3 MIN. READ
As a financial or insurance agent ready to take your career to the next level, your licensing exams are the stepping stone to achieving your goals. Now we all know this is no small feat. Licensing exams are challenging for a reason–they ensure you know the information necessary for a successful career, and they prepare for days to come.
To help you check off your licensing exam to-do list, Securities Training Corporation is thrilled to tell you all about how to pass an insurance exam, the Series 7 exam, the Series 6 Exam, and your other qualification exams on the first try.
Study
As you may have guessed, studying is one of the most important ways to prepare for your qualification exams. But it’s important to study properly, you can do this by establishing a tailored study plan that fits your needs.
Here are some tips:
- Use up-to-date textbooks and other materials
- Space out the study sessions and avoid cramming
- Block out time in your schedule to study
- Stay organized
- Use memorization strategies, like flashcards, but study to understand the information, not just memorize it
- Recharge your mind by taking breaks throughout your study sessions
- Eat brain-healthy snacks like almonds, fruit, Greek yogurt, trail mix, and dark chocolate
Test Your Knowledge
Practice tests are your friend as you prepare for your qualification exams. They not only test your knowledge of the concepts, but they also familiarize you with the structure of the exam questions, so prioritize taking practice tests often.
Treat these tests as if they’re the real exams. Budget time for each question. Get in good test-taking habits that help you maintain a clear and focused mind. And, of course, take as many practice tests as you need to feel confident in your knowledge of the information.
Review Your Results and Repeat
After you take your practice tests, review your results. Find out which areas you struggled in, and make a list of those topics. Return to your study sessions, emphasize those topics, and then repeat until you are ready to test.
Use the Available Help
Whether you ask your mom to quiz you on flashcards or ask a friend to study with you, it’s smart to use any available help. There is also professional help available to increase your chances of passing even more. Securities Training Corporation offers tailored study plans to help you learn the necessary information, pass your exam on the first try, and prepare you for your future career.
Keep Your Cool on Testing Day
Having an effective study plan is half the battle, but the other half is keeping your cool on testing day. You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to put it into action. As you test:
- Don’t assume the intent of the questions
- Don’t overthink the questions
- Don’t let others distract you, especially as they finish before you
- Dress comfortably
- Regulate your breathing
- Write equations down — don’t just work them out in your head
- Don’t waste time on questions you don’t know the answer to — skip them and come back later
- Avoid changing your answers for bad reasons
- Don’t assume your score
For more information about how to pass your licensing exam on the first try, or to partner with STC and increase your chance of achieving a passing score, contact STC today.