Georgia Surplus Lines exam-day guide
Georgia Surplus Lines · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired driver's license, state ID, or passport with a name matching your registration exactly. If your name changed or your registration has a typo, contact the provider before test day; do not assume on-site staff can fix it.
Exam admission confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email or scheduling receipt showing your exam window, test center or remote-proctoring details, and candidate ID. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is accepted.
Provider's candidate handbook and content outline
Download the current Georgia surplus lines candidate bulletin from your exam provider and read the rules on scheduling, ID, calculators, and score reporting. Requirements vary by provider and change over time; confirm with the provider that you have the current version.
Approved calculator
Confirm in the candidate bulletin which calculator models are permitted. Many providers allow only basic or specified models and may supply one on screen. Do not bring a programmable or phone-based calculator unless the provider explicitly permits it.
Scratch paper and writing tool
Many test centers supply scratch materials and prohibit bringing your own; remote sessions often allow a dry-erase board or blank sheets under camera view. Confirm with the provider what is allowed and whether you must show and erase materials at the end.
Remote-proctoring system check
If testing online, run the provider's equipment check several days ahead: camera, microphone, browser lock, and internet stability. Clear your desk and room of notes, phones, and second screens per the provider's rules. Confirm with the provider the room and desk requirements.
Study materials for final review
Bring only concise outlines, key definitions, and practice-question misses. Loose notes, printed quizzes, or a phone are usually not allowed in the testing room; leave them in a locker or car and review before check-in.
Logistics plan
Know the exact address, parking, and arrival time, or for remote testing the check-in link and start time. Plan to arrive or log in early; late arrivals may be refused entry or lose their seat fee. Confirm the provider's arrival cutoff.
Knowledge of your state's licensing steps
Review where the exam fits in Georgia's surplus lines licensing process, including any prelicensing education, application, fingerprinting, and fee steps handled through the state licensing authority or its vendor. Confirm current requirements with the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire or the provider, since rules and vendors change.
Rest, hydration, and a light snack plan
Sleep well the night before and eat a normal meal. Check the provider's policy on food, drink, and water breaks in the testing room; some centers prohibit all items at the workstation. Confirm with the provider before relying on a snack break.
Backup plan for technology or illness
Know the provider's reschedule and cancellation policy, including fees and notice periods, and save the support phone number. If a remote session fails, follow the provider's documented reconnection steps rather than restarting on your own. Confirm the policy with the provider.
Review of question strategy
Decide in advance how you will handle flagged questions, guessing, and time checks. Most licensing exams are scored on correct answers with no penalty for guessing, but confirm the scoring and time-allotment rules with the provider before test day.
Plan the day
Stop reading new material. Rework your missed practice questions and the definitions you keep confusing, especially surplus lines eligibility, diligent search, export lists, and surplus lines broker duties. Take one timed practice set under exam-like conditions, then review every miss and note the reason: unknown term, misread question, or rushed guess.
Confirm logistics: test center address or remote check-in instructions, start time, arrival cutoff, ID name match, and calculator policy. Re-read the provider's candidate bulletin sections on conduct, prohibited items, breaks, and score reporting. If anything is unclear, confirm with the provider now rather than on test day.
Build a one-page sheet of high-yield facts in your own words: who may place business with nonadmitted insurers, the diligent search and declination documentation expectations, the role of the surplus lines broker versus the retail agent, premium tax and stamping fee handling, and recordkeeping duties. Keep it for review only; do not plan to bring it into the room.
Do a light review of your one-page sheet and key definitions, then stop. For remote testing, run the system check again, update the proctoring software if instructed, and confirm your room meets the provider's requirements. Charge devices, set two alarms, and prepare your ID and confirmation in one place.
Avoid cramming new topics and avoid late-night practice exams. Confirm what you may bring and wear, whether a locker is available, and how breaks work. If you feel unprepared, remember that rescheduling usually requires notice and a fee; check the provider's policy before deciding.
Eat a normal meal, arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions, and bring your ID and confirmation. Leave notes, phone, smartwatch, and other prohibited items outside the testing room. Use the restroom before check-in, since unscheduled breaks may be limited or unavailable.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as EXCEPT, BEST, and FIRST. Answer easy questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Budget time so you can review flagged items; do not leave blanks unless the provider penalizes wrong answers, which is uncommon. Confirm the scoring rule with the provider beforehand.
If a technical problem occurs during a remote session, stay calm, follow the provider's documented support steps, and note the time. Do not open other applications or leave camera view. After the exam, keep your score report and confirmation; if you did not pass, review the provider's retake waiting period and fee before rescheduling.
Rules to check
Bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID whose name matches your registration. Candidates without acceptable ID are commonly turned away and may forfeit fees; confirm the exact ID policy with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions on prohibited items. Phones, smartwatches, notes, and often calculators not on the approved list must be stored as directed. Do not access them during the exam, including during breaks.
Know the break policy before test day. Many licensing exams allow no unscheduled breaks or pause the clock only in limited circumstances; leaving the room or camera view without permission can end your session. Confirm with the provider.
Do not communicate with anyone during the exam or use unauthorized materials. Attempting to copy questions, photograph screens, or share content can void your score and may affect future eligibility.
Understand the scoring and reporting rules. Most licensing exams report a pass or fail with a scaled score and provide no penalty for guessing, but the exact scale, passing point, and report timing vary by provider; confirm with the provider.
If you fail, follow the provider's retake rules, including any waiting period and fee, and the state's requirements for reapplying. Do not assume you can retake immediately; confirm current rules with the provider and the Georgia licensing authority.
Keep your contact information and address current with the provider and the state licensing authority, since score reports and license documents may be sent by mail or email.
Arrive or log in by the provider's cutoff time. Late arrival can result in refusal of entry or a forfeited fee, and remote sessions may be terminated if check-in is not completed on schedule; confirm the cutoff with the provider.