With so many changes and constant updates in CFA exam policies recently, it can be hard to keep up with them when you’re busy studying.
And sometimes, life happens and you can no longer attend your scheduled CFA test appointment as originally planned. What are your options then?
In this constantly-updated article, we summarize the latest CFA deferral and rescheduling policy via a simple FAQ.
P.S.A. – Deferral forms are typically available on CFA Institute’s website 4 weeks before an exam window starts, but for Nov 2024, this deferral request window opens on 1st Nov and closes on 26th November.
- Questions on CFA deferral & rescheduling policy
- Can we reschedule CFA exams? If so, how do I change the exam date?
- Can I change CFA exam location to a closer test center?
- I cannot schedule a CFA test appointment as my preferred city and test location is shown as full. What are my options here?
- What happens if my CFA exam is rescheduled by Prometric?
- What happens if my CFA exam is cancelled and not rescheduled?
- What is the CFA exam rescheduling fee?
- What is the current CFA deferral policy? Can I defer my exam to a future exam cycle?
- What are my options if I need to change my exam window anyway?
- I'm fed up. What is CFA exam's refund and cancellation policy?
Questions on CFA deferral & rescheduling policy
Can we reschedule CFA exams? If so, how do I change the exam date?
With the latest exam policy, you can reschedule your exam date within your current exam window (e.g. from 27 Aug to 29 Aug), but this change must happen before your exam window’s scheduling deadline. This will incur $250 non-refundable fee plus additional taxes (if applicable) and can be done via the link on your candidate tile.
Changing test appointments between exam cycles are not allowed, e.g. from Nov 2024 to May 2025. A deferral is required to move your exam to a future testing window.
Can I change CFA exam location to a closer test center?
Yes, you can change your test location or exam date, both within the same exam window, for an appointment change fee of $250.
To do this, you must change your test location before your exam’s scheduling deadline via the link on your candidate tile.
Note that changing between exam cycles are not allowed, e.g. from Nov 2024 to May 2025. You’ll need a deferral request to change to a different exam window (see further below on deferral rules).
I cannot schedule a CFA test appointment as my preferred city and test location is shown as full. What are my options here?
Some test locations are reaching maximum capacity before close of registration dates.
CFA Institute is currently working with their computer-based test partners, Prometric and British Council, to continually add test slots in existing locations globally. If CFA Institute is unable to secure additional appointments, registered candidates will be offered the option to schedule as soon as possible into another exam window.
So if you have registered early, make sure you keep checking back frequently for test slot availability in your preferred exam location.
Alternatively, if you prefer a little more certainty of taking the exam in this exam window, you can book a slot in an alternate exam location for now, and pay $250 later (but before the scheduling deadline) to change the exam date or location to your preferred slot in case it becomes available later.
What happens if my CFA exam is rescheduled by Prometric?
This happens to a minority of CFA candidates, usually due to local restrictions or weather events.
Whenever possible, CFA Institute’s policy here is to reschedule you in the same exam location and exam window, but for a different date. If there are no open test slots at that location, you’ll be rescheduled within a 50 mile radius of your original test center.
If there are no available appointments or a test center within 50 mile radius, your exam appointment would unfortunately be cancelled and you should qualify for a free emergency deferral (see CFA deferral policy summary further below). This would allow you to defer your exam for up to 12 months, subject to availability and registration deadlines.
What happens if my CFA exam is cancelled and not rescheduled?
You’ll first hear about the cancellation from Prometric (donotreply@prometric.com), so make sure you check your inbox and spam folder just in case.
CFA Institute will then reach out to you within 15 days of the cancellation to provide you with more information of the next available exam windows. You will have until the registration deadline for each of these exam windows to re-register. For example, if you choose the Nov 2024 exam, you will have until 7 Aug 2024 to register.
What is the CFA exam rescheduling fee?
To make exam date or location changes within an exam window, the test appointment change fee is $250.
What is the current CFA deferral policy? Can I defer my exam to a future exam cycle?
It depends on your situation. CFA Institute has updated their deferral policy to allow for both paid or emergency deferral options.
There is now a paid deferral option costing $399 (increasing to $449 in 2025), which you can purchase up to 24 hours before your actual scheduled exam appointment.
Only 1 Paid Deferral is allowed for each exam registration. This allows you to postpone your exam to a future exam cycle within 12 months (subject to availability and registration deadlines). This payment would help cover the costs of absence in an exam centre as well as extending the Learning Ecosystem access.
If you didn’t have a scheduled exam appointment, you have up to 3 days following the close of the exam window to purchase this deferral option.
Once you purchased a paid deferral option, your existing exam appointment would be cancelled immediately. This is non-reversible and non refundable.
As for Emergency Deferral, you can request this up to 3 days following the close of an exam window, with proof or documentation.
Currently, CFA Institute will consider a free Emergency Deferral ($100 chargeable from 2025) only in the event of one of the following:
1) You or your immediate family member are suffering from a life-threatening illness;
2) death of a candidate’s immediate family member (grandparents are not considered immediate family member);
3) mandatory military service (candidate only) during the exam window;
4) pregnancy (candidate only);
5) an exam rescheduled by Prometric and after contacting Prometric, you couldn’t find a new suitable appointment date.
6) travel restriction issued by local government due to local pandemic situation. (Documentation must be issued to a specific candidate or location. Public guidance about general COVID protocols will not be accepted.)
A candidate’s “immediate family member” is defined as only the candidate’s parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse/domestic partner, or child.
