no interruptions. Builds the mental stamina for sitting through 150 questions without your brain going foggy around question 100.

Failed my insurance exam twice — what am I missing in my study approach?

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