Meet Simon Wong, a licensed insurance broker with HUB International, who discovered the difference the right study approach can make when preparing for CAIB exams.
The Self-Study Struggle
Simon started his CAIB journey with confidence. As an experienced professional in the insurance industry, he felt his background gave him the foundation to tackle CAIB 2 on his own.
“I took the CAIB 2 course, did just the textbook, felt like I had enough background in the industry to be able to do it on my own,” Simon explains. He dedicated five weeks to studying, relying solely on the official textbook.
The result? 68%. While passing, it wasn’t the grade Simon had anticipated. “Really, well below what I thought I was going to get,” he admits. But this experience became a valuable learning moment.
A Strategic Shift for CAIB 3
The disappointing CAIB 2 result made Simon reassess his approach. “That made me realize, look, I need a little bit of help,” he says. For CAIB 3, he decided to enroll in PNC Learning’s course.
This time around, the challenge was even greater. The CAIB 3 material was less familiar territory than CAIB 2 had been. Yet remarkably, Simon studied for just four weeks—one week less than his previous attempt.
The Results Speak for Themselves
The impact of PNC Learning’s approach was dramatic. Simon scored 83% on his CAIB 3 exam—a 15-point improvement over his CAIB 2 result, despite studying less familiar material in less time.
“Huge jump in grade, made me feel very accomplished, helped me understand the material better,” Simon reflects on his success.
Why PNC Learning Made the Difference
What transformed Simon’s results? The course’s structured approach and teaching methodology helped him not just memorize information, but truly understand it. Instead of slogging through dense textbook material alone, he had guidance that made complex concepts clearer and more accessible.
A Message for Brokers and Students
Simon’s experience convinced him that PNC Learning offers something valuable for both individual students and brokerages. “I would 100% recommend this course to any aspiring licensees that are trying to go through the course and want to get through it a little bit faster and also retain more of the information as well.”
For insurance brokerages, Simon sees PNC Learning as a practical solution to a common challenge: getting new team members licensed efficiently. “If you have people who need to go through the very necessary and important licensing process, but you need them to get it done faster so they can start selling—this is the place to be.”
The Bottom Line
Simon’s story illustrates a truth many insurance professionals discover: industry experience alone isn’t always enough to excel on licensing exams. The right study resources, structured guidance, and plain-language teaching can make all the difference—not just in passing, but in truly understanding the material that will serve you throughout your career.
Ready to achieve better results on your CAIB exams? Learn how PNC Learning can help you succeed, just like Simon did.