First things first, well done for signing up to start your CII qualification journey!
LM1: London Market Insurance Essentials is the initial exam in the Certificate in London Market Insurance and acts as the foundation for everything else you’ll study with the CII.
Starting out can be overwhelming, but it’s normal to feel confused by the terminology, we’ve all been there, and it does get easier.
Treat LM1 as your gateway into the world of insurance. It’s the first building block in the CII qualification journey, and while it might seem heavy going at the start, it sets the scene for everything that follows.
As you work through the textbook, things will begin to click. You’ll probably have plenty of “ah, now that makes sense” moments when you realise much of what’s in the book relates to tasks you already do, just explained in a more formal way. You’ll also uncover the “why” behind those tasks as you learn about the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape how the industry operates.
Spoiler alert: it’s not just for fun!
You’ll dive into topics like:
It’s not just theory, it’s the backbone of how the market works and is regulated.
LM1 is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 50 questions. You’ll have 1 hour to complete the exam remotely or in a CII test centre and achieve the pass mark of 70%.
The average pass rate for learners completing LM1 is currently 81.7%, so roughly 1 in 5 candidates defer success on their first attempt.
Many candidates assume LM1 will be easy because it’s the first module, but it can be trickier than expected. The terminology is new, the textbook is detailed, and the questions often test your ability to interpret rather than just recall. Plus, sitting your first CII exam adds a layer of pressure!
Legal language isn’t always intuitive. Terms like quota share, rateable proportion, or retrocessionaire can feel alien without context. And then there are the Latin phrases like Consensus ad idem or void ab initio. The textbook is thorough, but without extra support, it can feel like a slog.
We’re not trying to scare you off – promise! We just want you to know what to expect. Here’s what past candidates have said:
“It felt like the questions were worded to trip me up.”
“I underestimated how confusing the wording could be.”
“The exam questions were definitely tougher than the ones I practised on RevisionMate.”
We get that the first module is tough but the key is to break big tasks into smaller steps so the whole process feels less daunting.
First up, dive straight in! This may sound daunting but the best way to get started is to just get started. Read the study text cover to cover before doing anything else. Don’t expect to understand everything straight away, that’s not the point. A first read-through helps you get familiar with the terminology and concepts.
It is a 250+ page textbook though so if you’re not normally one for reading try other methods. The CII unfortunately don’t have an audio version but apps like NaturalReader allow you to upload the PDF textbook and will then read it aloud to you – great for listening while you’re commuting or out for a walk!
Give our Study Guide a try as an alternative to the CII’s textbook. It offers a more interactive learning experience, packed with:
After your first read, take a mock test. Yes, even if it feels early! It’ll show you what’s sticking and what needs more work.
Our Study Buddy app includes practise exam-style questions which can be used as a full mock test or learning outcome by learning outcome. You can use it on the go at any point during your revision to test your knowledge but at this stage we suggest using the web version to sit a full mock test as it simulates more of the real-life exam feel.
Now it’s time to revisit each chapter…
As we said earlier, the easiest way to tackle your LM1 revision is to break it down into manageable chunks and give yourself realistic deadlines.
And (thank us later) we’ve even created an LM1 study plan for you, showing how long to spend on each learning outcome. Use it as a base and add time for regular chapter mocks using the Study Buddy app.
Now that you have your study plan in place, it’s just a case of working through it – simple, right?
Read each chapter through fully this time, highlight key areas, research anything you’re unsure of or want to find out more about. YouTube is great for quick explainer videos, and the CII has its own channel. Use extra resources like workshops and/or webinars to hear experts bring topics to life and discuss real-world applications.
Remember to test yourself at the end of each chapter or learning outcome.
Now it’s just repeat process, chapter by chapter until you get to the end and you’re ready to sit your exam.
We’ll leave you with some final hints and tips…good luck!!
“I recommend starting revision early, breaking down the material into smaller chunks and making sure you review it regularly.”
“Make a plan and spend enough time on it. Cramming won’t work with the amount of content there is here”
“Prior to revising, understand what kind of learner you are to best utilise your time. Spend time understanding the content as opposed to just reading through it, and take breaks to reset.”
“After reading a chapter, summarising it in your own words helps show how much you understand.”
“Definitely use revision/flash cards, in particular for the terminology elements of the modules.”
“I use the pomodoro technique which is very useful when faced with an uphill study battle.”
“Make use of all of the available practice questions, tests and other resources.”
Watch this short video to see our top tips for planning, preparing for and passing your LM1 exam remotely…
We also recommend checking out the CII’s assessment guide which gives you everything you possibly need to know and prepare for ahead of sitting your exam remotely or in a test centre, including how to book it and when you’ll receive your results.
Finally, remember, no one learns insurance regulation overnight, so don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re not alone – we’re here to support you!”
Good luck!
View Our LM1 Study Support, including:
Chat with other LM1 candidates in the dedicated BTS LM1 online forum room to help keep up to date, find out any new information and gain help and advice from others.
For more information on LM1 view the CII info and resources for the LM1 Exam
