IIQE Paper 2 Guide: General Insurance Exam | 50 Questions Fully Explained + Passing Tips
The ultimate IIQE Paper 2 (General Insurance) study guide! In-depth breakdown of all four chapters, high-frequency exam topics, employees' compensation insurance and motor third party insurance must-know areas, with study strategies and exam techniques to help you pass the 70% threshold on your first attempt!
IIQE Paper 2 Exam Overview: General Insurance
The Insurance Intermediaries Qualifying Examination (IIQE) Paper 2, officially titled the "Examination for General Insurance," is a statutory qualifying examination administered by VTC PEAK (formerly the VTC Examination Centre). To legally sell general insurance products in Hong Kong (such as fire insurance, motor insurance, employees' compensation insurance, etc.), you must pass Paper 2 and also hold a passing result for Paper 1 (Principles and Practice of Insurance).
The biggest difference between general insurance and life insurance is that general insurance protects against property loss and legal liability, rather than a person's life. Fire insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, motor insurance, and other types of coverage encountered in everyday life all fall under the scope of general insurance. Since general insurance involves a wide variety of products with complex terms and conditions, Paper 2 covers a very broad examination scope. If you intend to work as a general insurance intermediary, or want to expand your insurance business scope, Paper 2 is a hurdle you must clear.
Below are the basic details of the Paper 2 exam. We recommend you familiarize yourself with these fundamentals first, so you can study with a clearer sense of direction:
- Number of Questions50 multiple-choice questions, all in A/B/C/D format with one correct answer — no multi-select or fill-in-the-blank questions
- Exam Duration75 minutes, which means approximately 1.5 minutes per question on average — time is quite tight
- Passing Standard70%, meaning you need to answer 35 or more questions correctly. In other words, you can afford at most 15 wrong answers, so careful error management is essential
- Exam LanguageChinese or English (candidate's choice). The language must be selected at registration and cannot be changed on the day, so think carefully about which language you are more comfortable answering in
- OrganizerPEAK (Vocational Training Council), which is responsible for setting questions, arranging venues, and marking papers
Make sure to remember these basic details, especially the passing standard and time limit. Many candidates fail to study with sufficient focus because they are unclear about needing 35 correct answers to pass. Once you know these numbers, you can plan your study strategy more precisely.
Exam Modes and Fees
PEAK offers three examination modes, and candidates can choose according to their needs. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages — consider your schedule, budget, and personal preferences before deciding:
- Written ExamFee: HK$185. Taken at a designated examination centre using a paper answer sheet. This is the most traditional exam mode with the lowest fee, but the downside is that you have to wait about two weeks for results, and the waiting period can be quite stressful. Also, written exam sessions are relatively limited, so check the exam dates before registering.
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)Fee: HK$250. Taken at a PEAK examination centre using a computer, with results available immediately. CBT is currently the most popular mode because you find out whether you passed right away, without the agony of waiting. CBT exam sessions are widely available throughout the year, offering great flexibility. The computer also provides a built-in calculator function, which is very helpful for calculation questions.
- Remote ExamFee: HK$850. Candidates can take the exam at home via computer with a camera-based proctoring system, suitable for those who cannot attend in person. This mode has the highest fee but offers the convenience of not having to travel to an examination centre — particularly suitable for candidates living far away, overseas, or with mobility challenges. However, note that your home environment must meet strict proctoring requirements — no one else can be in the room, your desk must be clean, no reference materials allowed, and PEAK will monitor via camera throughout the exam.
Computer-Based Testing (CBT) is currently the most popular mode because you can find out immediately whether you passed, and exam sessions are widely available throughout the year. Although the written exam has the lowest fee, having to wait about two weeks for results creates relatively more psychological stress. The remote exam is suitable for candidates who are overseas or have mobility challenges, but the home environment must meet proctoring requirements (e.g., no one else present, desk must be clean). If this is your first time taking the exam, we recommend choosing CBT — knowing your result on the spot feels so much better, and the extra $65 in exam fees is definitely worth it.
Relationship Between Paper 2 and Paper 1
Many candidates ask: should I take Paper 1 or Paper 2 first? This is actually an important question, because choosing the right order can make your study more efficient. The answer is we recommend taking Paper 1 first.
Paper 1 (Principles and Practice of Insurance) covers fundamental insurance concepts, such as insurable risk, basic principles of insurance contracts (utmost good faith, indemnity principle, subrogation, contribution, etc.). These principles form the foundation for Paper 2 — Paper 2 applies these concepts to specific general insurance products. If you build a solid foundation with Paper 1 first, studying Paper 2 will be much more efficient. Think of it this way: Paper 1 is like learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, while Paper 2 is using those mathematical foundations to solve applied problems — without the basics, tackling applied problems will naturally be much harder.
For example, Paper 1 teaches you the definition of the "indemnity principle," and Paper 2 will ask you: how do you apply the indemnity principle to calculate the compensation amount in a fire insurance claim? Similarly, Paper 1 covers "subrogation," and Paper 2 will test your understanding of subrogation in the context of motor insurance or property insurance. Another example is the "contribution principle" — Paper 2 will present scenarios involving multiple insurance policies and test whether you know how to calculate each insurer's proportional share of compensation. If you have already passed Paper 1, you won't need to relearn these concepts — you can apply them directly.
To legally sell general insurance products in Hong Kong, you must hold passing results for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 — both are indispensable. Some insurance companies even require job applicants to have completed both papers before joining. It is worth noting that both exam results have a 3-year validity period. If you wait too long between taking Paper 1 and Paper 2 and your Paper 1 result expires, you will need to retake it. Therefore, we recommend not leaving too long a gap between the two exams.
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Detailed Breakdown of the Four Chapters
The IIQE Paper 2 exam syllabus is divided into four chapters, each with a different weighting. Understanding the core content and exam weighting of each chapter is crucial for planning your study — you can allocate your time according to the weighting and focus your energy where it matters most. Below is a detailed breakdown of each chapter's core content and exam focus to help you study systematically.
Chapter 1: Introduction to General Insurance
This chapter serves as the introduction to the entire Paper 2, laying the foundation for the subsequent three chapters. Although its exam weighting is relatively low, the concepts are key to understanding the other chapters, so do not skip it. If your foundational concepts are unclear, the later chapters will become increasingly difficult, so don't skip this chapter to save time.
Definition and Characteristics of General Insurance
General Insurance is the category of insurance that contrasts with long-term insurance (i.e., life insurance). General insurance policies are typically short-term contracts (usually one-year terms), renewed annually, covering specific property losses or legal liabilities. Unlike life insurance, general insurance does not involve savings or investment components — its sole purpose is risk transfer. In the exam, pay attention to distinguishing the policy characteristics of general insurance versus long-term insurance. For example, your motor insurance is renewed once a year, and the premium may be adjusted each time based on your driving record — this is a typical characteristic of general insurance. In contrast, life insurance policies may be signed for 20 years or even for life.
