CFA® Program Candidate Checklist
In addition to studying for the exam, you also need to prepare for exam day – getting to the test center, checking in, what to wear, and so on. Here's a high-level timeline.
Watch a video from our testing partners at Prometric to learn about the exam day experience.
Several Months Prior to Exam Day
- Review the testing policies.
- Confirm your valid international travel passport – the only type of identification accepted – does not expire before your exam date and the name in your CFA Institute account matches the name on your international travel passport. If your passport expires prior to exam day, read the identification exceptions.
- Familiarize yourself with the exam software features in this tutorial.
During the Month Prior to Exam Day
- Log in to your CFA Program tile and reconfirm your exam time and location.
- Plan your travel route to the test center on exam day. We recommend you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
- Make sure you know all the testing policies; violating any CFA Program rules, regulations, or policies may lead to suspension or termination of your candidacy.
- Review the Rules of Procedure for Professional Conduct (PDF).
- Familiarize yourself with the software features of the exam in this tutorial before your scheduled exam date. Don’t make the mistake of exiting your exam early!
During the Week Prior to Exam Day
- Log in to your CFA Program tile and reconfirm your exam time and location.
- Know how to clear the memory of your calculator. You will be instructed to do so before you begin your exam.
- Be sure to read the entire Personal Belongings Policy. No jewelry (other than wedding or engagement rings), ornate hair clips, headbands, combs, barrettes, tie clips, or cufflinks are permitted.
Items to Bring on Exam Day
- Valid international travel passport
- Approved calculator. Only two calculator models are authorized for use during the CFA Program exams:
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional)
- Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30th anniversary edition, and HP 12C Prestige)
- Face mask if desired or required in your test center (based on local guidelines)
- Food must be kept in your locker / personal belongings area. Water in a clear bottle (no label and no images or writing) will be allowed in the testing room.
Additional personal care items are allowed for your comfort in the test center. These items do not require pre-approval.