Using the Emergency Deferral form takes up to 7 weeks for approval. If approved, this also allows you to postpone your exam to a future exam cycle within 12 months (subject to availability and registration deadlines).
If your application for emergency deferral was rejected (either insufficient proof or don’t qualify), you can still purchase a paid deferral.
In either cases of deferral (paid or emergency), your access to Learning Ecosystem would be updated if your deferred exam requires a new curriculum.
CFA Institute now have a deferral request form available for each exam cycle about 1 month before an exam window starts, and lasts for a month. Candidates have to wait until the deferral request form is available to submit your CFA deferral request, as it will only be processed via this form. As a reminder, here are the Emergency Deferral Form and Paid Deferral Form for CFA exams.
What are my options if I need to change my exam window anyway?
Since changing between exam windows is not currently allowed (e.g. changing from May to Nov), you can opt for a paid deferral for $399 ($449 in 2025) if you don’t qualify for a free emergency deferral (documentation required).
In the worst case, you can also choose to withdraw from an exam until 5 days before the start of your exam window.
However, an exam withdrawal means that the enrollment and registration fees will not be refunded, deferred or transferred to another exam cycle.
Withdrawing after the deadline means that you can only re-register for the next exam until after the results of the current exam have been released (about 60 days after exam window ends). Withdrawal submission takes 3 days to process, which are irreversible once processed.
I’m fed up. What is CFA exam’s refund and cancellation policy?
You can find out more about CFA Institute’s latest refund, cancellation and withdrawal policy here.
Do you have further CFA deferral and rescheduling questions not covered by the FAQ above? Comment below and we will try to help!
Meanwhile, you may find these related articles of interest:
Hello, I am currently registered for the CFA Level 2 August 2024 exam. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I need to defer my exam to November and hence I need to purchase the Paid Deferral option. I am bit confused about how the process of paid deferral works.
1) The deferral window for the CFA Level 2 August 2024 opens on 1st August 2024. However, the registration deadline for November 2024 closes on 7th August 2024. This leaves me barely a week to purchase the deferral and register for the November 2024 exam. I am a bit worried about this.
2) Is the cost of deferral USD 399 only, or will I have to pay the standard registration fees as well?
Request you to please help me clear my doubts.
Thank you!
Hello, I am currently registered to take the CFA Level 2 exam in August 2024. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I want to defer my exam to November 2024.
1) I’m a bit confused about the process of purchasing a paid deferral. It would be great if you can provide more information on how the paid deferral process works.
2) The deferral window for the August 2024 CFA Level 2 exam opens on 1st August, 2024. However, the November 2024 registration deadline is 7th August 2024. It is quite a short window, which is scaring me a bit as to whether I will be able to register for the November 2024 exam. Will I be able to register for the November 2024 CFA Level 2?
3) Also, is the cost of deferral, only USD 399 or will I have to pay the standard registration fees again?
I am currently registered for the Feb 2024 exams. Would it still be possible to defer to May 2024?
Yes you still can. The deferral window opens on 31st Jan (next week).
Is deferral window open now for Feb 2024 students
….it’s already February and I can’t see any such window.
Plus my question is …if I have received scholarship and registered for Feb 2024 exams and want to defer to another attempt then will I be eligible to get scholarships for future levels…or I will be disqualified from getting scholarships for the whole CFA course.
Please can u share the link of deferral process with me thank u
I was planning to take the CFA Level 1 in November 2023 but am going to defer it to February 2024. Will the material I received get updated for the 2024 exam (since all the material I have is based for the 2023 exam)? Or will I have to use the same books?
Hi,
I’m actually registered for the 2023 November session window and want to pay for a deferral to the 2024 February session window. Unfortunately it looks like the deferral form is not available. Do you have any idea of when it will be available please ? Cause regarding the deadline of the rescheduling of the 2023 November 2023 session (13/10/23) and the registration deadline of the 2024 february session (08/11), it seems like the changing window is really short and i don’t want to miss it.
Thank you ahead of all the answers you can give me on my subject
Hi Roy, the deferral form are generally available about 4 weeks before the start of an exam window.
But I can see that the timing is quite tight and what you don’t want to have is CFA Institute stating that Feb 24 is full by then. It may be worth contacting CFA institute directly on this so you have an email timestamp of you raising this issue earlier as well.
Hi,
I see no option to defer my exam on the website, would you please clarify how can I complete the paid deferral?
Hi Alex, I am assuming you’re after paid deferral options? If so, go here to submit that request.
Hi
I have CFA level 1 exam on 18 Feb 2023, i have been sick for almost two months and i decided to apply for emergency deferral, when can i expect reply from the institute?
what all can help me get emergency deferral?
Hi , I have register for Nov 2022 CFA level 1 exam. But one month after my registration I got to know that I am pregnant and my due date is falling on Dec 2022. Do I get free deferral in this case. Also what is process and required supporting document for deferral in my case.
Thanks
Harshada.
Hi Harshada, CFA Institute should allow a free emergency deferral as long as you inform them now via the form and show documentations from hospitals to proof your pregnancy.
Hi Harshada
I find myself in the similar situation as you. How was your deferral experience? Were you able to get an emergency deferral? What documents did you submit?
Thanks,
Sharmika
There’s an announcement on the CFA website which states that : beginning with the August 2022 exam administration, candidates will have the opportunity to purchase paid deferrals directly from within their account. can someone explain what this means?
I’m enrolled for the Aug’22 and wanted to know more about this.
