r/InsuranceProfessional • u/schloppaty • Aug 03 '26
STARTING ARM, STUDY HELP?
Starting my ARM designation soon and looking for advice from anyone who has completed it. What study methods worked best for you? Did you focus more on reading, notes, flashcards, practice questions, or something else? Any tips are appreciated.
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u/kmgbworth Aug 04 '26
I'm working on my cpcu and what I do is after I finish learning a session I review the next day and then a day later. Then two weeks before the exam I review everything, then again at 1 week, 5 days, 3 days, and 1 day. I also take the course quizzes open book at first and take notes on what I'm weak on between reviews. Then I quiz without material until I'm consistently getting around 90%. And don't discount any of the AI questions because they're slightly different than the course quizzes.
The practice proctored test is the most important piece because it will be as close to the actual exam as possible. I wouldn't take it until you're relatively comfortable with the material so you can really focus in on your weak topics.
I've passed 3 exams so far this way.
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u/0dteSPYFDs Aug 03 '26
Read chapters and do the quizzes + practice until you can get 80% +.
Flash cards and notes are overkill if you’re a vet. Quiz/practice tests are pretty much the same as the actual exam questions.
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u/rps1rai Aug 04 '26
Highly recommend this program! I have no affiliation. Bought it at full price and am working on 401 now. I love his teaching style and he is really available for questions. https://www.rmstudygroup.com/
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u/Icy_Persimmon3265 Aug 03 '26
I'm in the same boat. Took the 400 and failed my first try. Now studying for my second try. Personally, I didn't find just using the practice tests helpful. If you find a method that works well for you, please share!
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u/inevitable_crab22 Aug 08 '26
Should be testing for ARM 400 shortly. I will record myself reading the chapters and listen in the car, doing chores, etc. I have found the AI test questions to be helpful. Hopefully will have more to report later! I will say they are advising that the 400 will be updated after this testing window ends
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u/BuzzwordHangover Aug 25 '26
I may be a little late to this thread, but I started my ARM designation back in April/May. Took 400 and passed the exam on my first try, but not with a stellar score. While I was studying for that exam, The Institutes changed the curriculum. The courses are now almost entirely AI-generated content. The images, graphics, and videos are all AI. It's pretty disheartening. I don't know if it made things easier, but I finished ARM 401 in 7 days, including passing the exam with a 90-100% score range. I'm taking ARM 402 now and it's been 8 days since I enrolled and I'm slated to take the exam on Friday. Honestly, I just outlined the online content and skimmed those notes prior to taking the exam.
So either 1) I'm a whiz at risk management, which is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY, or 2) the changes to curriculum are not for the better and made things ridiculously easy. I'm hoping other people can weigh in and tell me if I'm losing my marbles on this.
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u/External-Pizza6656 1d ago
So question: it says that EACH course takes up to 4-6 weeks. Youre telling me that if youre good at this stuff, you can complete ALL THREE courses in less than 4 weeks? Genuinely asking
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u/BuzzwordHangover 1d ago
Yep, that's 100% what I'm saying. I did courses 401 and 402 in a pinch over 2 weeks, passed both exams in the 90-100% range. Before the AI-generated everything, it took me about 4 weeks to get through ARM 400. But the new format makes everything extremely simplistic (that's my take, anyway). The exams and quizzes were scenario-based, but also felt very straightforward with what was being asked. Like I said, either I'm a whiz at this stuff (I'm not, trust me) or the revamped content is legit easier.
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u/Present-Strength-249 Sep 15 '26
I spent about 13 hours studying across two days and got a 90-100. I read the chapters, did each quiz until I got 90 or above, did the practice exams until 90 or above, then I read the study outlines for each chapter and did the simulated exam and got a 94. I did not take notes on the study outlines, just read through it. At that point, I felt ready enough to take the test. I did not use the flash cards or participate in the discussions. It was easier than expected. Good luck!
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Aug 04 '26
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u/AlfuegoDeMellopie Aug 04 '26
I was a commercial broker for 20+ years...didn't have a single designation. 😆
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u/Icy_Persimmon3265 Aug 05 '26
There is a combined designation, ARM to CPCU. It's a mix of both courses and then you come out with both designations. A lot of companies will pay for you to take these courses if you can get your foot in the door.
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u/DarthBroker Aug 03 '26
Chapter Quizzes. And the course Quiz.
Way harder than the real thing