Differences Between General Insurance and Long-Term Insurance
General insurance operates on the core principle of "indemnity," aiming to restore the insured to their financial position before the loss — compensation will not exceed the actual loss amount. Long-term insurance (life insurance) involves savings and investment components, with longer policy terms, and the payout is a pre-agreed sum assured. General insurance premiums are typically reassessed annually based on risk conditions, while long-term insurance premiums may be locked in at the time of purchase. The exam frequently tests the differences between the two in comparison-style questions, so candidates must have a clear understanding. Here is a simple comparison to help you understand: if you purchase fire insurance with a sum insured of $500,000 and the fire only causes $100,000 in damage, the insurer will only pay $100,000 (indemnity principle), not the full $500,000. But life insurance is different — if the sum assured is $1,000,000 and the trigger conditions are met, the full amount is paid out regardless of the "actual loss."
Underwriting and Claims Process
The complete process from risk assessment, quotation, policy issuance, to post-incident claims notification, loss assessment (role of loss adjusters), adjustment, and payment. The exam frequently asks about the rights and obligations of the insurer and the insured at each stage. For example, the insured has a duty to notify the insurer within a reasonable time after an incident occurs and to take reasonable steps to minimize the loss; the insurer has the right to appoint a loss adjuster to assess the extent of the damage. Understanding this process helps you answer scenario-based questions. In practice, the entire process works like this: before the policy is issued, the insurer conducts "underwriting," deciding based on the level of risk whether to accept the business and how much premium to charge. After the policy is issued, if an incident occurs, the insured must notify the insurer as soon as possible. The insurer then appoints a Loss Adjuster to assess the damage, and finally calculates the compensation amount according to the policy terms and makes the payment. Every step of this process can appear in exam questions.
Reinsurance Concepts
Reinsurance is an arrangement where an insurance company transfers part of its risk to another insurance company (the reinsurer). Think of it this way: after an insurer takes on risk from its clients, it also wants to transfer some of that risk, so it "buys insurance" from a reinsurer. The main purposes of reinsurance include risk diversification, increasing underwriting capacity, and stabilizing business performance. The main forms include Treaty Reinsurance — where the insurer and reinsurer agree in advance that all qualifying business is automatically ceded; and Facultative Reinsurance — where each piece of business is individually arranged. Additionally, you need to distinguish between Proportional Reinsurance (where premiums and claims are shared in proportion to the sum insured) and Non-Proportional Reinsurance (excess of loss reinsurance, which only triggers when the loss exceeds a specified amount). The exam will test the characteristics and applicable situations of each type of reinsurance. Here is a practical example: suppose an insurer underwrites fire insurance for a commercial building worth $1 billion — it may only want to retain $200 million of the risk, with the remaining $800 million being transferred through reinsurance arrangements.
Chapter 1 Study Tips: Although the concepts in this chapter are relatively abstract, the exam questions are quite straightforward, mostly definition and comparison questions. We recommend using tables to organize the differences between general insurance and long-term insurance, as well as comparisons of the various types of reinsurance, for quick revision before the exam. Once you have these concepts memorized, you will find the subsequent chapters much easier to study.
Chapter 2: Property Insurance
This chapter is one of the key chapters of Paper 2, with a high exam weighting and rich content. It covers multiple property insurance products and their policy terms in detail, with fire insurance calculation questions appearing particularly frequently. If your study time is limited, this chapter must be a priority — calculation questions are where many candidates lose marks, but once you master the formulas and calculation steps, they actually become the easiest type of question to score on.
Fire Insurance
Fire insurance is the most traditional and historically oldest form of property insurance. Standard fire insurance policies cover losses caused by fire and lightning. Pay particular attention to the exclusions of standard fire insurance policies (such as war, nuclear risks, natural disasters like earthquakes, etc.) — these are frequently tested exam points. Additionally, fire insurance policies can usually expand their coverage through extensions, such as adding flood or typhoon coverage. In Hong Kong, mortgage lending generally requires property owners to purchase fire insurance to protect the property. An exam scenario question might ask: "Which of the following losses falls within the coverage of a standard fire insurance policy?" and then list several options such as fire damage, earthquake damage, natural wear and tear, etc. — you need to distinguish which are covered and which are not.
Average Clause (Co-insurance Clause)
This is the most important calculation concept in fire insurance and indeed the entire Paper 2, with related questions appearing in almost every exam. If the sum insured is less than the actual value of the property, the insurer considers the insured to have self-insured part of the risk, and compensation will be proportionally reduced. The formula is: Compensation = Loss x (Sum Insured / Actual Value).
Let us explain with a practical example: suppose the actual value of your property is $1,000,000, but you only insured it for $600,000. Unfortunately, a fire occurs causing $200,000 in damage. How would the insurer calculate the payout? Compensation = $200,000 x ($600,000 / $1,000,000) = $120,000. This means you bear $80,000 of the loss yourself. Why? Because your sum insured was insufficient — the insurer considers you to have "self-insured" 40% of the risk, so the compensation is proportionally reduced.
Here is another example: if the same property is insured for $1,000,000 (i.e., fully insured) and a $200,000 loss occurs, the insurer will pay the full $200,000 because the average clause is not triggered. So the key point is: the sum insured must equal or exceed the actual value of the property, otherwise compensation will be reduced. This type of calculation question appears in almost every exam, so practice repeatedly until you can answer quickly and accurately.
Household Insurance
Household insurance covers furniture, appliances, and personal belongings within a residence, as well as the occupant's legal liability to third parties. The exam frequently tests the difference between household insurance and fire insurance: fire insurance primarily covers the building structure (walls, floors, fixed installations), while household insurance covers movable property inside the home. Some household insurance plans also cover temporary accommodation expenses (additional accommodation costs when the residence becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event). Candidates should note common exclusions in household insurance — for example, cash and jewelry exceeding specified limits are typically not covered. To illustrate: if your walls are damaged by fire, that falls under fire insurance; but if the TV, sofa, and clothing inside your home are destroyed by fire, that falls under household insurance. Many homeowners assume that buying fire insurance covers everything, but that is not the case — fire insurance and household insurance have different coverage scopes, and the exam frequently tests this distinction.
All Risks Insurance
In contrast to Named Perils Policies, All Risks Insurance covers all risks except those specifically listed as exclusions in the policy. However, candidates should note that "All Risks" does not truly cover every risk — the policy still has exclusion clauses; for example, natural wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and intentional acts are typically not covered. Exam questions may present several loss scenarios and ask candidates to determine which fall within All Risks coverage and which are exclusions. This concept is very important: the name "All Risks" can easily create the misconception that "everything is covered," but in reality it simply defines coverage in reverse — items listed as not covered are the exclusions, and everything else is covered. The exam frequently uses this misconception to set trap questions.
Engineering Insurance
Engineering insurance is a more specialized area, including Contractors' All Risks (CAR), Erection All Risks (EAR), and Machinery Breakdown insurance, among others. What makes engineering insurance unique is that: the coverage period typically follows the project timeline rather than a fixed one-year term; the sum insured adjusts as the project progresses; and there are more stakeholders involved (owners, contractors, subcontractors, etc.). The exam may ask about the differences between engineering insurance and general property insurance in terms of coverage period and sum insured. For example, a construction project may last three years, and the engineering insurance coverage period follows the entire project timeline rather than being renewed annually. This is a fundamental difference from ordinary property insurance (renewed yearly).