Hi
What documents are required for “immediate family member death” deferral request?
Is the “deceased family member form” enough? What are the additional documents to be submitted?
It would be very helpful if you can tell the documents needed.
Thank you
I believe it differs depending on the region. It’s best to call CFA Institute directly – you can find their contact details here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/utility/phone-numbers
Hi,
My niece had chicken pox with which I got infected too on 10th of August. My L2 exam is on 1st September, 2022. Can I defer to next window as I not able to focus due to high grade fever and weakness? Doctor said I might recover within 2-3 weeks. Please advise
Hi,
I am registered for CFA exam that will be held tomorrow i.e. 18th Feb 2022 but only the location of my exam has been changed by prometric. Does this qualify under the clause of deferral under “Your exam has been rescheduled by Prometric and after contacting Prometric, you are unable to find a new acceptable appointment date.” clause?
I have called CFA institute and they have confirmed that it does but i have no written communication.
Also, the changed location is within 50mile radius and i have tried calling the prometric but the line is not available.
Should i go ahead and defer my exam under this clause.
Hi Rahul, sorry to hear the last minute changes. Did CFA Institute explain what you can do under this circumstances? I assume you have no way of making it to the exam location so last minute, so it sounds like you can qualify for deferral.
I have registered for the February 2022 computer-based exam, not yet scheduled my exam appointment. And I missed this email from CFA about scheduling the exam appointment during my medical treatment. So I wonder if I can change the time from February to August (2022)? Is it possible TT
You’ll have to contact CFA Institute (https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/utility/phone-numbers) to ask. Make sure to clearly state that you missed the scheduling email due to exceptional circumstances out of your control (as it seems that is the case). Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
I had applied for Nov 2021 L1 exam and requested for deferral due to suffering from COVID. The deferral has been accepted.
Is it possible to appear for the exam in Nov 2022 exam window. The registration for the window is yet to start.
Please guide.
Regards
To whom it may concern,
Work and other family related forces have made it extremely difficult to complete my scheduled exam date in Feb 2022.
The rescheduling deadline is on the 15th of Jan – does that mean I can reschedule free of charge to another exam date (ideally August 22′)?
If not and I fail the Feb exam do I have to pay the $1,000 USD to sit the level 1 exam again?
Cheers.
Rescheduling in this context means changing your exam date within the January exam window, so you wouldn’t be able to reschedule to August ’22 free of charge.
If you’d like to try, you can contact CFA Institute (https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/utility/phone-numbers) and give it a shot, but if I had to guess, CFA Institute would not allow a free change based on work and family, unless the circumstances are exceptional (e.g. death in the family).
My L2 exam comes up next tomorrow 29th November and I wish to withdraw from the exam due to my below par preparation. I thought withdrawal is better than an outright failure.
I will reregister and write in the next examination window.
Am I doing the right thing?
Kindly advise.
Pros of withdrawing: you get to reregister for the next immediate exam window.
Pros of NOT withdrawing: you get to show up for the exam and rack up experience for one exam so that you’re better prepared for the next one. Plus, you know, you might pass.
Flu like symptoms,would have to defer the L2 Nov’21 exam to Aug’22. My question is will I have to pay the fees again or I will be provided with a free deferral ?
CFA Institute considers situations like these on a case-by-case basis, there currently isn’t a cover-all policy. But I would imagine you’d need a positive COVID test result to stand a chance for a free deferral.
Hello, I’m scheduled for CFA Level 2 exam on 26th november in sydney australia , it just recently announced that I need proof of vaccination, unfortunately I’m yet fully vaccinated, I will be after 5th december (my second dose). I’m now not allowed to sit test? Can I do something? Reschedule some how after 5th december ? I tried online but it wont let me. I worry I loose my fee just becouse of covid rules that changed just recently I was not aware of it before.
Thank you so much for help!
Pavlina
Call up CFA Institute ASAP and explain your situation. If you are unable to take the test because of local laws and mandates, CFA Institute should be on the hook to defer your exam for you.
Also call up your Prometric center and ask if partial vaccination counts, just in case.
Hey!! My CFA level 1 exam date is scheduled on 19th Nov-21. And due to some reason I need to change the exam date, is it possible that the exam date be rescheduled between 16th Nov to 18th Nov?
You should be able to change the exam date within the exam window – the CFA Institute term for this is called rescheduling, and it only applies to dates within the exam window you’ve already booked. There is a USD25 charge for this for all 2021 exam windows (including Nov’21), which reverts back to USD250 for 2022 dates.
Hi,
I was supposed to take my CFA level II exam in August 2021. Due to COVID lockdown, it got deferred to either February or August 2022. Planning the schedule ahead, is it possible to register for the exam in a different country? If I did change to a different country, and that country hypothetically went into lockdown around that time, does CFA allow changing the testing centre location to my original / or another country (before the rescheduling deadline)?
Thank you.
You should be allowed to change exam locations for your deferral.
If that new location went into lockdown, there is no standard procedure – CFA Institute will be in touch on what you are allowed to do. But historically it means you’ll get deferred again, rather than be allowed to simply change locations within the same exam window.
Hii
I was registered for june 2020 exams
But due to pandemic couldn’t give exams
Now I haven’t selected any options in may 2021. India
Now i want to give exams in November 2021
Am I supposed to pay the fee again?
What are the options.
As no exams were conducted till date in india.
Get in touch with info@cfainstitute.org and see how it goes.
