CIC Life & Health exam-day guide
CIC Life & Health · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Confirmation of appointment
Have your confirmation email or scheduling notice accessible, including the test center address, start time, and any candidate ID number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Approved calculator
Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted and whether one is supplied on-screen. Do not assume a personal calculator is allowed.
Test center logistics plan
Know the exact address, parking or transit options, and arrival buffer. For a remote-proctored exam, confirm the platform, system check, and room requirements with the provider.
Review of exam format and timing
Re-read the official candidate handbook for the number of questions, time limit, and any scheduled breaks. Do not rely on memory or third-party summaries.
Scratch paper and writing instrument policy
Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper and pencils are supplied or prohibited. Do not bring your own unless explicitly permitted.
Personal items plan
Plan where to store phone, watch, wallet, and study materials. Most providers prohibit these in the testing room; confirm storage rules with the provider.
Medication and accommodation needs
If you need medication, food, or extra time, confirm approved accommodations with the provider in advance and bring any required documentation.
Rest and nutrition plan
Schedule adequate sleep and a normal meal before the exam. Avoid new caffeine or supplement routines on test day.
Backup contact and route
Save the provider's contact number and a backup transportation plan in case of delay. Report emergencies to the provider as soon as possible.
Knowledge of scoring and retake policy
Understand how the exam is scored and what happens if you do not pass. Confirm the retake waiting period and fees with the provider; do not assume details.
Arrival time confirmation
Verify the required arrival time, which is often earlier than the exam start. Confirm with the provider and plan to arrive with buffer.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment details, test center location or remote-proctoring setup, and ID requirements with the provider. Take one full-length timed practice test under exam conditions, then review only the explanations for missed questions. Stop introducing new study materials; consolidate notes on state-specific insurance regulations and core life and health concepts. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and approved items in one place.
Do a light review of high-yield topics such as policy provisions, underwriting, annuities, and health insurance basics, but avoid cramming. Confirm transportation and, for remote exams, run the system check and clear your desk. Set out clothes, ID, and confirmation. Aim for a full night's sleep and avoid alcohol. Confirm the test center's phone number and your arrival time.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early, or log in early for a remote exam. Leave prohibited items such as phones and notes at home or in your car. Do a brief calm breathing exercise and remind yourself of your pacing plan. If you are delayed, call the provider immediately.
Read each question fully and identify the key term before looking at the answer choices. Answer easier questions first and flag difficult ones to revisit. For calculation questions, estimate the answer before computing and check units. Use breaks only as allowed, and remember the clock may keep running. If a technical issue occurs, raise your hand or contact the proctor immediately and note the time.
Rules to check
Bring the exact government-issued photo ID required by the provider; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms and whether a secondary ID is needed with the provider before test day.
Arrive at the test center at the time specified by the provider, which is typically earlier than the exam start. Late arrivals may be denied entry or have time deducted; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or other prohibited items into the testing room. Follow the provider's storage rules and confirm what is allowed with the provider.
Breaks are generally limited and may not stop the exam clock. Confirm the break policy for your exam with the provider and plan hydration accordingly.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's candidate conduct rules. Unauthorized materials, communication, or leaving the testing area may result in score cancellation.
Scoring is typically reported as pass or fail based on a predetermined standard; individual question scores are not usually provided. Confirm the scoring method and any score report details with the provider.
If you do not pass, the retake waiting period, fees, and attempt limits are set by the provider. Confirm these rules in the candidate handbook rather than assuming.
Request any accommodations, such as extra time or a separate room, well before the exam and provide required documentation. Confirm approval and logistics with the provider.