Being calm and prepared on the day of your exam will ensure your months of study and revision pay off. This
section highlights all of the key things that you need to know about your exam, and will help you perform to
your best on the day.
Important: Take identification with you - You must show proof of identity on the exam day
to the invigilator. Your personal identification must clearly show your photograph, name and signature. The
photograph must resemble your current appearance. For more information, see the acceptable forms of ID
section of the
CISI Examination
Regulations.
Attending your exam - you must arrive at the exam venue at least 30 minutes, or launch your
remote exam 15 minutes before the start of the exam. It is possible the invigilator will not allow you to
begin your exam if you are late. If you are sitting your exam in a physical venue,please ensure you arrive
at the correct venue as online maps may not always be accurate. Please be aware that if you do arrive early
for your exam, you may be asked if you would like to begin your exam early.
For MCQ exams, please note that your exam may contain up to 10% additional trial questions.
Test centre exam rooms - Exam rooms are normally kept between 21 and 23°C.
For both MCQ and narrative exams, you may be sitting your exam in a room with candidates who may be sitting
other exams. There may therefore be people entering and leaving the exam room at different times. Please be
considerate to other candidates by entering and leaving the room as quickly and quietly as possible.
The use of earplugs and/or ear defenders is permitted during your exam, these are provided by the test
centre staff and are available before you start your examination. If you are disturbed during your exam by
any internal/external noise, please notify the invigilator and the ear plugs and ear defenders will be
readily available.
Things to leave behind - All candidates must leave the following in the locker, other area
specified, or outside of the room for remote invigilation:
- Briefcase, bags, books (including dictionaries)
- Revision notes
- Mobile phones
- All other personal belongings (except for stationary required for the exam)
No reference material, books, revision notes or digital/programmable equipment including watches are allowed
into the exam room. The CISI accepts no responsibility for the loss of any valuables. Further details of
permitted exam materials can be found in the
CISI
Exam Regulations.
For MCQ exams, you will be asked to show that your pockets are empty and at physical centres, you may be
asked to submit to a metal detector search.
Watches cannot be worn throughout the exam and exam staff may ask to inspect some jewellery items. We
appreciate this may make some candidates feel uncomfortable during an already pressurised situation, but we
need to ensure fairness for everyone. Coats are not allowed to be worn while testing but we recommend that
suitable clothing is worn to ensure comfort.
MCQ exams delivered by Remote Invigilation
3 Minutes prior to your exam session start time, launch the application using the email link or via your MyCISI account to start the check in process, ensure that you:
- Have your Photo ID next to you
- That your exam environment meets the requirements in the User Guide
- Ensure that your computer meets the testing requirements. You can test this using the system check feature which is available on your MyCISI platform
- That you adjust your volume to a suitable level and ensure your webcam is facing you
- If applicable, ensure that you disconnect from your VPN to give you the best possible internet connection
If you experience any issues launching your exam, please
click here to access the troubleshooting guide.
Narrative exams delivered by Remote Invigilation
We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the exam software by taking the
tutorial to get used to the exam functionality. Once you have received your Enrolment Email from
TestReach, you will be able to login and access the Exam Tutorial.
A video tour of the narrative exam platform is accessible once you have booked your exam, please
find the link to this in your email confirmation.
We also recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Formula Keypad Guide. Please note that
this will also be available within the TestReach Exam Tutorial and throughout your narrative
exam.
Formula keypad guide
Multiple-choice question (MCQ) exams onscreen calculator
Candidates must use the onscreen calculator for all CISI MCQ exams in all languages taken
globally including remote invigilation.
On-screen
calculator guide
Narrative exams calculator
All candidates will need to bring their own non-programmable Casio, Canon, or Sharp scientific
calculator to their exam. Calculators that do not meet these requirements will not be permitted
for narrative examinations. Calculators will not be provided at the venues and, for those using
remote invigilation, there will not be an on-screen calculator available.
For Advanced Financial Planning exam candidates a handheld non-programmable financial calculator
is required.