Hello. I have just found that there is no seat available in my country for CFA level 3 exam in November 2021. During this pandemic, it is not possible to defer my exam to another country. I have emailed to CFA Institute but it might take much longer to get a reply. What should I do?
CFA Institute’s official line on this is ‘keep checking every few days, we are constantly adding new places’. As far as we can tell, they do not allow deferrals on the basis of ‘I can’t find a place’, and you lose your exam registration fee if you don’t schedule an exam window.
I would keep checking daily until you get some places and book immediately.
Hi
I have deffered my CFA level 1 exam(August) because I am suffring from Covid 19. Does that mean that I have to pay the fees again and will I lose the access scholarship?
If you have a positive Covid test within 60 days of exam day you should be able to defer your exam without cost. I’m not 100% sure what happens to your scholarship, but presumably you’ll have to contact CFA Institute (info@cfainstitute.org) to get this manually re-awarded for your deferred exam.
Say that you complete level 1, how long can you delay registering for a level 2 exam? Is there a deadline before the level 1 results become void, or will the level 1 results always stand? (This also refers to completing level 2 exams and delaying the level 3 registration).
I don’t think there is an ‘expiration date’ for your qualification, although experience shows that if a candidate lets things lapse by a few years (especially between L1 and L2) they tend not to pick it up again. In other words, loss of momentum is your biggest threat to non-completion.
Hi! I am planning to withdraw from my Nov 2021 level 1 exam and register for Feb 2022 instead. I got a scholarship from my school on May which reduced my registration amount. Would I still be able to use this scholarship when I register for the Feb 2022 exam?
I’m not sure, but if I had to guess I would say you would have to apply and win your scholarship again, since usually candidates will lose their registration fee if they withdraw.
There are no availability in my location for Nov 2021 exam currently.
If I haven’t schedule my exam date & location before 15 Aug 2021, am I automatically added by CFA?
I’ve already scheduled the September exam. However I was diagnosed as high risk pregnancy recently, and the exam date is one month before my due date. What will be the deadline that I want to reschedule my exam?
You can only reschedule your exam within the given exam window. The rescheduling deadline varies by CFA Level – it is 24th July for Level 1 so you need to act fast if rescheduling is what you want to do.
Congratulations and good luck with your pregnancy! Goes without saying, but if push comes to shove, prioritize yourself and bump. 🤰
I have medical problem and cannot wear mask for a long time,
It suffocates and uneasiness, and because it is compulsory to have mask on all the time in test center i won’t be able to attend exams until i operate my nose or get proper treatment.
I have been sending emails to CFAI since 7th of july but there’s absolutely no reply to any mails yet ,not even regular mail.
What should be done?
It really depends on your local Prometric center, which luckily has a much better response rate. I would call them up and explain your situation, and meanwhile get proof of your need to be exempt from mask-wearing, such as a letter from your doctor or hospital.
I do have a doctor’s letter already and sent it to CFAI,
I recently received a mail from CFAI, they’ll be forwarding it to their team now.
Should be fine then, fingers crossed 🤞
Yes 👍🏻
Hi! I have been offered an deferral option for m my exam scheduled in July 21 to Feb 22/Dec 22, but I will be moving to another city coming September. Is it possible to change my exam location when I apply for the deferral free of charge?
As I understand it, yes. When you’re offered a deferral you effectively get a ‘free’ registration so you’ll be able to choose your location again.
I have a similar issue…I have tried contacting CFA institute as of late June via email and the contact center but no luck. I am supposed to move in early September for a job opportunity in another city, and my exam is scheduled for early September in the same time frame. Is it possible they can make an exception for my case and I sit for L2 in November?
Unless you have been deferred there is very little chance you will be able to postpone your exam to November ☹️
Hi I’d like to postpone my CFA LV1 August EXAM on 26th to CFA LV1 EXAM on 2022 FEB. if there is a 250 dollar fee I’d also be glad to pay that as well how do I do that ? Did re-register thing not open yet or is it done by email to cfa institute? Thank you so much!
To ‘postpone’ your CFA exam at your cost, you need to withdraw from your current exam, then re-register as a new candidate for your new chosen exam window. You’ll have to email CFA Institute directly (info@cfainstitute.org) with your details and stating you’d like to withdraw.
Here is a discussion on what your options are if you’d like to postpone your CFA exams.
Hi, do you have any idea whether the July CFA Level 1 exams are still happening due to COVID?
There are no announcements of cancellations for the CFA exams due to Covid…yet.
Hi i need assistance with the quickest way to contact CFA
I tried calling them, no one picks up and their emails is not being responded to
I need urgent assistance
Based on our reader reports, their issues are getting resolved, albeit after a bit of waiting. Calling is a way to speed things up – I suggest calling their US line rather than the regional ones.
Hope that helps – let me know how it turns out for you.
Hey , I m appearing for Cfa level 1 in July 2021, but I m suffering from covid-19, is it possible to reschedule my exam to august 2021 or November 2021?
Yes – you can postpone your exam if you or an immediate family member test positive for Covid-19 within 60 days of your exam. Documentation will be required. Send your test results and your request for deferral to info@cfainstitute.org as soon as possible.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
Hi
I’m Level-2 candidate, whose exam was deferred twice (June 2020 & December 2020 exams) due to Covid-19 Pandemic and option was given to re-register for any exam window in 2021.
Now, when I am registering myself for Nov-2021 Level 2 exam, it is showing registration fee of $1000 at the time of check out, though I am eligible to re-register myself for exam without paying any exam fee. I have tried calling and emailing institute but no response received yet.