Deductible / Excess
A deductible is the amount the insured must bear in each claim, with the insurer only paying the portion exceeding the deductible. The purpose of setting a deductible is to reduce small claims, lower administrative costs, and encourage the insured to manage minor risks themselves. For example, with a $5,000 deductible policy, if the loss is $20,000, the actual compensation is $15,000. But if the loss is only $3,000 — below the deductible — the insurer will not make any payment. The exam may combine deductibles and the average clause in calculation questions, and candidates should note the calculation order — generally, apply the average clause first to calculate proportional compensation, then deduct the deductible.
Let us demonstrate with a comprehensive calculation question: actual property value is $2,000,000, sum insured is $1,000,000, loss amount is $400,000, and deductible is $10,000. Step one, apply the average clause: $400,000 x ($1,000,000 / $2,000,000) = $200,000. Step two, deduct the deductible: $200,000 - $10,000 = $190,000. So the insurer ultimately pays $190,000. This type of comprehensive question may appear in the exam, so you must know how to do it.
Chapter 2 Study Tips: The calculation questions in this chapter are of paramount importance. We recommend doing plenty of practice questions to ensure you can quickly complete average clause and deductible calculations under pressure. Additionally, clearly distinguish the coverage scope and exclusions of different types of property insurance — the exam likes to use comparison questions. Write the calculation formulas on flashcards and review them several times daily, so you won't forget them due to nervousness during the exam.
Chapter 3: Liability Insurance and Other Insurance
This chapter is the most important chapter of Paper 2, as it covers compulsory insurance required by Hong Kong law, with an extremely high exam weighting and a large number of questions from this chapter in every exam. If time is limited, prioritize studying this chapter. The reason this chapter is so important is that compulsory insurance is a legal requirement in Hong Kong — it is not a matter of "buying it if you want to" but rather "not buying it is breaking the law." The exam setters know that this content is critically important for insurance practitioners, which is why it is heavily tested every time.
Employees' Compensation Insurance
Under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282 of the Laws of Hong Kong), all employers must take out employees' compensation insurance for their employees — this is one of Hong Kong's two compulsory insurance requirements. Regardless of the number of employees, whether full-time or part-time, the employer has a legal obligation to insure. Even if you only hire one part-time helper, you must still purchase employees' compensation insurance for them — there are no exceptions.
Key exam topics include: the scope of the employer's legal liability, the method for calculating compensation (based on the employee's wages and degree of incapacity), the minimum coverage requirements of the policy, and the legal definitions of "in the course of employment" and "arising out of and in the course of employment." If an employer fails to insure, the maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 2 years — these figures are must-know exam points.
Pay particular attention to the fact that the definition of "in the course of employment" is broader than you might expect. For example, an employee who is involved in a traffic accident while commuting to or from work may, in certain circumstances, be considered to be "in the course of employment" — this is a common exam trap question. Additionally, the employee's medical expenses after a work injury, compensation for temporary or permanent incapacity, and even death benefits all have specific calculation methods and statutory standards, which the exam may test you on.
Motor Third Party Insurance
Under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272 of the Laws of Hong Kong), all motor vehicles used on roads must carry minimum third party risk insurance — this is Hong Kong's other compulsory insurance requirement. Third party insurance covers the vehicle owner's legal liability for bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties in traffic accidents.
Candidates need to distinguish between third party liability insurance (covering only third parties) and comprehensive motor insurance (which also covers damage to your own vehicle). The law only requires third party liability insurance; comprehensive insurance is purchased voluntarily. The penalties for non-compliance are a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 12 months, and the offender may also be disqualified from driving.
The operation of the "No Claims Discount (NCD)" is also a frequently tested topic — vehicle owners with a continuous claims-free record receive a premium discount, but once a claim is made, the NCD is reset. For example: if you have been claims-free for 5 consecutive years, your NCD may have reached 60% (meaning you pay only 40% of the premium). But if you make a claim this year, your NCD will be reset to 0%, and next year's premium will increase significantly. This mechanism is designed to encourage safe driving and reduce small claims. The exam will test you on how the NCD works and the reset rules.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance covers the insured's legal liability for bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties through business operations, property management, and other activities. For example, if a shopping mall's wet floor causes a customer to slip and be injured, the property owner can be covered through public liability insurance. Similarly, if a restaurant causes food poisoning due to food hygiene issues, public liability insurance can provide coverage for such claims. Although public liability insurance is not legally compulsory, it is virtually essential in the practical business environment. The exam will test coverage scope, common exclusions (e.g., contractual liability is usually not covered), and the concept of indemnity limits. Candidates should remember that public liability insurance covers the insured's legal liability arising from negligence — intentional acts are not covered.
Product Liability Insurance
Product liability insurance covers the legal liability of manufacturers, importers, and distributors when their defective products cause injury to consumers or damage to property. Candidates need to understand the concept of "strict liability" — in some jurisdictions, even if the manufacturer has exercised reasonable care, they may still be held liable for product defects. Additionally, distinguish between the trigger mechanisms for product liability insurance: Occurrence Basis, which uses the date of the incident, and Claims-made Basis, which uses the date the claim is filed. This distinction is a high-frequency exam topic. For example: a toy company produces a batch of defective toys. Even if they have conducted all quality inspections, if a child is injured by these toys, the company may still be held legally liable — this is the concept of "strict liability."
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance covers professionals (such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, etc.) against claims arising from professional negligence or errors. This type of insurance typically operates on a Claims-made Basis, meaning the policy only covers claims filed during the policy period, not when the incident occurred. Therefore, professionals may face claims even after retirement and may need to purchase an "Extended Reporting Period" for continued coverage.
The exam may test the practical application of claims-made basis and occurrence basis through scenario questions. For example: a lawyer made a professional error in 2024, but the client did not discover it and file a claim until 2026. If the lawyer's 2024 policy has expired and there is a new policy in 2026, which policy is responsible? The answer is the 2026 policy, because professional indemnity insurance uses the claims-made basis, determined by the date the claim is filed. This type of timeline analysis question is a high-frequency exam question type.
Special Reminder: Employees' compensation insurance and motor third party insurance are Hong Kong's only two statutory compulsory insurance types, and multiple questions on these topics appear in virtually every exam. Candidates must thoroughly study the core provisions of the relevant ordinances, the penalties for non-compliance, the coverage scope, and exclusions. We recommend creating a comparison table listing the ordinance numbers, penalties, coverage scope, etc. of the two compulsory insurance types side by side for easy memorization. You should commit the following comparison table to memory:
| Item | Employees' Compensation Insurance | Motor Third Party Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | Cap. 282 | Cap. 272 |
| Fine for Non-Compliance | Up to $100,000 | Up to $10,000 |
| Imprisonment for Non-Compliance | Up to 2 years | Up to 12 months |
| Other Penalties | — | May be disqualified from driving |
| Coverage Target | Employees' work-related injury or death | Third party bodily injury/property damage |
Chapter 3 Study Tips: This chapter is the key to scoring well. We recommend allocating at least 30% of your total study time to this chapter. Beyond memorizing the legal provisions and figures for compulsory insurance, also understand the differences between various types of liability insurance, as well as the differences between occurrence basis and claims-made basis. The exam frequently uses case-based questions, asking candidates to determine which type of liability insurance should cover a given scenario. Memorize the comparison table above thoroughly, and you will feel much more confident during the exam.
