Are you ready to sell Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans? If you’re a brand new agent there may be one more thing you need to complete to be ready to sell – your AHIP certification. The AHIP certification is required each year in order to sell MA and PDP plans, but it’s not just for new agents! Seasoned agents must also recertify each year. So, whether you are a brand new agent taking the test for the first time or a seasoned agent that needs to recertify, check out our top 5 useful tips to passing the AHIP exam.

What is AHIP Certification?

The AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) certification is a standard test all insurance agents are required to take and pass in order to sell Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). The test measures whether or not you’ve completed required Medicare training courses and that you understand how to compliantly sell Medicare as outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Certification is required each year.

AHIP Certification at a Glance:

• Yearly certification
• Cost $175 (Get a Discount with AGA)
• Two tests: Medicare and Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA)
• Open book/notes
• 50 questions each
• 2 hours to complete
• Must pass with 90% or higher
• 3 attempts to pass

Tips for Passing AHIP

1. Study & Take Notes

Even though the AHIP certification is open book, it is still a timed test with limited attempts to pass. Prepare for the certification just like you would any test – by studying and taking notes. While going through the training modules make sure to jot down important information and be sure to answer all practice questions. 

2. Look for Changes

A common mistake many seasoned insurance agents make is not preparing for the certification since they took it last year. However, passing the AHIP certification is a yearly requirement. It is important to review the materials each year and look for any updated information or changes.

3. Get organized

Two hours may seem like a long time but it can go by fast especially if you are not organized. After completing the training modules go through your notes and organize them so they are easy to read and access while taking the exam. Use materials like colored index cards, highlighters, sticky tabs, etc. to help organize your notes.  

4. Remove distractions

While taking the test you will want to make sure you are in a quiet environment with no distractions so you can fully concentrate. Prepare by blocking out your calendar for a few hours, setting your phone to silent, and sending family and pets out of the house for a few hours.  

5. Don’t wait

Procrastination is a game we are all guilty of playing from time to time. However, procrastinating on taking the AHIP certification can lead to unnecessary stress. Give yourself enough time to prepare and take the test well before AEP so you can focus on other things like your sales strategy. Also, if you wait until the last minute you may not be able to retake the test before AEP begins.