Kindly guide on what to do next
Sounds like a system error. You’ll have to contact CFA Institute ASAP (info@cfainstitute.org and phone) to get this resolved. Currently the wait time is around 4 weeks for non-urgent issues, but fingers-crossed you get a resolution before the final reg deadline.
Hello, if I cancel my CFA level 2 exam in August, can I register for the November exam ? (I know I have to pay again)
I would like to be absolutely sure that I can present myself in November
Yes you can, but you have to withdraw from the August 2021 exam before the Nov deadline, which is now 20th July.
Withdrawing used to be an online process but now you have to contact CFA Institute to get that done manually for you, so that might take a while.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
I missed scheduling deadline for August exam. After mailing the cfa institute with reasons, they sent a mail stating I can schedule my exam until 25 June. But the portal for scheduling is absent on my cfa account. What should I do?
Sounds like it’s an ad-hoc arrangement so you’ll have to check with CFA Institute on this. I would contact Prometric directly first, just in case that works.
If that doesn’t work I’d try the CFA Institute US number using a free online service, and holding until you get through.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
Thanks, the issue got resolved by contacting the institute on the helpline number. They told it was a issue with a lot of people and resolved it instantly.
Glad to know it all worked out! 👍
I had registered for the CFA level 2 exam in August 2020 and I was supposed to have my exams in May ’21 which got postponed due to a pandemic. I am eligible to write my next exam in November 2021. But since my marriage is to be held in the same month, I need to know whether the registration transfer option can be availed for the next upcoming exam after Nov’21.
CFA Institute have not officially commented on this, but I’m assuming any May’21 candidate that was forcibly postponed to Nov’21 would be able to postpone it to a further date if Nov’21 does not suit.
I would contact CFA Institute at info@cfainstitute.org to get this sorted out. Let us know how it turns out!
I am currently registered for the Level 1 July exams but however my passport expired, I applied for the renewal but the process is taking long that i wont have a passport by the July, In Zimbabwe they do not issue emergency travel documents and the whole passport application process is flawed. What options do I have and how do I go about it.
You’ll need to contact CFA Institute ASAP. According to the rules as they stand you may not be allowed to take the CFA exam.
Can I postponed the November 2021 level1 exam, do I have to re-pay the exam fees and registration fees
You cannot ‘psotpone’ an exam you’ve registered for unless you have a very good reason (e.g. covid infected, death in family, etc). You can withdraw and re-register for the next exam, but yes, you’ll have to repay the registration fees.
Hi , I am also facing a same situation like Mohammad Rahimuddin Imad but I have a doubt, In case CFA approved his deferral request then he need to submit any fees or not.?
If you or a direct family member test Covid positive within 60 days of the CFA exam, you should be able to arrange for a deferral at no charge. Proof of this will be needed.
Prometric had an “operational problem” on the 25th of May when I went to write my CFA level 2 exam. After spending 4 hours waiting, all test takers were dismissed and they said they would communicate. I have now been rescheduled to the 31st of May, but I am back at work after having squandered my 8 day leave already. I have deadlines and there is no way I can make it in this window. I am still waiting for a response from CFA after I requested to be deferred to another window.
In my opinion CFA Institute should definitely offer you a date of your choice, since the issues on 25th May were entirely due to Prometric, and by proxy CFA Institute, rather than yourself.
I’d be very interested to find out how this gets resolved. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Thanks Zee. I managed to get a $0 coupon (after calling CFA) and have now registered for November 2021. It seems its the only closest option. Advice is if you want to call CFA, call on Sunday, traffic is lower then.
Is there another number or way to contact to move an exam?
If you’re moving within the same exam window, Prometric are the people to contact (https://www.prometric.com/contact-us). If you want to move exam windows you’ll need to contact CFA Institute (info@cfainstitute.org).
Hi,
I’m Level 1 candidate(also a CA Final student).I had scheduled my CFA L1 exam for July 21st, but my CA Final exams which were originally scheduled for May have now been postponed due to Covid 19,to July, commencing from July 5th for 16 days,which might clash with the CFA exam date.Is there any way possible to shift my CFA exam from July to next window?
Unless CFA Institute cancels your exam due to Covid, unfortunately you will not be allowed to reschedule your exam.
I am currently registered for Augst 2021 Lvl 1 CFA, however due to personal medical condition, I would like to defer my exam to the next exam window. I tried emailing CFA @ info@cfainstitute.org twice, but never got a response. I tried going on my account but under “schedule your exam” it does not provide me that option. Please advise what should my next step be.
You’ll have to get explicit approval from CFA Institute to defer your exam to another exam window. You’ll have to get in touch with CFA Institute either by email or phone for that. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
Hi, I am a level 1 candidate and my exam window is May 2021. My deferral request has been approved by the CFA institute. I just want to clarify whether I have to pay any fees when I re-register for any other exam window. I am bit confused by the phrase “Candidates awarded a deferral are responsible for all applicable new curriculum charges” in the CFA website. Please be kind enough to clarify.
You won’t need to pay any exam fees, but if you need to buy new materials (say because you’re rescheduling to Feb 2022 and already bought 2021 materials), that’ll come at your own cost. I think that’s what CFA Institute means by ‘new curriculum charges’.
Hi Oshadhee, may I know how did you apply for a deferral to have the exam on another exam window? Did you email them info@cfainstitute.org ?