Chapter 4: Marine, Aviation and Transportation Insurance
This chapter covers more specialized areas of insurance. While its exam weighting is relatively lower, there is still a fair number of questions, and it should not be completely ignored. Mastering the core concepts is sufficient — you don't need to delve into highly technical details. The content of this chapter may be less familiar from your everyday life, but as long as you grasp a few core concepts, it is actually not difficult to master.
Marine Cargo Insurance
Marine cargo insurance covers losses to goods caused by various risks during maritime transportation. It is an indispensable form of coverage in international trade. Candidates need to understand the differences between three standard coverage clauses — ICC(A), ICC(B), and ICC(C). ICC(A) is "All Risks," offering the broadest coverage, insuring against all risks except those specifically listed as exclusions. ICC(B) provides intermediate coverage, insuring against named risks (such as fire, explosion, vessel stranding, etc.). ICC(C) provides the most basic coverage, only insuring against serious named risks. The exam will require candidates to determine whether a particular type of loss is covered under a specific ICC clause.
Here is a simple way to remember: ICC(A) is like "All Risks," covering virtually everything (except exclusions); ICC(B) is the "middle" level of coverage, covering more types of risk than (C) but not as comprehensively as (A); ICC(C) is the "basic" level, only covering the most severe risks. For example, cargo damage caused by seawater ingress would be covered under ICC(A) and ICC(B), but not under ICC(C). The exam frequently features comparison questions asking "which ICC clause covers this and which doesn't."
Hull Insurance
Hull insurance covers damage to or total loss of the vessel itself due to accidents (such as collision, grounding, fire, severe weather, etc.). Key exam topics include the definitions and differences between Actual Total Loss and Constructive Total Loss. An actual total loss means the vessel is completely destroyed or cannot be restored to its original condition. A constructive total loss means the vessel has not been completely destroyed, but the repair costs would exceed its repaired value — in this case, the insured may choose to abandon the vessel and claim a total loss from the insurer. Here is a practical example: a vessel worth $5 million runs aground, and the estimated repair costs are $6 million. Since the repair costs exceed the vessel's value, the insured can declare a constructive total loss, abandon the vessel, and claim the total loss amount from the insurer. This concept frequently appears as multiple-choice questions in the exam.
Aviation Insurance
Aviation insurance encompasses aircraft hull insurance (covering damage to the aircraft itself), aviation liability insurance (liability to passengers and ground-level third parties), and more. What makes aviation insurance unique is the high concentration of risk and the extremely large potential loss from a single incident, resulting in relatively expensive premiums that typically require the support of the international reinsurance market. Candidates only need to understand the basic classifications and characteristics of aviation insurance — there is no need to study specific policy terms in depth. It is worth noting that aviation insurance premiums are among the highest of all insurance categories, because the compensation for a single air disaster can reach astronomical figures.
General Average
General average is the most important and unique concept in marine insurance, and it is almost always tested in the exam. When a vessel is in danger and the ship's master voluntarily sacrifices part of the cargo or incurs extra expenses for the common benefit of the vessel and all cargo (such as jettisoning part of the cargo to lighten the ship), these losses are shared proportionally among all benefiting parties (the shipowner and all cargo owners) according to their respective interest values.
Here is a classic example: a cargo vessel is carrying goods belonging to companies A, B, and C. During the voyage, a storm is encountered, and the master decides to jettison some of Company A's cargo to lighten the ship's weight. This loss constitutes a general average — because it was a "voluntary sacrifice" for the "common benefit," Company A's loss is not borne by A alone but is shared proportionally by the shipowner and all benefiting parties, including B and C.
In contrast, Particular Average refers to losses affecting only individual cargo owners or the shipowner, borne by the affected party alone. For example, if seawater causes damage to the goods in one particular container, that loss is the sole responsibility of that cargo owner and is not shared among others. The exam frequently uses scenario questions to test whether candidates can correctly distinguish between general average and particular average. Remember two key terms: "voluntary sacrifice" and "common benefit" — both conditions must be met for it to be general average.
Chapter 4 Study Tips: This chapter has fewer exam questions, but the concepts are unique, and candidates can easily lose marks due to unfamiliarity. We recommend spending at least two days thoroughly understanding the differences between the ICC clauses and the concept of general average. Create a summary table of the coverage scopes of ICC(A), (B), and (C), and review it quickly before the exam. The questions from this chapter are usually not overly complex — as long as you understand the core concepts, scoring points is actually quite straightforward.
After reading through all four chapters, you should now have a comprehensive understanding of the Paper 2 exam scope. Next, we will compile the high-frequency exam topics to help you further consolidate your memory and improve your answering efficiency.
High-Frequency Exam Topics
Based on feedback from past candidates and exam trends, the following are the most frequently tested topics in Paper 2. These high-frequency topics are ones that many candidates report "actually appeared in the exam," so do not neglect them. If your study time is limited, at the very least make sure you master all of these topics, as they have a very high probability of appearing:
Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282)
The employer's compulsory insurance obligation, the method for calculating compensation amounts (based on the employee's wages and degree of incapacity), the legal definition of work injury ("arising out of and in the course of employment"), the employee's right to claim under different degrees of incapacity, and the criminal penalties for employer non-compliance (maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 2 years). Note that the scope of "in the course of employment" may include certain commuting situations, which is a common exam trap. Additionally, the Employees' Compensation Ordinance's definition of "employee" is also important — self-employed persons are generally not protected under this ordinance, but if the actual working relationship constitutes an employment relationship (even if the contract states self-employment), the court may still rule that the person is an employee. Questions about "true employee or self-employed" also appear from time to time.
Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272)
The legal requirement for compulsory third party liability insurance, the minimum coverage scope, the penalties for non-compliance (maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 12 months, plus possible disqualification from driving), and the operation of the No Claims Discount (NCD) system. Candidates should note that compulsory insurance only requires third party liability coverage — comprehensive insurance is not required. Additionally, driving without a license or drink driving may affect the validity of coverage — in these situations, the insurer may have the right to refuse compensation. Another frequently tested detail is: does third party insurance cover passengers? The answer is yes — passengers in the vehicle are also considered "third parties" and are covered by the policy. However, the driver is not a third party, so the driver's own injuries are not covered under third party insurance.
Fire Insurance Policy Terms and Calculations
The coverage scope of standard fire insurance policies (fire and lightning) and common exclusions, the calculation method and application scenarios of the Average Clause. The exam almost certainly includes at least one average clause calculation question, so ensure you can quickly apply the formula: Compensation = Loss x (Sum Insured / Actual Value). Also note that if the sum insured equals or exceeds the actual value, the average clause does not apply, and the insurer will pay the full compensation (though it will never exceed the actual loss amount). Another frequently overlooked exam topic is the concept of "betterment" — if the compensation would result in the insured being in a better position than before the loss (e.g., replacing old furniture with new), the insurer has the right to deduct the difference in value between new and old.
