Exam-Related Sanctions
When enrolling in the CFA® Program or registering for any level of the CFA exam, candidates agree to understand, accept, and comply with all conditions, requirements, policies, and procedures for the CFA Program.
At the testing center, candidates sign a Candidate Pledge, affirming they will follow all rules of the CFA Program and acknowledging that a violation of any rules will result in CFA Institute voiding exam results and may lead to suspension or termination of candidacy in the CFA Program.
Candidates are advised of the conditions, requirements, policies, and procedures through several communications, including the CFA Institute website, verbal statement read prior to the commencement of the exam, and the back of the exam booklet.
The exam-related conduct outlined below includes any activity or conduct related to participation in the CFA Program, including conduct before, during, and after the administration of the CFA exam, and any conduct that compromises or attempts to compromise the reputation, integrity, validity, or security of the CFA exam.
Answering Questions Past Time Called
Candidates must not continue to answer questions after time is called.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| Private Reprimand | 1034 |
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 37 |
Unauthorized Calculator
Only two calculator models are approved for use on the CFA exams:
- Hewlett Packard 12C
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 2 |
| Private Reprimand | 267 |
Opening Question Booklet before Start of Exam
Candidates must not open the exam or begin working on the exam before instructed to do so by the testing personnel.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 2 |
| Private Reprimand | 172 |
Possession of Study Materials
Study materials, including notes, papers, textbooks, present/future value tables, and/or study guides are not permitted in the testing room. Personal items, including study materials, that are not allowed in the testing room must be placed the area designated for personal belongings.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 2 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 7 |
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 3 |
| 3 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 1 |
| 5 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 2 |
| Private Reprimand | 1 |
| Permanent | 1 |
Leaving Exam Center/Building
Candidates who exit the designated, secure, proctored test area during the administration of the exam may not re-enter the testing room.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 3 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 1 |
| Private Reprimand | 10 |
Possession and Use of Electronic Devices
Mobile phones, MP3 players, cameras, pagers, headsets, computers, electronic organizers, personal data or digital assistants, or other remote communication or photographic devices are not permitted in the testing room.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 2 |
| 2 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 3 |
| 3 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 1 |
| 5 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 2 |
| Private Reprimand | 32 |
Talking during Exam
Candidates may not speak to anyone other than a proctor during the administration of the exam.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 2 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 1 |
| Private Reprimand | 3 |
Assistance during Exam
Each candidate attests through the candidate pledge signed prior to the exam that they will neither give nor receive assistance while taking the exam. Looking or glancing at another candidate’s exam or giving the appearance of doing so violates the exam rules and regulations.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 19 |
| 2 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 115 |
| 5 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 309 |
| Permanent | 1145 |
| 3 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 4 |
Failure to Cooperate
Candidates are required to produce documents, testify, and otherwise cooperate in disciplinary proceedings of CFA Institute.
No instances led to a sanction.Disclosure of Exam Content
Candidates must not share information about exam content with anyone, including other candidates.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 5 Years Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 1 |
| Permanent | 1 |
| Private Reprimand | 1 |
Misrepresentation
Disciplinary sanctions may be imposed for falsification of information on CFA Program enrollment applications, presenting a falsified identification for admission to the exam, and/or any other misrepresentation related to participation in the CFA Program.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| 1 Year Cannot Participate in CFA Program | 1 |
| Private Reprimand | 2 |
Failure to Follow Instructions/Inappropriate Behavior
Candidates must follow the directions of testing personnel and treat testing personnel and fellow candidates with respect and in a professional manner. Candidates must not create a disturbance during the administration of the exam.
| Sanction | Number of Sanctions |
|---|---|
| Private Reprimand | 2 |