Hi, Any updates in singapore exams given our recent lockdown?
There have been partial closings in Agilitics, Singapore. Candidates that have been affected will be emailed.
It seems that despite the worsening situation in SG where we no longer dine in, maximum groups of 2 & working from home as default. CFA’s still going ahead with exams on the 21st eh. Sounds crazy right, who’s taking charge of these rules really. Zero regard for the situation in Singaopore
CFA Institute has to have an objective and scalable way of deciding whether to proceed in every locality, and it makes sense to define this based on local rules. Hence their policy of “if the local rules and laws allow it, then it is defined as OK to proceed” makes sense.
The handling of the Covid situation over the past year has left much to be desired but this I agree with.
I registered for CFA exam in August, if I fail, can I register for the exam in November? Or should I wait until May 2022?
Which CFA level are you at?
You definitely can’t reregister for November 2021 if you’ve failed in August 2021, but when you can reregister depends on which CFA level you are.
Can anyone please let me know the procedure to withdraw from August 2021 exam and re register for November 2021 exam – Level 1 candidate?
How to withdraw from your CFA exam:
Remember that if you withdraw from the exam you don’t get a refund unless this has been specified by CFA Institute!
Hi, Thanks for the reply.
However, my account is only showing an option to reschedule…
can you please let me know of any other way ?
Do you not have this option in your ‘My Enrollment’ tab?
No… i dont….
You likely need to contact CFA Institute to get it sorted then – I don’t think I’ve seen a case where a candidate can’t withdraw from their CFA exam.
It would be useful for future candidates to know why this happened, so if you can, do let us know how it turns out for you!
Even i dont have this option in my account
CFA Institute has confirmed that withdrawal is now a manual process:
Hi
I’m Level-2 candidate, whose exam was deferred twice (June 2020 & December 2020 exams) due to Covid-19 Pandemic and option was given to re-register for any exam window in 2021.
Now, when I am registering myself for Nov-2021 Level 2 exam, it is showing registration fee of $1000 at the time of check out, though I am eligible to re-register myself for exam without paying any exam fee. I raised a ticket to Institute, but yet to receive any revert.
Kindly guide.
Did you follow the instructions exactly as given by CFA Institute in their email, and do you have a deadline to reschedule your exam?
If you did everything by the book and still are shown a $1,000 registration fee, then there’s no other option but to wait for CFA Institute to manually sort your issue out. I would keep emailing and calling. Good luck!
Any update Shyam on this? I am in a similar position as you and it showing a $1000 fee for Nov 21 exams. Can you please let me if this is resolved. Thanks.
Hi Prachet
Sorry for late revert. Yes, after lots of follow up I managed connect with CFA Support Team on call and they have given me option to re-register for Nov-2021 Exam.
My suggestion would be to call them in odd time, as most of the time phone numbers are not reachable.
Thanks
Is there an update to this issue from CFA Institute? I am facing the same issue!!!
Hi, I have done early bird registration for Nov 21 exam 10 days ago, due to some personal reasons and COVID I will not be able to give my Nov 21 exam, Is it possible to cancel my registration as it has only been 10 days and re-register for Feb 22 exam when the window opens on 13th May 2021? Please Help!
Yes, you can request a refund within 14 days so I’d act quickly!
Thanks. I just submitted the covid report. No response from CFA for a week.
Hope you are doing well and not experiencing major covid symptoms.
I’ve tested positive on 25th April and have emailed CFA with my covid report on 2nd May (almost a week after as soon as my health allowed) requesting deferral to be allowed to appear in Aug-21. It’s been few days since and I haven’t heard back from them hence I’m quite worried/tensed about it right now. I’m from Pakistan and scheduled to appear for Level 3 on 29th May.
Please help.
Quoting CFA Institute:
So if your exam is on 29th May, contact them again on 15th May to request your exam to be deferred.
Three big caveats:
Good luck. If you have any further questions, post a question in our support forum!
Thanks for the response. While I understand that my exam date is comfortably outside my quarantine period but what’s not accounted here is my health condition and weeks of stress battling covid before exam – not to mention the loss of time which could have been spent studying.
I’m just hoping for the best and relying on this clause to have my exam rescheduled to even Nov-21
– a positive COVID test within 60 days of the candidate’s scheduled exam
Good catch – I missed that! CFA Institute should give you a deferral on that basis – assuming you manage to get in touch with them. I’d definitely email them to request a deferral. Let us know how it turns out?
They’ve cancelled the exam for most of testing centres in Pakistan.
I still haven’t heard on my covid related emails but my exam is cancelled nonetheless.
Hi Mohammad!
Wish you speedy full recovery and solving your issue.
One question: Did you send positive Covid test result only? Or anything else like doctor’s opinion about your health condition.. I’m in the same situation right now and wonder what documentation should be provided to CFA institute.
Thanks!
Thanks. I just submitted the covid report. No response from CFA for a week.
Hope you are doing well and not experiencing major covid symptoms.
I am a deferred candidate and I had Registered at the early registration deadline . I tried to register for Nov 21 exam and it showed 700$ at checkout and now 1000$. Please guide !
Wait, what do you mean by ‘deferred candidate’? If you’ve been deferred from May 2021, you should wait for CFA Institute to contact you on specific instructions on how to defer your exam to Nov 2021.
I was cancelled from june and Dec 2020 L2 exams, I did not request a refund during 7-21dec window and had not registered for any 2021 exam. How can I get a refund now ? Note : I did not register for may 2021 exam.
