IIQE Paper 2 Passing Score & Exam Format (2026 Complete Guide)
Everything you need to know about the IIQE Paper 2 exam format, passing score (70%), question breakdown by chapter, time management strategy, and what to expect on exam day.

Confused about the IIQE Paper 2 exam format? You're not alone.
Many candidates walk into the exam without fully understanding how it's scored, how time-pressured it really is, or how heavily the questions are weighted toward just two chapters.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the IIQE Paper 2 (General Insurance) exam format and passing requirements for 2026.
✨ TL;DR: IIQE Paper 2 At a Glance
- Passing Score: 70% (35 out of 50 questions)
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes)
- Format: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Exam Fee: HK$265 (CSME)
- Pass Rate: Approximately 55-60%
What is the IIQE Paper 2 Passing Score?
The IIQE Paper 2 passing score is 70%.
With 50 multiple-choice questions in the exam, this means you need to answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass.
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Questions to Pass | 35 out of 50 |
| Questions You Can Get Wrong | 15 questions |
| Negative Marking? | No — guess if unsure! |
Important: There is no negative marking for wrong answers. If you're unsure about a question, always make a guess — you have a 25% chance of getting it right.
IIQE Paper 2 Exam Format (2026)
The IIQE Paper 2 exam tests your knowledge of general insurance products, underwriting, claims, and customer service in Hong Kong. Here's the complete format breakdown:
| Official Name | General Insurance |
| Administering Body | PEAK |
| Total Questions | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Question Format | Choose 1 correct answer from 4 options |
| Time Limit | 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) |
| Time Per Question | ~1.5 minutes (90 seconds) |
| Prerequisites | None — open to public |
Curious what the questions actually look like? Check out our IIQE Paper 2 sample questions with answers.
Time Management Strategy
With 75 minutes for 50 questions, you have approximately 1 minute 30 seconds per question. This is tighter than Paper 1, so time management is critical.
Here's a recommended time strategy:
- First pass (55 minutes): Answer all questions you're confident about. Flag difficult ones.
- Second pass (15 minutes): Return to flagged questions. Eliminate wrong options and make educated guesses.
- Final review (5 minutes): Double-check answers, ensure no blanks.
⚠️ Time Pressure Warning
IIQE Paper 2 gives you less time per question than Paper 1. Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any single question in your first pass. Flag it and move on.
Question Breakdown by Chapter
Not all chapters are weighted equally. Understanding the distribution is the single most important factor in your preparation strategy.
| Chapter | Topic | Est. Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Insurance Products | 23 | 46% |
| Chapter 2 | Underwriting & Policy Wording | 17 | 34% |
| Chapter 3 | Claims | 5 | 10% |
| Chapter 4 | Customer Service | 5 | 10% |
Key Insight: Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 = 80% of the Exam
These two chapters make up 40 out of 50 questions. If you master them, you only need 35 correct to pass — meaning you could potentially pass by acing just these two chapters alone.
Want to know exactly what to study within each chapter? Read our Complete IIQE Paper 2 Study Guide for a detailed breakdown.

ExamPrep.hk's Instant Feedback feature gives you detailed explanations for every question — helping you understand the 'why' behind each answer.
CSME: The Computer Mode Exam
IIQE Paper 2 is offered via CSME (Computer Screen Mode Examination).
| Mode | CSME (Computer Screen Mode Examination) |
| Fee | HK$265 |
| Results | Instant (same day) |
| Question Flagging | ✓ Yes — mark and revisit |
| Navigation | Jump between questions freely |
| Registration | PEAK Online Enrolment |
For a step-by-step registration walkthrough, check our IIQE Paper 2 Registration Guide.

ExamPrep.hk's Practice by Chapter mode helps you focus on specific chapters and master the concepts.
Exam Day: What to Bring (and What NOT to Bring)
What to Bring ✓
- HKID card (or passport for non-residents)
- Confirmation email/receipt from PEAK
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
What NOT to Bring ✗
- Mobile phones (must be switched off and stored)
- Smartwatches or electronic devices
- Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- Calculators (not needed for this paper)
During the Exam
- Read each question carefully — watch for "EXCEPT", "NOT", and "WHICH of the following"
- Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any single question
- Flag difficult questions and return to them
- Never leave questions blank — there's no penalty for guessing
- For Chapter 1 questions, pay attention to which product type is being asked about
After the Exam (CSME)
- Your score is displayed immediately on screen
- Print your results slip before leaving
- If you pass, you can proceed with your license application
- If you fail, you can re-register and retake the exam (no waiting period)
ExamPrep.hk's Performance by Chapter shows your score breakdown — use it to identify weak spots before exam day.
How to Calculate Your Score
Here's a simple formula to track your readiness:
Your Score = (Correct Answers ÷ 50) × 100%
Example: If you answer 40 questions correctly:
- 40 ÷ 50 = 0.80 = 80% (Pass!)
Target Score: Aim for at least 75-80% in practice exams to give yourself a comfortable buffer on exam day. The real exam environment adds pressure that can cost you a few marks.
💡 Practice Under Real Exam Conditions
The best way to prepare for the format is to practise with realistic mock exams. Our platform simulates the exact conditions — 50 questions, 75-minute timer, and instant scoring.
👉 Start Practising NowSummary: Key Numbers to Remember
| Passing Score | 70% (35/50 questions) |
| Total Questions | 50 MCQs |
| Time Limit | 75 minutes |
| Time Per Question | ~90 seconds |
| Highest-Weight Chapters | Ch 1 (46%), Ch 2 (34%) |
| CSME Fee | HK$265 |
| Pass Rate | ~55-60% |
Ready to start preparing? Check out our Complete IIQE Paper 2 Study Guide for a proven 2-week study plan.
Wondering how Paper 2 compares in difficulty? Read our IIQE Paper 2 difficulty analysis.
For a comparison of the best study tools available, see our best IIQE Paper 2 mock exams & study guides.
IIQE Paper 2 Passing Score & Format FAQ
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