Forms and Functions of Reinsurance
The purposes of reinsurance (risk diversification, increased underwriting capacity, stabilized performance), the differences between treaty reinsurance and facultative reinsurance (automatic cession vs. case-by-case arrangement), and the operation of proportional vs. non-proportional reinsurance. The exam may describe a reinsurance arrangement scenario and ask candidates to identify the type. For example, a question might state: "An insurer enters into an agreement with a reinsurer whereby all engineering insurance business with a sum insured exceeding $5 million automatically has the excess portion assumed by the reinsurer." You need to identify this as treaty reinsurance (because it is an automatic arrangement) and non-proportional reinsurance (because it is an excess of loss arrangement).
Deductibles and Actual Compensation Calculations
The application of deductibles and excess amounts in different insurance products. When calculating the actual compensation amount, the deductible must be subtracted first. If the average clause also applies, generally apply the average clause first to calculate the proportional compensation, then deduct the deductible (though different policies may handle this differently — pay attention to the specific conditions in the question). Exam calculation questions usually state the conditions very clearly — just follow the steps one by one and you won't go wrong. But note: if the calculated result is negative (i.e., the loss is less than the deductible), it means the insurer does not need to pay any amount.
Comparison of Marine Insurance Clauses
The coverage scope of ICC(A), ICC(B), and ICC(C) ranges from broadest to narrowest. The exam frequently presents four loss scenarios and asks candidates to determine under which ICC clause coverage is available. The principle of general average contribution is also a high-frequency topic in this chapter — understand the two key elements: "voluntary sacrifice" and "for the common benefit." Remember the mnemonic: A is the broadest, C is the narrowest, B is in between. If the question asks whether a particular loss is covered under ICC(B), you can first consider whether ICC(A) covers it — if even (A) doesn't cover it, then (B) and (C) certainly won't either.
Trigger Mechanisms for Liability Insurance
Occurrence Basis determines the responsible policy based on the date of the incident, while Claims-made Basis determines it based on the date the claim is filed. Professional indemnity insurance typically uses claims-made basis, while public liability insurance typically uses occurrence basis. The exam will present timeline scenarios — for example, an incident occurs during Policy A's year but the claim is filed during Policy B's year — and ask candidates to determine which policy provides coverage. The approach for these questions is quite simple: first determine which trigger mechanism applies, then check whether the incident date or claims filing date falls within the effective period of a particular policy.
We recommend organizing all the above high-frequency topics into notes or flashcards and reviewing them repeatedly before the exam. If you can master all of these topics, passing Paper 2 should essentially not be a problem. Next, we will share a four-week study plan to help you prepare for the exam systematically.
Four-Week Study Strategy
Paper 2 has a substantial amount of content, so we recommend allowing at least four weeks of study time. Many candidates think they can finish studying in one or two weeks, only to fail due to insufficient preparation, wasting both money and time. A four-week plan is neither too rushed nor too drawn out that you lose motivation. The following is a battle-tested study plan — follow it and your chances of passing will be greatly improved:
Week 1: Building the Foundation
The goal for the first week is to build an overall understanding of general insurance and lay a solid foundation for the in-depth study that follows. At this stage, you don't need to rush — the most important thing is to understand the concepts. If you have no prior exposure to the insurance industry, you may need extra time to digest these new concepts.
- Read Chapter 1 (Introduction to General Insurance) — understand the basic concepts of general insurance and the operation of reinsurance. At this stage, there is no need to rush into doing questions. First read through the textbook from start to finish and make sure you understand every concept. If you encounter anything unclear, look for explanations or examples online to aid understanding.
- If you have not yet passed Paper 1, first review the fundamental insurance principles (indemnity principle, subrogation, contribution, etc.). If you have already passed Paper 1, quickly refresh these concepts to make sure they are still fresh in your memory. Paper 1 knowledge forms the foundation for Paper 2 — don't assume you can forget it just because you've passed.
- Start using the 10minquiz App for Chapter 1 practice questions — familiarize yourself with the question types and exam style. In the early stages, don't worry too much about your accuracy rate — the focus is on understanding how the exam sets questions and which concepts are tested. Spending 10-15 minutes daily doing a few questions is sufficient — ideal for when you're commuting or waiting in line.
- Organize Chapter 1 notes — create a comparison table of general insurance vs. long-term insurance. The process of writing notes is itself an excellent study method, as it requires you to digest the knowledge and then express it in your own words. The comparison table can be in table format, listing the characteristics of both types of insurance side by side for a clear overview.
By the end of Week 1, you should be able to clearly explain the definition and characteristics of general insurance, its differences from long-term insurance, and the basic concepts of reinsurance. If you have mastered all of these, you can move on to Week 2.
Week 2: Focusing on Property Insurance
In the second week, you will dive into the core content of Paper 2 — property insurance. The calculation questions in this chapter are a "pain point" for many candidates, but they are also the easiest to score on through practice. As long as you practice calculations dozens of times, you will handle them with ease during the exam.
- Study Chapter 2 (Property Insurance) in depth: fire insurance, household insurance, all risks insurance, and engineering insurance. After reading about each type of insurance, try to explain in your own words its coverage scope, exclusions, and differences from other types of insurance. If you can do this, it proves you truly understand the material rather than just memorizing it.
- Focus on practicing average clause and deductible calculations — ensure both speed and accuracy. We recommend doing at least 5 calculation questions daily, including pure average clause questions, pure deductible questions, and comprehensive questions combining both. The goal is to reach the point where you can apply the formula without thinking — like a reflex.
- Do 20-30 questions per day using the App — record incorrect answers and identify your knowledge gaps. Don't be afraid of getting questions wrong — making mistakes is how you discover your weak areas, which you can then strengthen. The 10minquiz App has a wrong answer review feature that helps you focus on reviewing questions you got wrong, making your study far more efficient.
- Create a comparison chart of coverage scopes and exclusions for different property insurance types. This chart can include: fire insurance (what's covered, what's not), household insurance (what's covered, what's not), all risks insurance (what's covered, what's not), and engineering insurance (what's unique about it). With this chart, a quick review before the exam will refresh your memory.
By the end of Week 2, you should be able to comfortably complete average clause and deductible calculations, and be able to distinguish the coverage scopes of different property insurance types. If you're still not proficient enough with calculation questions, you can allocate some of Week 3's time to continue practicing.
Week 3: Conquering Liability Insurance (Most Important)
Week 3 is the most crucial part of the entire study plan. This chapter carries the highest exam weighting and involves legal provisions and figures that need time to digest and memorize. This week you must go all out and thoroughly master Chapter 3.
- Dedicate all efforts to Chapter 3 (Liability Insurance): this is the chapter with the highest weighting. We recommend spending at least 1-2 hours daily focusing on this chapter. First read through the textbook once, then do practice questions, and after that go back and read the textbook again — you will find that many things you didn't fully understand the first time suddenly become clear on the second reading.
- Thoroughly study the core provisions and figures of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (Cap. 282) and the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272). Write all the penalty figures on a sheet of paper and review them several times daily. There are no shortcuts with figures — it comes down to repeated memorization. You can use association memory techniques: employees' compensation fine of $100,000 = 100K (imagine a boss being fined 100K for not buying insurance); motor insurance fine of $10,000 = 10K.