So you didn’t do anything?
I’m assuming if you call CFA Institute they should be able to sort you out with at least rescheduling you in for a future exam depending on availability, but I’m not sure if they’ll still offer you a refund.
Hey. I registered for May’21 Cfa level 2 exam. But given the current situation in Kolkata, India I opted for deferring my exam to Nov’21. I am yet to receive a confirmation mail from the CFA Institute regarding my account update and confirmation from their end that I have successfully deferred my exam to Nov’21. What do I do now? I am just waiting for the mail to come.
CFA Institute has been patchy in email communication since the cancellation announcements, so perhaps they’re quite overwhelmed by enquiries and logistics. I wouldn’t panic yet – the CFA Institute test center updates page clearly states that they cannot go ahead in Navi Mumbai for May 2021, so you’ll get deferral details for November soon (I hope!).
if my exam is rescheduled for the 2nd time, but within the same exam window (which i am unable to make)
Am i eligible for a refund here?
The twice-cancelled rule is for a postponement by CFA Institute to another exam window, not a rescheduling by Prometric within the same exam window. So no, in your example you would not be eligible for a refund.
If I register for CFA lvl 1 examination for November 2021, and if the exam gets postponed will i be able to reschedule it to February 2022, or do i have to wait for 6 months gap?
If your November 2021 exam gets cancelled, the postponement will be dependent on what the situation is at the time – the 6-month rule-of-thumb does not apply with postponements.
Hi,
I have registered for the May 2021 exam but did not schedule my exam at a test location as I was unaware about it. What will be the consequences of this? Mumbai would have been my preferred test location and now the May 2021 exams are no longer going to be held here.
Unfortunately unless you get very lucky, it’s looking like your exam will be voided.
Suggest that you contact CFA Institute at info@cfainstitute.org if you haven’t already, or by phone, and request that you be included in the deferral to November 2021.
More details in this discussion: https://300hours.com/f/cfa/general/t/may-level-1-exam-scheduling-deadline-missed/
Hi I am registered for CFA level 3 exam in May’21 and right now my brother was and grandparent are covid positive. Brother is Covid positive since 3rd April’21.We all live together and I am managing everything on behalf of them. I am managing their healthcare resources since 3rd May till and in days to come. While I am taking precautions there are chances I myself can become infected so I am concerned about my ability to devote time for exam and whether I will be able to give exam or not. Am i eligible for deferral to next exam date i.e. Nov’21
Hi Rushab, I’m hope you are doing OK and not too stressed, sorry to hear about your family situation.
Yes, you should be eligible for a deferral according to CFA Institute’s deferral policy, since your ‘immediate family’ (as per CFA Institute’s definition, only applies to your brother and grandfather in this case) are experiencing a life threatening illness.
CFA Institute states that “deferral requests must be received by CFA Institute prior to or within 10 US business days after the exam window. Decisions on deferrals are final and are at the sole discretion of CFA Institute. Candidates awarded a deferral are responsible for all applicable new curriculum charges.”
So it’s best to write/call them ASAP with proof of your family’s situation (best via email for proof of sending and then follow up with a call). You probably have to wait for their approval.
I hope things get better for you and your family. Stay safe.
Hy, my cfa exam was postponed from June 2020 to December 2020. I applied for refund and followed all procedures as asked by HSBC beneficiary bank. It is now 26 days, I haven’t received refund.. I tried emailing and calling cfa customer care service but there is no response. Please help me on what to do. Thankyou.
Hi Mirembee, according to CFA Institute, it may take up to 120 days from the close of the request window for your refund to be processed, due to the length of time since a payment was originally received.
Good Morning,
I live in Uruguay and will have to take the exam of CFA Level 2 next May’21. The issue is that i cannot travel to Argentina (closest location) due to covid restrictions.
Am I allowed? I already wrote to the CFA more than 8 days ago, but no reply from them until now.
Can you comment on my case. Thanks
Hi Marcos, CFA Institute is probably swamped with similar enquiries now. We have a big thread on May21 exams in our forum which may help guide you on what to expect.
Ok. Yes I read everything. Do you know how long it takes CFA to reply an email after you request the deferral of the exam?
Sorry Marcos, we are not sure of that given the fluid nature of COVID-19. Usually CFA Institute has a certain timeline, but this may change given all the chaotic changes this year. Calling may help if you rather not wait.
Hi Team,
Considering the Covid -19 situation in India as many states are badly affected due to another wave of pandemic. What are the chances that exam will get canceled and when are we going to have update from CFA Institute.
Hi Akash, this has been extensively discussed in one of our recent May21 forum post, check it out. Hope this helps.
Hi I am registered for CFA level 3 exam in May’21 and right now my entire family (father, brother, niece, sister-in-law) are covid positive. We all live together and I am managing everthing on behalf of them. Things will be quite uncertain and radical. My time will be dedicated to managing their healtcare resources in days to come. While I am taking precautions there are chances I myself can become infected so I am concerned about my ability to devote time for exam and whether I will be able to give exam or not. Can I make CFA institute to defer my exam registation to next cycle i.e. Nov’21?
Hi Tanmay, I hope you are doing OK and not too stressed, sorry to hear about your family situation.
According to CFA Institute’s deferral policy, since your ‘immediate family’ (as per CFA Institute’s definition, only applies to your father and brother in this case) are experiencing a life threatening illness, you should qualify for a deferral under their current policy.
