Complete Property & Casualty Exam Study Guide

Combined or split: know your state's exam structure

Property and casualty licensing is tested in one of two ways depending on your state: a single combined Property & Casualty exam, or two separate exams (Property, and Casualty) that can usually be taken in one sitting or separately. Your state's candidate handbook - published by its exam vendor (Pearson VUE, PSI, or Prometric) - states which structure applies, along with the question count, time limit, passing score, and fee.

Like all producer exams, each exam has a national section and a state-law section. Find your state on the P&C practice test hub - every state page links to that state's official regulator and vendor sources.

Property side: master the forms

Property questions revolve around standardized policy forms and what each one covers:

• Homeowners forms (HO-2, HO-3, HO-4, HO-5, HO-6, HO-8). Know the coverage A-F structure, which perils each form covers, and who each form is designed for. This is the highest-yield memorization on the property side.
• Dwelling forms (DP-1, DP-2, DP-3). Basic vs. broad vs. special perils, and when a dwelling form is used instead of a homeowners form.
• Commercial property. Building and personal property form, causes-of-loss forms, business income coverage, and coinsurance math - expect at least one calculation question.
• Inland marine and floaters. When property 'floats' away from a fixed location and how scheduled coverage works.
• Valuation concepts. Actual cash value vs. replacement cost, coinsurance penalties, and deductible application.

Casualty side: think in terms of legal liability

• Negligence and legal liability. The four elements of negligence, defenses, and vicarious liability - the conceptual backbone of every casualty question.
• Personal auto policy. The six parts (liability, medical payments, uninsured motorist, physical damage, duties after loss, general provisions) and how limits apply. Expect several questions.
• Commercial general liability. Coverage A/B/C, occurrence vs. claims-made triggers, and common exclusions.
• Workers compensation. Exclusive remedy, employer's liability, and how benefits are structured in your state.
• Bonds and crime coverage. Surety vs. fidelity, and who the three parties to a bond are.
• Claims concepts. Duties after loss, subrogation, arbitration, and unfair claims practices.

A practical P&C study sequence

P&C has the largest vocabulary of the license lines, so practice volume matters more here than anywhere else. A sequence that works:

• Take a baseline mock exam on your state's P&C page before studying - it maps your weak areas.
• Study the property forms first (they are the most memorization-heavy), then casualty concepts, then state law.
• Drill with quiz mode daily; read every explanation for missed questions - the 330-question P&C bank on this site explains every answer.
• Do coinsurance and liability-limit calculations on paper until they are mechanical; there are always a few math questions.
• Finish with timed mock exams until scores sit comfortably above your state's passing mark.

To study offline, download the free P&C questions and answers PDF - the full 330-question bank with the answer key and explanations.

Start practicing in your state

Most-used P&C practice pages right now:

• Michigan Property & Casualty Practice Exam
• New York Property & Casualty Practice Exam
• Arizona Property & Casualty Practice Exam
• Georgia Property & Casualty Practice Exam
• North Carolina Property & Casualty Practice Exam

All states are listed on the P&C hub. Also preparing for life? See how to pass the life insurance exam the first time.

Editorial note

This article is an independent study guide. It is not official licensing advice and does not guarantee a passing score. Confirm current exam requirements with your state insurance department and the official candidate handbook.

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