IIQE Paper 1 Passing Score & Exam Format: Complete 2026 Breakdown
Everything you need to know about the IIQE Paper 1 exam format, passing score requirements, question breakdown by chapter, and exam modes (CSME vs PPME).
Confused about the IIQE Paper 1 exam format? You're not alone.
Many candidates walk into the exam without fully understanding how it's scored, how many questions come from each chapter, or even the difference between CSME and PPME modes.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the IIQE Paper 1 exam format and passing requirements for 2026.
✨ TL;DR: IIQE Paper 1 At a Glance
- Passing Score: 70% (53 out of 75 questions)
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
- Exam Fee: HK$265 (CSME) or HK$195 (PPME)
What is the IIQE Paper 1 Passing Score?
The IIQE Paper 1 passing score is 70%.
With 75 multiple-choice questions in the exam, this means you need to answer at least 53 questions correctly to pass.
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Questions to Pass | 53 out of 75 |
| Questions You Can Get Wrong | 22 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 1 Exam Format (2026)
The IIQE Paper 1 exam tests your knowledge of insurance principles and practices in Hong Kong. Here's the complete format breakdown:
| Official Name | Principles and Practice of Insurance |
| Administering Body | PEAK |
| Total Questions | 75 multiple-choice questions |
| Question Format | Choose 1 correct answer from 4 options |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Time Per Question | ~1.6 minutes (96 seconds) |
| Prerequisites | None — open to public |
Curious what the questions actually look like? Check out our free IIQE Paper 1 sample questions with answers.
Time Management Strategy
With 120 minutes for 75 questions, you have approximately 1 minute 36 seconds per question.
Here's a recommended time strategy:
- First pass (90 minutes): Answer all questions you're confident about. Flag difficult ones.
- Second pass (25 minutes): Return to flagged questions. Make educated guesses.
- Final review (5 minutes): Double-check answers, ensure no blanks.
Question Breakdown by Chapter
Not all chapters are weighted equally. Understanding the distribution helps you prioritise your study time.
| Chapter | Topic | Est. Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 3 | Principles of Insurance | 22 | 30% |
| Chapter 6 | Regulatory Framework | 16 | 21% |
| Chapter 2 | Legal Principles | 12 | 16% |
| Chapter 1 | Risk and Insurance | 9 | 12% |
| Chapter 4 | Core Functions of Insurance Company | 7 | 9% |
| Chapter 7 | Ethical Issues | 5 | 7% |
| Chapter 5 | HK Insurance Industry Structure | 4 | 5% |
Key Insight: Focus on Chapters 3, 6, and 2
These three chapters make up 67% of the exam (approximately 50 out of 75 questions).
If you master these chapters, you're already two-thirds of the way to passing.
Want to know exactly what to study within each chapter? Read our IIQE Paper 1 Chapter Trap Guide for a detailed breakdown of key concepts.
ExamPrep.hk's Instant Feedback and Explanation feature helps you understand the concepts better.
CSME vs PPME: Which Exam Mode to Choose?
IIQE Paper 1 is offered in two modes:
| Feature | CSME (Computer) | PPME (Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Computer Screen Mode Examination | Pencil and Paper Mode Examination |
| Exam Fee | HK$265 | HK$195 |
| Results | Instant (same day) | 5 working days |
| Question Flagging | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Review Answers | Easy navigation | Manual flipping |
| Availability | More sessions | Limited sessions |
Our Recommendation: CSME
We recommend CSME (Computer Mode) for most candidates because:
- Instant results — Know if you passed immediately
- Question flagging — Mark difficult questions to revisit
- Easier navigation — Jump between questions easily
- More exam slots — Greater scheduling flexibility
The extra HK$70 is worth it for the convenience and reduced anxiety.
ExamPrep.hk's Practice by Chapter mode helps you focus on specific chapters and master the concepts.
Exam Day: What to Expect
Before the Exam
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Bring your HKID (or passport for non-residents)
- Bring your confirmation email/receipt
- No phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices allowed
ExamPrep.hk's Quick Guide helps you prepare for the exam day.
During the Exam
- Read each question carefully — watch for "EXCEPT" and "NOT"
- Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any single question
- Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- Never leave questions blank — there's no penalty for guessing
After the Exam (CSME)
- Your score is displayed immediately on screen
- Print your results slip before leaving
- If you pass, your license application process can begin
💡 Practice Under Real Exam Conditions
The best way to prepare for the exam format is to practice with realistic mock exams. Our platform simulates the exact exam conditions — 75 questions, 2-hour timer, and instant scoring.
👉 Try a Free Mock ExamHow to Calculate Your Score
Here's a simple formula to track your readiness:
Your Score = (Correct Answers ÷ 75) × 100%
Example: If you answer 60 questions correctly:
- 60 ÷ 75 = 0.80 = 80% (Pass!)
Target Score: Aim for at least 75-80% in practice exams to give yourself a comfortable buffer on exam day.
Summary: Key Numbers to Remember
| Passing Score | 70% (53/75 questions) |
| Total Questions | 75 MCQs |
| Time Limit | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Highest-Weight Chapters | Ch 3 (30%), Ch 6 (21%), Ch 2 (16%) |
| CSME Fee | HK$265 |
| PPME Fee | HK$195 |
Ready to start preparing? Check out our Complete IIQE Paper 1 Study Guide for a proven 3-week study plan.
ExamPrep.hk's Performance by Chapter mode shows you your weakest chapters after every practice.