CFA Program Main

June 2009

 

CFA Candidate Newsletter 

 

Dear CFA Program Candidate,

 

With only a few short days before the CFA exam, I trust that you're well into the review process by now. In fact, now is a good time to be working problems and taking sample and mock exams. I strongly recommend that you use these tools as a way to identify any weak areas for final review, as well as a "rehearsal" for exam day. Mock exams are available as supplements from many of our local societies as well as online through CFA Institute.

 

Mock exams can be used as a "rehearsal" for the actual exam. Level I and Level II candidates can download a three-hour "morning session" and a three-hour "afternoon session." Level III candidates can download a three-hour item-set mock exam.

 

Remember that you have access to one sample and one mock exam included with your registration, free of charge. We have designed these to be effective preparation tools and I recommend you take advantage of them.

 

As I mentioned last time, your examination admission ticket is only available online. Now would be a good time to review the personal information on your ticket to be sure it matches your current government-issued photo ID. Please contact us immediately if you have difficulties printing your admission ticket, if the information on your ticket is not legible, or if your name on your ticket does not match your ID. You must bring one copy of your admission ticket and valid ID with you in order to be admitted on exam day.

 

I encourage you to read through our collection of preparation tips, with testing advice at the bottom of the web page. In addition, consider the following recommendations for the exam itself:

 

  • Visit your test center prior to exam day to get a feel for traffic, parking, or public transportation.
  • Get a good night's sleep and arrive at the test center well rested. I advise against studying late into the night before the exam.
  • Know and follow all CFA Institute testing policies (see details below).
  • Carefully manage your time during the exam. Don't spend too much time on any one question or topic area.
  • Start with your area of expertise. This accomplishes two things: you tend to answer those questions in a more time-efficient manner, leaving you more time for topics with which you are less familiar. And you'll gain confidence that will carry throughout the exam.
  • Use the lunch break to relax, not to discuss questions from the morning session. It is my contention that many candidates who fail the exam lose confidence in their answers by talking to other candidates during the lunch break.
  • Realize that nobody has ever received a perfect score on any level of the CFA examination. Remain calm and focus on the questions you can answer. You can return to the unanswered questions later in that session if you have time. (You may not return to morning questions during the afternoon session.)

 

On exam day there are two required sessions: morning (9:00 a.m.−12:00 p.m.) and afternoon (2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.). Allow at least one hour before each session for check-in and important instructions, and additional time at the end of each session for exam materials collection and reconciliation. Please refer to your admission ticket for timing details at your test center.

 

We continue to closely monitor developments related to the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) with concern for the health and safety of candidates sitting for the CFA exam. As a precautionary measure, CFA Institute has revised the personal belongings policy for the June 2009 exam permitting candidates to bring and wear a medical face mask in the testing room. 

 

If you choose to wear a face mask on exam day, you will be asked to remove it for inspection and identification purposes during the check-in process for each exam session. (Please note that face masks will not be provided at the test center.)

 

Please be sure you understand our testing policies before exam day. Remember that a violation of the rules and regulations of the CFA Program will result in CFA Institute voiding examination results, and may lead to suspension or termination of candidacy in the CFA Program.

 

Reviewing all testing policies now will allow you the time to acquire the materials you'll need on exam day. Some particular rules to note:

 

  • Your calculator must be one of two models permitted for the examinations. There are no exceptions. Please review the calculator policy for details.
  • Your identification (ID) must meet all of the criteria listed in the identification policy.
  • Your compliance with the personal belongings policy expedites the check-in and seating process on exam day. Note that there is a change this year: passport covers are among the list of items not permitted in the testing room.
  • Electronic devices, such as your mobile telephone, are not permitted in the testing room.

 

Exam Results
Level I results will be available on 28 July, and results for Level II and Level III will be available on 18 August. After the exam, we will contact you with additional information, including the web address you can use to access your results. Please note that you will need your username and password.

 

This is the final newsletter you will receive before the exam. Some of you may receive specific information about your test center; please be sure to read all communications we send, and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

 

Use your remaining time wisely and efficiently. A strong study program is the best preparation you can have for the CFA exam. I wish you success on exam day.

Kind regards,

 

Tom Robinson, PhD, CFA
Managing Director, Education Division
CFA Institute