- Understand the legal requirements, penalties, and coverage scope of the two compulsory insurance types — create the comparison table we provided above. If you don't want to make your own, you can use our table directly, but it's best to add more details (such as the definition of "in the course of employment," how NCD works, etc.).
- Study the characteristics and differences of professional indemnity insurance, product liability insurance, and public liability insurance. These types of liability insurance each have unique features, and the exam frequently asks "which type of liability insurance should cover the following situation." For example: a doctor's surgical error — professional indemnity insurance; a shopping mall customer slipping — public liability insurance; a food factory's product causing food poisoning — product liability insurance.
- Master the differences between occurrence basis and claims-made basis — try using the timeline analysis method to solve questions. Draw a timeline, mark the incident date, claims filing date, Policy A's effective period, and Policy B's effective period, then determine which policy is responsible. After doing this several times, this question type will become very intuitive.
By the end of Week 3, you should be able to confidently answer any question about compulsory insurance and distinguish between different types of liability insurance. If your confidence in this chapter is still lacking, it's better to spend an extra day or two continuing to study rather than rushing into Week 4.
Week 4: Filling Gaps + Mock Tests
The final week is the sprint phase. The goal at this stage is to integrate all your knowledge and use mock tests to assess your level. If your mock test scores consistently reach 80% or above, you can confidently sit for the exam.
- Study Chapter 4 (Marine, Aviation and Transportation Insurance) — focus on mastering the three ICC clauses and the concept of general average. You don't need to spend too much time on this chapter, but the core concepts must be mastered. We recommend spending one to two days reading through the textbook, then doing a few dozen practice questions to consolidate your memory.
- Use the App's wrong answer review feature — focus on reviewing questions you previously answered incorrectly. This is the most efficient study method — the questions you previously got wrong represent your knowledge gaps, and targeted review of these gaps allows you to make the most progress in the least time.
- Take full mock exams — 50 questions in 75 minutes, simulating the real exam environment. When taking mock tests, time yourself strictly — don't stop midway, don't look up materials — simulate the pressure of the real exam as closely as possible. After completing the test, carefully analyze every question you got wrong: was it because you didn't know the material, were careless, or ran out of time? Then address these issues specifically.
- Target: consistently scoring 80% or above in mock tests before sitting for the exam — leave a 10% safety margin. The passing standard is 70%, but on exam day, nervousness, unfamiliar surroundings, and other factors may slightly affect your performance, so leaving a 10% safety margin is important. If your mock test scores are only hovering around 70%, we recommend studying for a few more days before taking the exam.
- Review all your notes and comparison tables in the last one or two days before the exam — consolidate your memory. At this point, do not try to learn new content — focus on revising what you already know. Quickly flip through all the comparison tables, formula cards, and key notes you've compiled to ensure your memory is fresh. Don't study too late the night before the exam — getting enough sleep is very important for exam performance.
Recommended Study Time Allocation: Chapters 2 and 3 carry the highest exam weighting, so we recommend allocating 70% of your study time to these two chapters. Chapter 3 is especially important and can account for 35-40% of your total study time. Chapters 1 and 4 serve as supplementary material, each accounting for about 15%, but they should not be completely ignored. If you follow this allocation, your study efficiency will be maximized.
10minquiz IIQE Paper 2 — Efficient Practice App
Carefully selected mock questions covering all four chapters, with detailed explanations for every question. Use the wrong answer review feature to pinpoint your weaknesses precisely.
Exam Techniques
Mastering the following exam techniques will help you score more efficiently in the examination hall. While studying is certainly important, exam techniques can equally affect your results. Sometimes, knowing how to take an exam is more important than knowing more content. The following tips are based on the experience of those who have already taken the exam, and they are well worth your serious consideration:
1. Time Management
75 minutes for 50 questions, averaging 1.5 minutes per question. This time is actually quite tight — don't assume multiple-choice questions can be answered quickly, as many questions require you to carefully read the scenario description and each option. Effective time management is one of the key factors determining whether you pass. Here are our recommendations:
- Answer the questions you are confident about first — skip uncertain ones and come back to them later. Don't get stuck on a question you don't know — complete all the questions you're confident about first, securing those "safe points," and then go back to tackle the difficult ones. This strategy greatly reduces the risk of not finishing due to time constraints.
- Calculation questions may require more time — reserve 2-3 minutes for average clause or deductible calculation questions. Although there are only a few calculation questions, each one requires time to understand the conditions, apply the formula, and perform the calculation. If you practice enough beforehand, your calculation speed during the exam will be much faster.
- Don't spend more than 3 minutes on any single question — sometimes your "gut feeling" is often correct. If you've been thinking for 3 minutes with no progress, you're better off choosing the answer you think is most likely, marking it, and coming back after finishing all the questions. More often than not, your first instinct is correct, as it is based on the cumulative knowledge in your subconscious.
- After completing all questions, if time remains, prioritize reviewing calculation questions and compulsory insurance questions. Calculation questions are the most susceptible to careless errors (such as misreading numbers or miscalculating multiplication/division) — a quick review can prevent unnecessary point loss. Compulsory insurance questions carry significant weight and are worth double-checking.
We recommend practicing time management during your mock tests, developing the habit of "quick judgment and decisive answering." By exam day, you won't be flustered by time pressure.
2. Memorize Compulsory Insurance
Employees' compensation insurance and motor third party insurance are guaranteed exam content — there has hardly been an exam that didn't feature questions on these two topics. The following key figures and information must be memorized so thoroughly that you can answer instantly without thinking:
- Employees' Compensation Insurance: Penalty for employer non-compliance — maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 2 years. Memory tip: employees' compensation insurance involves employee safety and health, so the penalty is the most severe — $100,000 fine plus 2 years' imprisonment.
- Motor Third Party Insurance: Penalty for non-compliance — maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 12 months, plus possible disqualification from driving. Memory tip: the motor insurance penalty is lighter than employees' compensation ($10,000 plus 12 months), but there is an additional consequence — disqualification from driving.
- Note the ordinance numbers of both — Employees' Compensation Ordinance Cap. 282, Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance Cap. 272. Memory tip: 282 and 272 differ by only one digit — the 8 in 282 is larger than the 7 in 272, representing that the employees' compensation penalty is more severe. The exam sometimes directly asks for ordinance numbers, and knowing them earns you easy points.
Beyond the figures, you also need to understand the coverage scope, exclusions, and applicable persons of both compulsory insurance types. These topics represent Paper 2's "core scoring area," and investing extra time here is absolutely worthwhile.
3. Watch for Keywords in Questions
Exam questions frequently use the following words to set traps, and many candidates answer incorrectly because they miss a single word. This is not a knowledge issue but an attention-to-detail issue. Developing the habit of carefully reading questions can help you avoid many unnecessary point losses:
- "Which of the following is NOT..." — you need to find the incorrect option. These questions are tricky because after reading four options, you may naturally select a "correct" answer, but the question asks for "NOT." We recommend underlining or circling the word "NOT" to remind yourself.
- "Which of the following is correct" — there may be multiple seemingly correct options. These questions require you to analyze each option individually and find the "most correct" or "only correct" answer. Sometimes several options contain partially correct elements, but only one is completely correct.
