Exam at a glance
| Questions | 40 multiple-choice |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Pass mark | 70%. One mark per correct answer; no deduction for wrong or blank answers |
| Mode | Computer-screen exam, in English, closed book |
| How often | Daily on weekdays; weekend daytime sessions, subject to availability. Dates can change, so check SCI's exam schedule before you register |
| Resits | No limit |
| Results | Given immediately after the exam; final, with no appeal or recheck. A result slip is issued, no certificate |
| CPD | 0.75 CPD hours on passing |
Source: SCI, Certification in General Insurance exam details; SCI Examination Rules and Regulations. Retrieved 24 September 2026.
Who needs BCP
SCI states that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) requires anyone who sells, gives sales advice on, handles claims for or advises on claims for general insurance to pass the Personal General Insurance Certification, the Commercial General Insurance Certification or both, depending on the lines of general insurance they sell or advise on.
This applies whichever firm you work for (SCI's list includes general insurance intermediaries, insurers, insurance agencies and brokers, finance companies, banks and merchant banks). SCI points to MAS Notice 211 and Notice 502 for details.
The General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) and the Singapore Insurance Brokers' Association (SIBA) also require the relevant certifications of front-end staff in sales, insurance advice or claims handling. BCP is part of both certifications, so you need it whichever route you take. Your compliance team confirms the certification for your role.
Which certification, and why BCP comes first
- Personal General Insurance Certification (BCP + PGI): for selling or advising on personal motor, personal accident, travel, personal property, personal liability and other personal lines, including domestic maid, golfer, critical illness and hospital cash cover.
- Commercial General Insurance Certification (BCP + ComGI): for selling or advising on property and business interruption, liability, motor, marine and aviation, construction and engineering, pecuniary, insurance bonds, foreign worker and group personal accident insurance.
- Take BCP first if you can. SCI says BCP should preferably be taken first, since it "forms the foundation knowledge upon which the other modules are based", and recommends a minimum of 40 to 50 study hours per module, depending on your experience and ability.
- CII credit. Under SCI's table, passes in BCP and PGI, BCP and ComGI, or all three modules each make you eligible to apply to the Chartered Insurance Institute, United Kingdom (CII) for the same recognition of prior learning: an exemption from its unit W01 Award in General Insurance (15 Certificate-level credits towards CII insurance qualifications). The exemption does not complete the CII qualification of that name. You apply to the CII directly, and SCI states these credits are valid until 31 January 2028.
- Cert SCI. A candidate who has passed BCP, PGI and ComGI can use the designation Cert SCI (General Insurance), under SCI's policy guidelines.
What the BCP syllabus covers
SCI lists these topics:
- The Insurance and Reinsurance Market
- The Regulatory Landscape and Industry Frameworks
- Risks and Insurance
- Principles of Insurance
- Law of Contract and Agency
- Insurance Documents
- Claims
- Reinsurance and Co-Insurance
- Ethics, Professionalism, Data Protection and Cyber Hygiene
BCP fees
| Session | Fee, GST included |
|---|---|
| Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm | S$49.05 |
| Mon–Fri, after 5pm | S$54.50 |
- Per attempt, GST included.
- The same fee applies to first attempts and resits.
- Weekend sessions between 9am and 5pm, subject to availability, are charged the after-5pm fee.
- These fees apply to registrations submitted on or after 1 August 2026, whatever the exam date.
Source: SCI, Certification in General Insurance "Exam Fees"; SCI, "Revision of Examination Fees with Effect from 1 August 2026". Retrieved 24 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for BCP?
70%. There are 40 multiple-choice questions, one mark each, with no deduction for wrong answers.
How many questions are in the BCP exam, and how long is it?
40 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes.
How much is the BCP exam?
S$49.05 for a Mon–Fri 9am–5pm session and S$54.50 for a session after 5pm or a weekend daytime session, GST included, for registrations from 1 August 2026. The same fee applies to resits.
Should I take BCP before PGI or ComGI?
SCI says preferably yes: BCP is the foundation the other modules build on.
Which general insurance certification do I need?
It depends on the lines you sell or advise on: BCP + PGI for personal lines, BCP + ComGI for commercial lines, or both. Your compliance team confirms it for your role.
Preparing for BCP?Study notes, exam traps on the mistakes candidates commonly make, and a worked explanation for every practice question. Notes and explanations are also available in Chinese as a paid add-on.
Try the free trial questionsLast updated: 24 September 2026