13 August 2009
Dear Principles Candidate:
I trust that you are finding the CIPM curriculum valuable and that your exam preparation is proceeding satisfactorily.
This is the second candidate bulletin for the September–October 2009 exam window; if you did not receive the e-mail dated 30 June 2009, it is archived in the CIPM section of the CFA Institute website. Please take the time to read it for important information and, I hope, useful advice. Pay particular attention to the exam policies — most importantly, those pertaining to identification and calculators.
Schedule Your Exam Appointment
Now
The final date for scheduling and rescheduling an exam
appointment with Pearson VUE is 22 October. (Exams are administered
through 30 October.) However, if you have not already done so, I strongly
encourage you to contact Pearson VUE and schedule your
appointment as soon as possible. Pearson VUE administers exams for
many organizations, and seats are available on a first-come, first-served
basis. By reserving a seat now, you are more likely to be accommodated at
the time and place of your choosing.
Preparing for the Exam
CIPM is a self-directed, self-study program. In combination, the
readings, interactive courseware, and sample exams are designed to help
you master the body of knowledge and prepare for the exams. Be sure to
read the learning outcome statements (LOS) as you approach each section
of the curriculum — the LOS are the best guide for exam preparation — and
use the evaluation checklist at the end of every study session. Some
third-party prep course providers participate in the
CIPM Trainer Guidelines Program; please consider them if you think
you might additionally benefit from instructor-led classes. Please bear
in mind, however, that there is no substitute for diligent study, on your
own, in a quiet place where you can concentrate on the concepts and
analytical techniques presented in the curriculum.
Performance Measurement
Conferences
The better known the CIPM designation becomes, the greater its
value to you as a prospective certificant. To help get the word out, we
participate as speakers and exhibitors in selected industry conferences
throughout the world. I encourage you visit our events calendar to learn more about these
conferences. In some cases, you may be eligible for discounted
registration fees as a CIPM candidate. In the case of the GIPS Standards Annual
Conference taking place 22–23 September in Boston, there is a US$200
discount for registrations received by 22 August.
Earning the Right to Use the CIPM
Designation
In addition to becoming more knowledgeable about the practice of
investment performance measurement, you are working toward a professional
credential that will testify to your expertise. Given all the demands on
your time, you may occasionally feel a little discouraged as you work
through the Principles curriculum. I urge you to pause once in a while,
celebrate your progress, and recommit yourself to the goal of becoming a
CIPM certificant.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of the candidate resources section of the CIPM website. It contains useful information on what to expect when you schedule, prepare for, and take the CIPM exam. In addition, the "frequently asked questions" ( FAQs) webpage may answer questions that occur to you; if not, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes,
Philip Lawton, CFA, CIPM
Head, CIPM Program