CFA Institute states that “deferral requests must be received by CFA Institute prior to or within 10 US business days after the exam window. Decisions on deferrals are final and are at the sole discretion of CFA Institute. Candidates awarded a deferral are responsible for all applicable new curriculum charges.”
So it’s best to write/call them ASAP with proof of your family’s situation (best via email for proof of sending and then follow up with a call). You probably have to wait for their approval.
I hope things get better for you and your family. Stay safe.
Hi Sophie, I really appreciate your prompt reply and thank you for the guidance and wishes. I will contact the institute and submit the requisite proofs and details through email and then afterwards will follow up with them.
Hi Team,
My Grandfather passed away on the 8th of April 2021 due to Covid 19 and I am registered to appear for Level 3 this May. Am I eligible for a deferral as this has affected my studies drastically and I am unable to concentrate.
Hi Anurag, I hope you are doing ok, I’m sorry for your loss…
According to CFA Institute’s deferral policy, your case for deferral would be considered as there is a death in your immediate family.
So if you would like to defer, you must send your deferral requests to CFA Institute prior to OR within 10 US business days after the exam window. Decisions on deferrals are final and are at the sole discretion of CFA Institute. That said, candidates awarded a deferral are responsible for all applicable new curriculum charges.
Hi
Appreciate the quick response. Just a follow up. How exactly am I supposed to apply for a deferral. Would writing a mail to the institute suffice?
Hi Anurag, it’s best to either email or call CFA Institute directly with the details/instructions at this page.
Hi! Thanks for the article. So If you catch corona before exam, meaning within a week before exact exam date for example, you should instantly write an e-mail to CFA with documentation of positive test result right? And what happens next? Do they let you defer to next exam window? And do you lose any money in this case?
Hi Nick, in the unfortunate event a candidate catches COVID-19 before exam (within 60 days of exam appointment are eligible), CFA Institute would consider your case (with proof) to let you defer to another exam.
To do this, you must request to defer prior to OR within 10 US business days after the exam window. Decisions on deferrals are final and are at the sole discretion of CFA Institute. If successful, you can defer your exam, but are responsible for all applicable new curriculum charges.
Hope this helps
Hi Sophie!
Thank you very much for the reply. One additional question: So if curriculum doesn’t change from original to deferred exam window, then there will be no additional charges right? They might request exam fee only.. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Thanks!
Hi Nick, if you are allowed to defer, and that your curriculum doesn’t change between the exam windows, I don’t think there are any other additional charges. Not even exam fees.
Hi, I could not find a test location in my country (Perú) because it was full, so I did not schedule, will I get the option to do the exam in another window exam or I will need to pay one more time,
I was registered was december2020 exam,it got cancelled,till now yet not registered for other exam date.can I register now without additional fees.i m trying to register for July 2021 exam but they asking me extra 1000$.any solution.
Tried to mail CFA institute but not getting any reply.
Hi Abhinav, someone else experienced this as well and it was resolved by contacting CFA Institute via phone directly as it seems that his/her account was not updated correctly. This is happening to quite a few of our readers as well which seems to be a system fault on CFA Institute’s end. Best to contact them directly to resolve.
In October 2020, I was offered a refund as a twice-affected candidate or the option to register for 2021, and I chose to register for the May 2021 exam in London Islington. Prometric have now rescheduled my appointment to Uxbridge (about 25 miles further away) and are unable to offer me a place in London in May 2021.
Prometric have offered to find me a different time, or a deferral to August or November 2021. Had I known that Uxbridge/Croydon were the only options available, I would have chosen the refund option back in October 2020. I’ve reached out the CFAI but they seem to have withdrawn the twice-affected option despite the reschedule+relocation.
I feel this is not reasonable, and I should have the option to withdraw (an option I had back in October) given they have “gone back” on what we had agreed upon? I’d be grateful for your advice.
Hi,
I change my exam from Dec 2020 to May 2021 but need to move it to Aug 2021. Will I forfeit all that has been paid?
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, as per the updated FAQ above, CFA Institute doesn’t allow any changes between exam cycles (e.g. May21 to Aug21). So your only option is to either stick with it or withdraw. A withdrawal does mean your fees paid are forfeited and not refundable.
Please i want to reregister to Feb 2021.I don’t know if that date 20th Oct covers both withdrawal and re-registering. Please is the re-registeration process done immediately
Hi Somto, the 20th Oct deadline is for postponed June 2020 candidates who have not re-registered, and candidates who want to move out of the December 2020 exam, to register for any 2021 exam. So if you want to move to Feb21 exams, you should withdraw and re-register now
I was enrolled for June 2020 and then re-registered for December 2020. Can I now switch to Feb 2021 without forfeiting the fee?
Yes, you can do this without a charge.
I am a Level 1 June Candidate postponed and registered to Dec 20 exam. Now I want to change to Feb 21 Level 1 exam. System is not allowing me to withdraw or reregister for Feb 21. How to do so?
Hi Ritu, if the system is not showing the option for you to withdraw and reregister as a June 2020 postponed candidate, please reach out to CFA Institute ASAP as you’ve up to 20 Oct 2020 to change your dates.
I have done early bird registration for Dec 2020 exams, can I shift it to February 2021 without any extra fees?
Hi Palak, as you’re not part of the group of June 2020 postponed candidates, unfortunately you cannot change your registration dates without forfeiting your registration fees. Enrollment and registration fees are generally non-refundable. CFA Institute only offers a full refund within 3 days of payment if you change your mind.