CFA · Practical guide

CFA exam-day checklist

Bring your original valid international travel passport and an approved calculator, confirm the name on your account, and plan to arrive 30 minutes before your CFA appointment.

Your exam-day essentials

Your exam-day essentials
When	Check	What to do
Before leaving	Passport and account name	Follow the official ID policy and any approved exception.
Before leaving	Approved calculator	Check the exact BA II Plus or HP 12C model in the policy.
30 minutes early	Test-center check-in	Allow time for screening and follow staff instructions.
During the exam	Session clock and breaks	Use the on-screen timer and follow the proctor’s directions.

Official sources checked 8 October 2026: Official exam-day guide · Calculator policy

Swipe the table to see all columns.

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CFA Level III Portfolio Management PDF cover

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CFA exam-day checklist

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0 of 5 reminders checked

Passport checkedOriginal, valid international travel passport; check the name against your CFA account. Use the official exception process if needed, not an assumed substitute.Official source (new tab)
Calculator checkedTexas Instruments BA II Plus (including Professional) or an approved HP 12C variant. Check the policy for the exact model and accessories.Official source (new tab)
Appointment confirmedVerify your scheduled date, local time and center address in the candidate account, not just the general exam window.Official source (new tab)
Arrival and belongings plannedAllow time to arrive 30 minutes early. Review permitted items; store other belongings as directed by the center.Official source (new tab)
Software and breaks reviewedTry the official tutorial before exam day and read the break rules. Follow staff and on-screen instructions.Official source (new tab)

Recheck CFA Institute policies and your appointment instructions before travel. Independent checklist, not an admission document.

What to do next

ACTION 01
Check in with time to spare
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the appointment. Follow staff instructions for screening, calculator memory and permitted belongings; late arrival may mean no admission.
Official guidance ↗
ACTION 02
Plan the optional break
Follow the on-screen optional break and staff procedures. Use the official tutorial before exam day to understand navigation and timer behavior; ask staff before leaving your station.
Official guidance ↗
ACTION 03
Use the correct session length
Level I content sessions are 135 minutes each; Levels II and III are 132 minutes each. Tutorial, break and other appointment time are separate.
Official guidance ↗

Sources

Dates and policies can change; the official source and your registered account control.

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