- "Must" vs. "May" — the difference between a legal requirement and a voluntary arrangement. "Must" indicates a legal obligation; "may" indicates it is voluntary. For example, "employers must purchase employees' compensation insurance for their employees" is correct, but "employers may choose to purchase employees' compensation insurance for their employees" is wrong — because it is "must," not "may."
- "Excluded" vs. "Included" — defining the scope of coverage. "Excluded" means not covered; "included" means covered. For example, "standard fire insurance policies exclude earthquake risk" means earthquakes are not covered; "household insurance includes third party liability coverage" means third party liability is covered. Reading these words carefully can help you avoid many incorrect judgments.
Develop a habit: after reading each question, first identify the keywords (especially "NOT," "excluded," "must," etc.), confirm that you understand what the question is asking, and only then begin selecting your answer. This step may only take a few seconds, but it can prevent many avoidable point losses.
4. Use the Process of Elimination
The process of elimination is one of the most practical exam techniques, especially when you are unsure of the correct answer. When you encounter an uncertain question, first eliminate the obviously incorrect options. Usually you can eliminate 1-2 options, then choose from the remaining ones, greatly improving your chances of answering correctly. Even when you have absolutely no idea, the elimination method can raise your probability of guessing correctly from 25% to 33% or even 50%.
Here is a practical example: if the question asks "Which of the following insurance types is compulsory under Hong Kong law?" with options A. Fire Insurance, B. Household Insurance, C. Employees' Compensation Insurance, D. Travel Insurance. Even if you're not entirely sure, you probably know that fire insurance, household insurance, and travel insurance are not compulsory (since not everyone owns property or travels), so you can eliminate A, B, and D — leaving C as the answer. This method is particularly useful when you are not familiar with a certain area.
Also, remember one principle: never leave a question blank. The exam has no negative marking — wrong answers don't deduct points, but blank answers definitely score zero. So even if you have absolutely no idea, always select an answer.
5. Distinguish Between Similar Concepts
The exam likes to test concepts that are easily confused. Many candidates answer incorrectly because they mix up two similar concepts — these are the most frustrating points to lose. The following "easily confused concept pairs" must be clearly distinguished. We recommend writing them on opposite sides of the same flashcard and reviewing them repeatedly before the exam:
- Deductible vs. Average Clause (Co-insurance) — A deductible is a fixed amount deduction, e.g., $5,000 self-pay per claim; the average clause calculates based on the ratio of underinsurance, e.g., if the sum insured is only 60% of the property's value, compensation is calculated at 60%. The calculation methods are completely different — do not confuse them.
- General Average vs. Particular Average — General average involves a voluntary sacrifice for the common benefit, shared among all parties; particular average is caused by an accident and borne by the affected party alone. Remember two keywords: "voluntary" and "common." The master deliberately jettisoning cargo = general average; waves damaging a particular container = particular average.
- Occurrence Basis vs. Claims-made Basis — The former is determined by the incident date; the latter by the claims filing date. Public liability insurance typically uses occurrence basis; professional indemnity insurance typically uses claims-made basis. Use the timeline analysis method and you won't get confused.
- Actual Total Loss vs. Constructive Total Loss — An actual total loss means complete destruction or inability to restore; a constructive total loss means repair costs exceed the value. In simple terms: actual total loss = gone; constructive total loss = still there but not worth repairing.
- Treaty Reinsurance vs. Facultative Reinsurance — Treaty reinsurance involves automatic cession; facultative reinsurance is arranged case by case. Treaty reinsurance is like "wholesale" — rules are set once and then executed automatically; facultative reinsurance is like "retail" — each case needs individual negotiation.
If you can clearly distinguish all five pairs of similar concepts, you won't lose points on these in the exam. We recommend using the contrastive memory method — every time you study one concept, simultaneously study its "counterpart" concept, and you will naturally remember their differences.
6. Essential Formulas for Calculation Questions
The calculation questions in Paper 2 are not complex, but you must have the following formulas mastered so you can apply them quickly and accurately even under exam pressure. Calculation questions are the type where you should lose the fewest points — because as long as you know the formula, the answer is definitive, unlike other questions that may have ambiguous areas. We recommend writing these formulas on flashcards and reviewing them several times daily until fully memorized:
- Average Clause — Compensation = Loss Amount x (Sum Insured / Actual Property Value). Remember: the average clause is only triggered when the sum insured is less than the actual value. If the sum insured is sufficient, the actual loss amount is paid directly.
- Deductible Deduction — Actual Compensation = Calculated Compensation - Deductible (if the result is negative, no compensation is payable). Note: if both the average clause and a deductible apply, generally apply the average clause first, then deduct the deductible.
- Proportional Reinsurance Sharing — Reinsurer's Share = Claim Amount x Reinsurance Ratio. For example, if the reinsurance ratio is 40% and the claim is $100,000, the reinsurer bears $40,000.
Let us work through a complete exam-style mock question as a demonstration:
"A property has an actual value of $800,000. The owner has fire insurance with a sum insured of $400,000 and a deductible of $8,000. A fire causes $160,000 in damage. What is the actual compensation payable by the insurer?"
Step 1: Check the average clause — Sum insured $400,000 < Actual value $800,000, so the average clause is triggered.
Step 2: Calculate the average clause compensation — $160,000 x ($400,000 / $800,000) = $80,000.
Step 3: Deduct the deductible — $80,000 - $8,000 = $72,000.
The answer is $72,000. As you can see, as long as you follow the steps one by one, calculation questions are really not difficult at all.
Once you have mastered the above exam techniques, your performance in the exam hall will certainly be better. Remember, the exam tests not just "what you know" but also "how well you can take exams" — knowing how to manage time, use the process of elimination, and spot trap questions can all help you earn extra points.
Exam Day Reminders
Beyond studying and exam techniques, your preparation and state of mind on exam day are also very important. The following reminders can help you avoid common "non-combat losses" and ensure your true ability can be fully demonstrated:
- Arrive at the examination centre early — we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the exam time, allowing time for check-in procedures, finding the exam room, using the restroom, etc. If you arrive late, you may be denied entry, and your exam fee will be wasted.
- Bring all required identification documents — PEAK requires candidates to present valid identification (Hong Kong Identity Card or Passport), so make sure to bring it. If you forget your identification document, you will likewise be denied entry.
- Stay calm — some nervousness before an exam is normal, but excessive anxiety can impair your judgment and memory. If you feel nervous, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared thoroughly. Remember, you have spent four weeks studying, and your mock test scores have consistently reached 80% or above — there is no reason you should perform worse in the actual exam.
- Skim through the entire paper first — after receiving the test paper or starting the computer exam, quickly browse through all 50 questions to get a general sense of the question distribution and difficulty level. This step takes only 2-3 minutes but can help you plan your time more effectively.
- Trust your preparation — if you have followed our four-week study plan and prepared diligently, your knowledge level is more than sufficient to pass. Don't panic if you encounter one or two questions you can't answer — out of 50 questions, you can afford to get up to 15 wrong, so relax and stay composed.
With the above preparations in place, you can walk into the exam hall with confidence. Next, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to address any remaining concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below is a compilation of the most commonly asked questions by candidates, covering exam rules, registration procedures, study strategies, and more. If you have other questions, feel free to leave a comment on our social media and we will respond as soon as possible.
