Last week in this space, with the 2024 NFL Agent Exam just around the corner, I asked several of last summer’s test-takers to share their study strategies for passing the test. I thought the feedback we got was excellent, so I decided to ask another question. 

This time, I asked what topic they wished they’d studied more extensively before taking the exam. T.J. Linta of JL Sports said it wasn’t one topic, per se, but a strategy — speed of finding information — that he said he wholeheartedly recommends. 

“I think the part that is most important is the recall ability of information,” he said. “The first step is to understand each individual topic at a decent level, but I think the most important part once you have a basic understanding of each topic is to be able to find it quickly in your notes/CBA to apply it to each question on the test.

“I don’t think any particular subject matter was much harder or easier, but thankfully, I prepared well to be able to find the exact page in my notes/CBA within a few seconds after reading the question. So, long story short, take really good, concise notes in a way that you understand them, and be able to find them quickly on test day!”

Here is how other agents responded.

Jeffrey Poe, Forever Athlete Management: “I would say definitely know the difference between an accrued and credited season. They try to trick you with those two. Also know how to calculate contracts and salary cap. There are not a ton of math questions on the exam but they can be the difference between passing and failing. Hopefully this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.

Maleshia McGinnis, MPowered Sports: “During testing, I didn’t feel like I had a good grasp on the player benefits (Termination Pay, Severance Pay, Disability Plan, Total and Permanent and the Annuity Plan, Neuro-Cognitive benefit, Line of Duty). Case in point, I had to look it up to (text this). Ninety percent of the info, like salary cap, free agency, drug testing, incentives, rookie contracts, discipline, etc., I can explain it off the top of my head and had full understanding. But not benefits! During the Agent Seminar, I felt like the topic was rushed through, yet they tested on it. I counted three questions that I remember thinking it’s 50/50 whether I get them correct. I took a prep course as well and it just wasn’t focused on that, yet the PA tests on it, from what I could see from other agents who took other exams.”

The agent exam is our sole focus until July 29. If you’re taking the exam, we’d like to help. Got questions about what we offer? This might help. We also recommend you register for our weekly newsletter, the Friday Wrap, which you can do here.