Several “Big I” members have advises us that employees taking the New York State P & c licensing exam are having difficulty passing, even on a second and third try. When we checked with the NYS Insurance Department, we found that a new independent testing company has been appointed and has revised the licensing exam. We think this may have contributed to the problem.

Before we pursue this matter, we must have documentation to review.

Have you noticed an unusually high number of your employees having difficulty passing the NYS Brokers Exam in 2007? If so, please email our association office – calvertpc@aol.com or send a note to us at PO Box 316, Albertson, NY 11507, with the particulars (agency name and town, number of employees who failed, when and where exams were taken, how may attempts). This data will be complied and presented to the NYSID for their consideration.

The following are some responses we already received:

(1/15/08)
Pat,

Absolutely. Four out of the last five employees from our office failed the exam. They studied the books from Werbel, and took the exam and complained that the test was nothing like the book. They felt totally unprepared. Additionally, many of the questions were not important to P&C Insurance. It has been very frustrating as it used to be that 4 out of 5 would pass the first try!
Thanks,
Steven Schindler I Chief Operating Officer I Fairmont Insurance I P: 718.232.3300 x117 I F: 718.906.0917 | Stevens@fairmontins.com

* * * * * * *

(1/14/08)
I had one individual take the test on Dec. 7th in Melville, NY. She has since taken it again and passed. I was very surprised when she did not pass the first time.

Kimet Speed, CIC Supervisor, Commercial Insurance Cook, Hall & Hyde, Inc. 461 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, NY 11937 P:631-329-7241 F:631-329-3859

* * * * * * *

(1/14/08)
Hi Pat, We have a new person who just passed after three tries. It was very upsetting for him to fail twice. His name is Robert Cameron. He went to POHS Institute from November 5th through November 27th. He took the test 11/30, 12/28 and 1/12/08. Thank you.
Danielle McHeffey, AAI Small Business Department Manager Maran Corporate Risk Associates 300 Hampton Road Southampton, NY 11968 631-287-1535 ext 322 631-287-0781 fax

* * * * * * *

(1/14/08)
I'm glad someone is looking into this.
Lydia Baker from our agency sat for the exam on Dec. 17, 2007 at the PSI location in Glendale, Queens, NY.
This individual is usually a very good student scoring top in her class for the pre-requisite classes. So for her to fail the exam along with every other member of her class except 1 who was taking it for the 3rd time, was very disappointing.
Denese Thompson Atlynx Surety Brokers LLC 777 Zeckendorf Blvd Garden City, NY 11530-2127
Direct Dial 516-745-7504 Fax 516-794-0380 denese@esuretybond.com

* * * * * * *

(1/14/08)
Pat, Tom Crowley asked that I forward the info to you about our students: We had a good student and graduate of U Conn fail the P&C exam twice and pass on the 3rd try. Also, we’ve had 2 students take the Life & Health exam and not pass. I’m not sure it we have an issue with that exam but just in case, I thought I’d pass the info on to you. Thanks for checking in to this, Beth M. Gardner, CPCU Maran Corporate Risk Associates 631-287-1535 ext. 301 631-287-0781 fax

* * * * * * *

(1/16/08)
Hi Pat, Adam Alpren in my office has taken the exam 2 times now. he is scheduled to take it again soon. I thought the state test was easier than the school exam?? Our agency is Hometown Atlantic Inc, 120 West Park Avenue, Suite 101, Long Beach, NY 11561. My number is 516-670-9305. Thanks Tracey Brennan

* * * * * * *

(1/17/08)
Hi I am currently employed at Butwin Insurance Group and I took the test twice and failed both times. I took it the first time in March of 2007 and then studied again and took it back a month later and failed again. I have not made an attempt to retake the test since I failed twice. I took the test both times at a location on Queens Blvd, in Queens , NY. I believe the address is 95-25 Queens Blvd.

Also my co—worker took the exam in March as well, but retook it a month or two late and passed by two points. I believe she took it in Manhattan by Grand Central Station. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Angela Singh BUTWIN INSURANCE GROUP 60 Cutter Mill Road, suite 414 Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 466-4200 x-144 (516) 466-4213 Fax (516) 466-4213 Fax