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Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. This time is needed to complete the check-in process. With the transition to computerized testing, exam times have been reduced to 135 minutes per session.
Here is a breakdown of the day:
There will be a total testing time of 4.5 hours, with the appointment taking approximately 5.5 hours total.
Learn more about CFA computer-based testing.
Please note, COVID related rules are subject to change. You are encouraged to contact your testing center for specific guidelines.
You will be placed six feet apart from other testers. This distance may be altered depending on local requirements.
Depending on local rules, a COVID-19 questionnaire may be required. This will review potential exposure, symptoms, and any other COVID-19 related questions. Temperature checks may also be administered.
For safety purposes, the testing staff will not touch your personal belongings. You will be asked to hold your ID and calculator while they inspect the items. You will also be required to remove your face covering for a short time so proper identification can be made.
To avoid a mass crowd, testing facilities may opt to dismiss test takers by room or section. Other procedures may be in place to maintain social distancing protocols.
You must wear a fask mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times.
Medical masks and cloth face coverings are permitted. Masks with an exhale or one-way valves are not allowed. Masks with wearable technology are also not permitted.
You will be asked to briefly remove your mask for identification purposes.
Testing facilities will not provide them, so please be sure to bring your own. If you do not bring one, or refuse to wear one, you will not be allowed to test.
If you wish to bring gloves, face shield, or any other personal protective equipment, you may.
The testing facility may not allow a face shield to replace a face mask. If you opt for the use of a face shield, be sure to bring a mask too, just in case.
You may bring hand sanitizing gel and/or wipes.
Other items you may bring into the testing room include:
No other form of identification is accepted. Please be sure to check your passport to ensure it will be valid on your scheduled test date. If not, you will need to renew the passport prior to testing.
If the name on your passport is not the exact same as the name you used to register for the test (ie: Bill vs. William), you will need to notify the CFA Institute immediately.
There are two types of calculators that are approved for the CFA exam:
In order to reduce undue stress and eliminate potential issues on test day – be sure to test your calculator settings in advance.
Also, you may want to consider borrowing or buying an extra calculator, in the event your calculator stops working, or the batteries die.
Learn how to set up and optimize the format settings on your CFA Program calculator straight out of the box. Get Your Free CFA Program Exam Calculator Guide.
There are some of the approved optional extras you may be allowed to bring into the test room. Some of which include:
If you plan to bring any optional extras with you for testing, they need to be pre-approved with the test provider.
You may keep some of these items in your bag to access during the break and after the exam.
There is a no food and drink policy within the test room. However, you may bring a drink and snack to have during the optional break between exam sessions.
If any accommodations are needed (ie: Type 1 diabetic), you may contact the test center to request an exception.
For security and test integrity purposes, tech tools are not permitted into the test room. This includes, but is not limited to:
You may bring your purse, wallet, and backpack into the test center with you. However, it will have to be held outside of the test room. There will be a designated space to keep your personal belongings while you are in the test room.
If you wish to bring study materials with you to review before the test, or during the break, you may. Study materials include any notes, textbooks, and study guides. You will need to leave these outside of the test room with the rest of your personal belongings.
The CFA Institute and Prometric provide a laminated sheet or whiteboard for you to use during the exam. You will not be allowed to bring your own writing utensils, eraser, or scratch paper into the exam room. You also cannot bring your calculator manual.
This includes pocket knives.
All jewelry is expected to be removed. This includes wristwatches, hair clips, headbands, combs, tie clips and cufflinks. Wedding and engagement rings are allowed.
Staying hydrated and thinking clearly is important on test day.
Caffeine helps improve focus. Additionally, after long test sessions, it will help prevent feeling tired as the day progresses.
Avoid feeling hangry and losing focus during the exam by bringing a snack for your break.
If you bring your phone into the test center, please be sure to shut it off and put it in your bag before you enter the test room. Your bag will be kept in a designated area outside of the test room. You may turn it back on during the break and when both sessions are completed.
Secondly, make sure your passport will be valid at the time of the test. If not, you will need to get it renewed before you can test. Third, bring your passport, calculator and face covering when you present for the test. You may bring other items as well, but they will not be permitted in the testing room.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what to bring to the CFA exam.