Everything You Need to Know About the Georgia Insurance Exam

Exam Structure and Format

Georgia insurance exams follow a standardized multiple-choice format that tests both national insurance knowledge and Georgia-specific regulations. Each exam consists of scored questions plus pretest questions that don't count toward your score but help develop future exam versions.

Question Distribution by Exam Type

Life Insurance Exam: 90 total questions (80 scored, 10 pretest) with 2-hour time limit

Health Insurance Exam: 90 total questions (80 scored, 10 pretest) with 2-hour time limit

Property and Casualty Exam: 135 total questions (125 scored, 10 pretest) with 2.5-hour time limit

Combined Life and Health: 135 total questions (125 scored, 10 pretest) with 2.5-hour time limit

Personal Lines Exam: 95 questions (75 general content, 15 Georgia-specific, 5 pretest)

The pretest questions are experimental items that won't affect your score, but you won't know which questions are pretest during your exam.

Passing Score Requirements

Georgia requires a minimum score of 70% to pass insurance licensing examinations. This requirement applies to both the national and state-specific sections separately - you cannot compensate for poor performance in one section by excelling in the other.

National content typically represents about 75% of questions, while Georgia-specific regulations account for approximately 25%, though exact distributions vary by exam type.

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

Georgia requires 20 hours of pre-licensing education for each line of authority, or 40 hours for combined lines like Property and Casualty or Life and Health. These courses must be completed through Georgia-approved providers before scheduling your examination.

The certificate of completion is valid for one year from completion, requiring timely examination scheduling to avoid course repetition.

Question Types and Content

Georgia insurance exams emphasize application-based questions that test your ability to apply insurance concepts to realistic scenarios. Students report that about 1/3 of questions are terminology (definitional), 1/3 are numerical/day calculations, and 1/3 require applying knowledge to practical situations.

For Property and Casualty candidates, specialized preparation strategies can make the difference between passing and failing. Learn how to pass the property and casualty exam with targeted study tips and common mistake warnings.

Mathematical calculations appear regularly, including premium computations, deductible applications, benefit calculations, and cash value determinations.

National Content Topics

National content covers fundamental insurance principles applicable across all states, including:

• Risk management concepts
• Policy structures and provisions
• Underwriting principles
• Claims procedures
• Federal regulations (HIPAA, flood insurance programs)

Georgia-Specific Regulations

Georgia-specific content focuses on state insurance laws, licensing requirements, consumer protection regulations, and market conduct standards unique to Georgia.

Retake Policies

Georgia allows unlimited retakes but requires waiting periods: candidates must wait 14 days before retaking after the first two failed attempts, and 60 days after the third and subsequent failures.

Each retake requires paying the full examination fee of $63. Online testing is limited to two attempts per exam - all subsequent attempts must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Exam Day Logistics

What to Bring

Required Items:

• Two forms of identification (one government-issued photo ID matching your registration exactly)
• Pre-licensing certificate of completion (original)
• Examination confirmation receipt

Prohibited Items:

• Cell phones and electronic devices
• Study materials and notes
• Food and beverages
• Personal calculators (provided by testing center if needed)

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures. Late arrivals forfeit their examination fees and must reschedule.

Test-Taking Strategies

Develop systematic approaches to different question types. For scenario questions, identify key facts, understand what's being asked, and eliminate obviously incorrect answers before selecting your response.

Manage your time by setting checkpoints throughout the examination. Plan to complete approximately 25% of questions every 30 minutes, allowing time for review if you finish early.

Read each question carefully, paying attention to key words like "always," "never," "except," and "not" that can change the meaning entirely. Many errors result from misreading questions rather than lack of knowledge.

Online Testing Options

Georgia offers online proctored testing for most examinations, providing flexibility while maintaining examination integrity. Online testing requires compatible computer systems and reliable internet connections.

Choose a quiet, private location free from distractions and interruptions. Ensure your testing environment meets Pearson VUE's requirements, including adequate lighting, clear desk space, and elimination of prohibited materials.

Post-Exam Next Steps

Your examination results are available immediately upon completion, displaying pass/fail status and your actual percentage scores for each section. Failed candidates receive detailed diagnostic reports identifying performance by topic area.

Successful candidates can begin their license application process immediately through NIPR or Sircon. Georgia requires fingerprinting for all new license applicants, which must be completed after passing your examination and submitting your license application.

You must apply for your license within 12 months of passing the exam, or you'll need to retake it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates make avoidable errors that prevent success:

• Rushing through questions without reading carefully
• Second-guessing initial answers unnecessarily
• Poor time management
• Neglecting state-specific content preparation
• Overthinking questions

Mental Preparation

Test anxiety affects many candidates despite adequate knowledge. Develop stress management techniques including deep breathing exercises and positive visualization. Get adequate sleep before your examination and eat a nutritious meal to maintain focus and energy.

Maintain perspective about the examination's role in your career journey. While important, the exam is just one step toward your insurance career goals, and retakes are available if needed.

Key Contact Information

Pearson VUE: 800-274-0488 (toll-free), Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CT

Georgia Office of Insurance: Visit https://oci.georgia.gov/ for licensing information and forms

Candidate Handbook: Available on Pearson VUE's website for detailed exam procedures and requirements

Conclusion

Understanding what to expect on the Georgia insurance exam removes much of the uncertainty surrounding this important career milestone. The examination system is designed to be fair and comprehensive while ensuring licensed agents possess the knowledge necessary to serve consumers effectively.

Focus your preparation on building solid understanding of both national insurance principles and Georgia-specific regulations. For comprehensive study strategies that work across all states, learn how to study for and pass the insurance licensing exam with proven techniques that help thousands of candidates succeed.

With proper preparation and realistic expectations about the examination format and requirements, you can successfully pass your Georgia insurance exam and begin a rewarding career in Georgia's dynamic insurance marketplace.

Starting from scratch? Learn how to become an insurance agent with no experience and discover how thousands of career changers have successfully entered the insurance industry.