The State Exam

THE STATE EXAM

As you start to get toward the end of the pre-licensing studying, schedule your State exam https://www.examfx.com/resources/department-of-insurance-testing-providers-by-state or here: https://candidate.psiexams.com/testdate/testdate.jsp.  From the list, you will select the “Producer’s Combined Life, Accident, and Health” exam. 

After scheduling your exam, take several simulated exams to prepare yourself for the State exam.

I completed 8-10 practice tests (to be honest, I flunked most of the tests to start with and then as I studied, I began to pass most of them; do not be alarmed if you fail several of your first tests). 

As I was taking practice tests just before the actual state exam, when I came across a question that I wasn’t sure of, I would miss it on purpose so I could see the correct answer at the end. I liked this better than guessing because if I guessed and got it right, I wouldn’t know what to study later. 

As you complete each section, take notes of the questions you get wrong so you can review them. I used Google docs for my notes HERE. My wife took pictures of each missed question.  

Please know that the test will likely be frustrating.  You will see several questions you’ve never seen before. The testing environment is intense. Relax – and do your best. 

• The State Exam consists of 155 multiple choice questions
• There are 2 sections and you’ll be given 1:15 to finish each of the 2 sections. 
• There will be other people taking tests while you take yours.  They will come from all walks of life: grad students; PhD candidates; healthcare workers. Maybe another insurance agent, possibly.
• You can get up and get a drink and use the restroom after you finish the first 75 questions.
• The first 3-4 questions will be hard. They are trying to intimidate you.  Relax. Do your best. 
• The questions you have never seen that typically appear towards the beginning are intentional. They are test questions they might use for future tests and they are there to shake you. Do your best, typically pick “C” and move on.
• The Testing Center can be a bit overwhelming. It’s a sterile environment.  They may pat you down; they’ll check your jewelry and glasses and clothing for notes; there are cameras everywhere.  It can be intimidating!  Relax.  Just relax. And do your best.
• This is a highly regulated industry and it is a privilege to serve families; hence the highest levels of security is applied. 
• Unlike the practice tests, you can flag questions along the way and review them before submitting. Be sure to mark your best guess in case you don’t have time to review at the end. 
• The Testing Center will have a secure place to store your personal items.
• After you answer your final question and complete the 4 question assessment survey, you’ll know your score after clicking the “Submit” button and it will indicate “Passed” or “Failed.”  You’ll get an email within an hour with your final score. 
• 70% is a Pass.

Fingerprinting

Get fingerprinting process done ASAP. You do not have to wait until you have passed the course https://www.identogo.com/ or www.Prometric.com (Test takers > Find my exam > Search (your state) insurance > Click read more  > Under test center exam, click “schedule” > Green arrow > Consent and go to next page. Preapproved? No.  Select a test > Scroll down to fingerprint. Type in address and schedule appt (Cost $6). 

NIPR

NIPR License Application: https://nipr.com/help/state-contact-cards
Licensing center > Apply for a license > Go to the online application > Individual > Verify using SSN
Enter birthday > Hit “start” application > Fill out info.
When you get to agency info:
Name: Shank Enterprises
FEIN #: 82-3828568