Q: How long is the IIQE Paper 2 exam result valid?
A: The Paper 2 passing result is valid for 3 years. Candidates must complete their registration with the Insurance Authority within 3 years, otherwise they will need to retake the exam. We recommend completing the registration process as soon as possible after passing the exam to avoid expiration. This 3-year validity period begins from the date you pass the exam. For example, if you pass the exam in March 2026, you must complete registration by March 2029. Many people assume they have plenty of time and keep procrastinating, only to find their results have expired and they need to retake the exam, so remember to act early.
Q: Can I sit for Paper 1 and Paper 2 at the same time?
A: Yes, you can. PEAK allows candidates to register for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 simultaneously — there is no prescribed order. However, from a learning effectiveness perspective, we recommend taking Paper 1 first to build a solid foundation, then taking Paper 2. If time is tight, you can also prepare for both papers simultaneously, but make sure you have enough study time. If preparing for both papers at once, we recommend allowing at least 6-8 weeks, as the combined content volume is substantial. If you decide to sit for both, you can schedule the two exams one to two weeks apart — take Paper 1 first, then use that one to two weeks to focus on a final push for Paper 2.
Q: Can I retake the exam if I fail? Is there a cooling-off period?
A: Yes, you can retake the exam, and there is no waiting period. After failing, you can immediately re-register for the exam, though you will need to pay the exam fee again. We recommend reviewing your weak areas after failing, strengthening your study in those areas, and then re-registering — to avoid repeated failures that waste both time and money. Many candidates re-register immediately after failing, but if they don't address their weak areas, the result may be the same. We recommend spending at least one to two more weeks studying the areas you got wrong, reaching 80% or above consistently in mock tests, and then re-registering.
Q: Which is better — CBT or the written exam?
A: Most candidates recommend CBT (Computer-Based Testing) for the following reasons: you get your results on the spot, there are more available time slots, and registration is more flexible. Although the fee is $65 more than the written exam, it saves time and is more convenient, making it better value overall. CBT also provides a built-in calculator function, which is helpful for calculation questions. Additionally, the CBT interface is usually quite intuitive and easy to use — you can freely navigate between questions, making it convenient to skip questions you're unsure about and return to them later. The only thing to note is that if you are not accustomed to answering on a computer (e.g., if you prefer doing calculations with pen and paper), you may want to practice adapting beforehand.
Q: If I only pass Paper 2 but not Paper 1, can I sell general insurance?
A: No, you cannot. You must hold passing results for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in order to apply to the Insurance Authority for registration as a licensed insurance intermediary and to legally sell general insurance products. The passing results for both papers must fall within the same 3-year validity period. This means that if you pass Paper 2 in 2024, you must pass Paper 1 and complete registration by 2027, otherwise your Paper 2 result will expire. This time pressure is something many candidates overlook, so be sure to plan ahead.
Q: Can I bring a calculator to the exam?
A: No, personal calculators are not allowed. In CBT mode, the computer provides a built-in calculator function. The average clause calculations are not complex — as long as you master the formula, you will be fine. We recommend doing plenty of calculation practice before the exam to improve your mental arithmetic speed. In fact, Paper 2 calculation questions typically don't involve complex numbers — most can be completed with mental arithmetic or simple written calculations. If you choose CBT mode, you also have access to the built-in calculator, so don't worry too much about calculations.
Q: How difficult is the Paper 2 exam? Is the pass rate high?
A: Paper 2's difficulty is rated as moderately challenging. Compared to Paper 1, Paper 2's content is more specific and specialized, involving more types of insurance products and including calculation questions. Based on past experience, the pass rate for well-prepared candidates is quite high, but the pass rate for unprepared candidates is very low. We recommend spending at least 4 weeks studying and consistently scoring 80% or above in mock tests before taking the exam. Many who have been through it say that Paper 2 is not an exam about "whether you know it" but rather about "whether you've studied enough" — as long as you invest the time in studying and practicing, passing is entirely achievable.
Q: Is there negative marking in the exam?
A: There is no negative marking. Wrong answers do not deduct points, so even if you are unsure of an answer, you must always attempt it — never leave a question blank. Even guessing using the process of elimination is better than leaving it blank. This is extremely important — all 50 questions must be answered, not a single one should be left blank. Even if you have absolutely no idea, randomly selecting an answer gives you a 25% chance of being correct, whereas leaving it blank gives you a 0% chance.
Q: What equipment and environment are required for the remote exam?
A: The remote exam requires a computer with a camera and microphone, as well as a stable internet connection. During the exam, no one else can be in the room, the desk must be clean (only the computer should be present), and you cannot access any reference materials. PEAK will monitor via camera throughout the exam, and if any irregularities are detected, the exam results will be invalidated. We recommend testing your equipment and internet connection before the exam to ensure everything works properly. Also, prepare your exam environment in advance by removing all books, notes, phones, etc. If a technical issue arises during the exam (such as disconnection), contact PEAK's technical support immediately, and they will handle the situation accordingly.
Q: What study materials or tools do you recommend?
A: The most fundamental study material is PEAK's official Study Manual, which is the primary basis for exam questions. In addition, we strongly recommend using the 10minquiz IIQE Paper 2 App for practice. The App's questions cover all four chapters, with detailed explanations for every question to help you understand the logic behind each answer. Combined with the wrong answer review feature, you can precisely identify your weaknesses and strengthen them systematically. Make the most of your spare time — just 10 minutes of daily practice can yield significant results over time.
Ready to Pass IIQE Paper 2?
Carefully selected mock questions covering all four chapters of General Insurance, with detailed explanations for every question. Make the most of your spare time — just 10 minutes of daily practice to comfortably cross the 70% passing threshold!
Free Practice Questions
Try these questions to test your knowledge!
以下哪項汽車保險保障形式,只保障法律所要求的責任?
你認為以下哪項或哪些損失原因屬於汽車保險保單的除外責任?
根據個人意外保險保單中,每周利益會於以下哪種情況發放?
以下哪項不是一般保單(醫療保險保單)的除外責任?
只就物業的損失或損毀提供保障的家居保單適合:
旅遊保險涉及某種風險,就是為同一群可能會發生同一意外(例如:飛機墜毀)的人簽發多張保單以承保他們。這是保險人所稱為:
以下哪項不是商業火險的常見的標的物?
由竊匪引致的損毀於商業盜竊保險中是屬於:
一般「玻璃保險單」中,提供以下哪項保障?
以下哪項對於建築全險的描述是不正確的?
在船體保險中的定值保險的保障包括:
在船體碰撞責任作面,以下哪個機構會提供最大的責任保障?
船體碰撞損毀發生,「船體」保險會提供部份賠償,「船體」保險通常佔的比例是:
承保表式的保單格式的敘文條款,較可能包含:
一般保險中「承保表式」的記敘文條款中包括以下哪些資料?
以下哪項是對保單的正確說明?
香港所簽發的火險保單包含了一項失實陳述條件的條款,這條屬於:
以下哪點是符合一個有效索償的法律要求?
提供優良客戶服務十分重要, 以下那項屬於客戶「生産力」的影響?
一些宣告很可能提醒被保人及中介人某些必須負上的義務,包括:
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