Best Study Tips for Passing the SC Insurance Exam

Getting your South Carolina insurance license is a big step—and like any test, success comes down to how well you prepare. Whether you’re pursuing a license in Property & Casualty, Life, Health, or a combination, your best chance of passing on the first try is to study smart.

Here are the best study tips to help you confidently prepare for the South Carolina insurance exam—and pass it.

1. Use a State-Approved Pre-Licensing Course

Before anything else, invest in a reliable, SC-specific pre-licensing course. While South Carolina doesn’t require pre-licensing education for Life & Health, it is required for Property & Casualty—and strongly recommended across the board.

Look for a course that offers:

  • Clear, easy-to-understand lessons
  • Mobile-friendly access
  • Practice exams and quizzes
  • Certificate of completion

SCInsuranceSchool.com offers online courses designed specifically for South Carolina students with all the tools you need to prepare effectively.

2. Create a Study Plan (And Stick to It)

Consistency beats cramming. Make a weekly study schedule that fits your lifestyle and includes:

  • Short sessions (30–60 minutes at a time)
  • A mix of reading, video, and practice questions
  • Time to review previous material
  • Specific goals each week (e.g., “Finish Chapter 3 by Friday”)

Treat studying like an appointment—show up for it, no matter what.

3. Focus on One Topic at a Time

The exam covers a wide range of concepts, so don’t try to absorb everything at once. Break it down:

  • Start with core concepts: types of policies, terms, and definitions
  • Then move to laws and regulations
  • Save state-specific rules for review once you’ve mastered the basics

4. Use Practice Exams Strategically

Taking practice exams is one of the most effective ways to retain information and reduce test anxiety. Here’s how to use them wisely:

  • Take a baseline test early to identify weak areas
  • Review every answer—even the ones you got right
  • As test day gets closer, simulate real exam conditions: time yourself, turn off distractions, and sit through a full-length practice test

Aim to consistently score above 80% before sitting for the real exam.

5. Don’t Just Memorize—Understand

The exam tests your ability to apply information, not just recite it. For example:

  • Instead of just memorizing the definition of “deductible,” understand how deductibles affect premiums and claims
  • Rather than simply knowing what an HMO is, learn how it works compared to PPOs

Use real-world examples and scenarios to reinforce your understanding.

6. Prioritize the South Carolina-Specific Content

Each licensing exam includes state-specific law questions. Make sure you thoroughly review sections on:

  • South Carolina Department of Insurance regulations
  • Continuing education requirements
  • State-specific policy rules and definitions

This is especially important for Life & Health candidates, who are not required to take pre-licensing but will still be tested on SC law.

7. Build in Review Time

Don’t finish your last lesson the day before your exam. Build in 3–5 days at the end of your study plan for final review. Use this time to:

  • Revisit tough concepts
  • Retake quizzes
  • Focus on state law
  • Review vocabulary and definitions

The more familiar the content feels, the less likely you are to freeze under pressure.

8. Take Care of Your Mind and Body

This might seem obvious, but it matters:

  • Get 7–8 hours of sleep before study sessions and exam day
  • Take breaks to stretch or walk—movement boosts memory
  • Avoid information overload; more is not always better

You’ll absorb more with a calm, rested brain than with a tired, stressed one.

Bonus: What to Expect on Test Day

Once you’ve studied and feel ready:

  • Schedule your exam through PSI Exams (P&C) or Pearson VUE (Life & Health)
  • Bring a valid photo ID
  • Arrive early (or log in early, if testing online)
  • Expect 70–150 multiple-choice questions, depending on your license type
  • You’ll need a 70% to pass

Ready to Start Studying? We’re Here to Help.

At SCInsuranceSchool.com, our online courses are designed to help you study smarter—not harder. Whether you’re brand new to insurance or returning for a career shift, we’ll walk you through every topic and help you build the confidence to pass.

Have questions about the exam or course options?
Reach out through our contact page—we’re here to support your success.