CFA Exam: What To Expect on Exam Day

The anticipation of your CFA exam day can be overwhelming. After spending hundreds of hours immersed in study materials and practicing with every CFA mock exam, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. To help ease your nerves and ensure you’re fully prepared, it helps to know what to expect on exam day.

This blog post will guide you through the CFA exam day experience, offering practical tips on how to prepare for the CFA exam.

Trust in your preparation and approach the exam with confidence.

Understanding the CFA Exam

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams are rigorous and complex, designed to test your understanding of various financial concepts. The CFA program has three levels, each with increasing difficulty:

• Level I focuses on basic knowledge and comprehension of investment tools.
• Level II emphasizes asset valuation and applying concepts in practical scenarios.
• Level III revolves around portfolio management and wealth planning, requiring the application of knowledge in various contexts.

Each CFA exam level requires approximately 300 hours of study. Today, exams are offered multiple times a year depending on the level, with candidates sitting for the test at various global locations.

What To Expect on CFA Exam Day

Here’s what usually happens on the day of the CFA exam.

Arriving at the Exam Venue

Your exam day will likely begin early. Arrive at the venue with plenty of time to spare. This extra time will help you settle in, find your seat, and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Remember, arriving late could result in being denied entry, so plan your route and allow extra time for unexpected delays.

The Exam Setup

The CFA exam is divided into two sessions, with an optional break between them. Each session lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes. During these sessions, you’ll tackle a combination of questions depending on your exam level:

• Level I: 180 multiple-choice questions split between two sessions (90 questions each).
• Level II: 88 item set questions spread across two sessions.
• Level III: 11 item sets and 11 essay sets, spread across two sessions.

Expect a quiet, controlled environment. Proctors and digital monitoring will ensure all candidates follow the rules. Pay close attention to the specific instructions for submitting your answers.

What You Can and Cannot Bring

Before the exam, double-check what you’re allowed to bring. Essentials include:

• Valid Passport: Required for identification.
• Approved Calculators: Only the Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including Professional model) and the Hewlett Packard 12C (all models) are permitted. Calculator cases, keystroke cards, and loose batteries are allowed.
• Writing Tools: An erasable writing tablet will be provided for scratch work. No personal pens or pencils are needed unless specified by the test center.
• Other Approved Items: Eyeglasses (without a case), transparent water bottles (where permitted), eye drops, earplugs (non-electronic), medication, and medical devices.

You cannot bring food, non-water drinks, wallets, bags, mobile phones, or study materials. Prepare your items beforehand to ensure a smooth exam day.

At this point, you’ve done all you can.

Preparing for the CFA Exam: Tips for Success

Follow these tips to prepare for the CFA exam and maximize your exam-day experience.

Review But Don’t Cram

In the final days leading up to the exam, your focus should shift from intensive study to review and relaxation. Cramming new information at this stage is unlikely to be beneficial and could add unnecessary stress. Instead, review key concepts and formulas and take a CFA mock exam or two to keep your mind sharp.

Get Enough Sleep

Adequate rest is crucial. Aim to get a full night’s sleep in the days leading up to the exam. Consider adjusting your sleep schedule to ensure you’re alert and ready on exam day.

Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

Fuel your body with nutritious foods that support cognitive function. Staying hydrated is equally important to help your brain function optimally. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, especially the night before the exam.

Manage Stress

It’s natural to feel nervous, but try to keep your stress levels in check. Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind. Remember, at this point, you’ve done all you can. Trust in your preparation and approach the exam with confidence.

Plan Your Exam Day Logistics

Ensure you know the exact location of your exam venue, how to get there, and how much time you’ll need. Whether you’re driving or using public transport, have a plan and factor in extra time for any potential delays. Have a backup plan ready in case of unexpected events.

Why Choose Salt Solutions for CFA Exam Prep?

At Salt Solutions, we understand the challenges of preparing for the CFA exams. That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive CFA exam prep courses to help you succeed. Here’s why we’re the top choice for CFA candidates:

• Expertly Crafted Content: Our CFA prep courses are created by industry experts. We align the content with CFA Institute’s curriculum, ensuring you cover all necessary topics.
• Interactive Learning: We offer a blend of video lessons, practice questions, and mock exams that simulate the actual exam experience. This interactive approach helps reinforce your knowledge and build confidence.
• Personalized Study Plans: We understand that every candidate is different. Our prep courses let you customize your study plan based on your schedule, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Ongoing Support: Our support team is available to answer your questions and provide guidance whenever you need it.

By choosing Salt Solutions, you’re not just preparing for the CFA exam—you’re setting yourself up for success.

You’re not just preparing for the CFA exam—you’re setting yourself up for success.

The Bottom Line

The CFA exam is a challenging milestone, but you can approach it confidently with the proper preparation and mindset. By knowing what to expect on exam day and following our practical tips, you can do your best!

With Salt Solutions by your side, you have access to top-tier CFA exam prep resources that can make all the difference. Contact us today to learn more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your CFA goals. Good luck with the exam!