This is the only CFA exam day checklist you need: what to bring, what to expect, what to wear, and everything else – updated for the latest pandemic-related procedures and computer-based exams.
Here is our definitive list of things to bring to the exam, how the exam day will be like, and any other questions you might have about CFA exam day.
With the new computer-based testing (CBT), CFA exam days are now different compared to paper-based exams given the different scheduling windows/times.
With the reduced exam length of 2 hours and 15 minutes per session, here is what happens time-wise on your exam day:
| 30 minutes | Pledge, tutorial and survey |
| 135 minutes | Session 1 exam |
| 30 minutes | Optional break |
| 135 minutes | Session 2 exam |
| 4.5 hours | Total testing time |
| 5.5 hours | Total appointment time |
That said, CFA Institute recommends that it is best to arrive at least 30 minutes early, as the check in process does take time.
In addition to usual exam procedures, CFA Institute will be implementing these additional COVID procedures:
In addition to the usual exam items, there are some additional COVID-related items to consider:
| Face mask (optional) | As of 1st May 2022, Prometric will no longer require candidates or test center personnel to wear masks unless required to do so by building management or local government mandates. That said, Prometric continues to allow and encourage the wearing of masks regardless of mandate or vaccination status You will be required to briefly remove your face covering during ID verification. CFA Institute/Prometric will not be supplying face masks – so please remember to bring your own if you prefer to wear one. |
| Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE, optional) | If you’d like to bring gloves, face shields or any additional PPE, go ahead. It’s not clear if CFA Institute will allow a use of a face shield instead of a face mask, so if you do decide to bring a face shield please still bring a face mask. |
| Sanitizing gear (optional) | You can bring hand sanitizing gel or wipes as well. |
Prometric has also highlighted additional location-specific COVID-19 measures, so check the latest test-center specific requirements here.
There is no longer any CFA exam ticket needed, unless your test provider requests that you print a confirmation email with your appointment confirmation number in it. For most, all you need is your passport ID and calculator for the exam.
Here’s the exact list of what you are allowed to bring inside the CFA computer based testing room:
At the test center, there will be an area designated for personal belongings to place items not allowed in the test room.
It’s still useful to have some essential items for your break and after the exam. You’ll be allowed to keep stuff at a personal belongings area (outside the test room), so you can keep these items inside:
There is no dress code, so wear what you’re comfortable in – within reason, of course. We recommend that you dress in layers so that you can adjust and keep comfortable as needed.
Contrary to any rumors you might have heard on Reddit, you do NOT need to wear a suit. (Redditors, we find it funny too, but we have to answer a lot of these!)
Yes, we think it is useful to have that break. You can use it to have a light snack, drink and use the toilet before heading in for the second session. It’s actually not a long break.
You won’t be allowed to eat snacks or drink during the exam itself, but you can and should bring your own light snack and water – something that keeps well in room temperature for your optional 30 minute break.
In fact, if you take into account the check-in time when you return from your break, you have just about 15-20 minutes actual break time to grab a drink, snack and/or go for a quick toilet break.
Going back in late for second session will eat into your exam time, so be mindful of this.
Yes, there will be a personal belongings area with lockers at the CBT test centers.
No.
If you need to borrow a calculator (or anything else), you’ll need to do so before each exam sessions starts.
If you run into any issues during the exam, ask a proctor for advice before you do anything else.
No, you cannot bring drinks into the computer test room, for a good reason.
During the exam, candidates are allowed 2 unschedule breaks, but the test time is not paused during these breaks. During these 2 breaks, you can use the bathrooms or access your personal belongings (only water, food or medical items) upon proctor’s approval.
Candidates are not allowed to leave the test centre during these breaks.
However, test takers should raise their hand for both breaks and questions during the computer-based test.
Yes you can with computer-based testing.
Again, just raise your hand to ask the proctor to confirm if you can do so.
Sitting for the CFA exams soon? We wish you the best of luck and hope these articles will help:
Whether you’re preparing for professional exams, or are a college student studying for your finals,…
‘How to get a CFA exam refund’ has never really been a frequently asked question,…
complete cfa practice tests fast
Risk management in finance is essentially the practice of minimizing a firm's downside exposure, through…
Financial risk managers play an invaluable role in maintaining a company's fiscal health by seeking…
Previously known as Claritas, the Investment Foundations Program by CFA Institute was paused in December…
View Comments
Cheat Sheets for L1 were extremely helpful for preparation. Thanks a lot!
Currently, I am preparing for L2 exam, and honestly, I would love to have such amazing cheat sheets for L2 as well.
Are you planning to work on those?
Hi Ara, thanks :) We are working hard on L2, but it is a huge step up in coverage, and hope to have them published as soon as we can.
My HP12c has directions for some calculator functions embossed in the back from the manufacturer. Is this allowed?
Hi Robert, that should be fine as embossed and part of the calculator. Not that you need to refer to it anyway! :) Good luck!
I see that the exam format was changed to digital, and seems to be that candidates are not allowed to bring any scratch paper - but received some earlier when the exam was in written format.
But how about when it comes to calculating (complex) formulas and you need to write down some notes? Does the digital platform allows some "scratches"?
Andreas, you should be given either scratch paper or writing boards by the proctors for calculation workings, which have to be returned when the exam is finished.
where can i find my comfirmation id?
You'll be able to find your candidate ID on your CFA Institute online account - the same one you use to access your CFA Institute mock and materials.
I have lost the case for my calculator. Do I have to have the case or can i just bring in the calculator itself?
No, you don't need the case for the exam.
Can I take the afternoon section early. For example, if I finish the morning section at 11a.m. Can I take the afternoon section at noon ?
not exactly, you can finish early, but you still only have a 30 min break, so if you finish at 11am, you would have until 11:30 to start your second session
What is confirmation mail from prometric ?
I have my exam for L1 in November window. Can i take eyedrops and general medicines for fever with me? I assume these are not in category of medical equipments needed and are general medicines, so would I need to take approval on the exam day or I need to email the Institute for same?
If you have a fever, you are not allowed in the testing site.
According to Prometric, eye drops and pills are fine, but pills must be unwrapped without packaging. I would just email the Institute just in case.
Can I bring my home and car-key into the testing room and put it under my chair, like it was before CBT?
This could depend on the test center, but if they are following CFA Institute's guidance to the letter, keys are not allowed.
My exam time written on the appointment letter is 8:00 am this means I have to reach my centre at 7:30 am? And from 8 to 8:30 we have to watch the tutorial? and the exam officially starts at 8:30?
Sounds about right to me. Good luck!