ASFMRA AFM exam-day guide
ASFMRA AFM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered under. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or confirmation document
Bring the scheduling/confirmation email or admission ticket if the provider issues one. Confirm with the provider whether it must be printed or can be shown on a phone.
Approved calculator
Bring a calculator you have practiced with. Confirm with the provider which models are permitted and whether calculators with programming or communication capability are banned.
Writing materials
Bring pencils and a pen unless the provider supplies them. Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper is provided and whether your own is allowed.
Exam-day logistics plan
Know the test center location or remote-proctoring setup, arrival time, and your route. If testing remotely, confirm system requirements and run the equipment check in advance.
Time-zone confirmation
Confirm the start time in your local time zone, especially for remote-proctored or computer-based delivery. needs_review: delivery format and time-zone handling vary by provider.
Quiet, cleared testing space (remote delivery)
If testing remotely, clear your desk and room of notes, phones, and unauthorized materials. Confirm with the provider what is permitted in the room.
Snack and water for breaks
Bring something small if breaks are allowed. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are permitted at the workstation or only during scheduled breaks.
Review of permitted reference materials
Confirm with the provider whether any reference tables, formulas, or standards are supplied on-screen or in print, and whether you may bring your own.
Backup plan for technology failure
For remote delivery, know the provider's support contact and procedure if your connection or equipment fails. Confirm with the provider in advance.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment date, time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for conduct and permitted-items rules.
Do a final content review focused on weak areas and formula familiarity rather than new topics. Work a few timed practice problems to calibrate pacing.
If testing remotely, run the equipment and system check, update software, and test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
Pack your ID, confirmation document, calculator, and writing materials in one place. Lay out clothing and confirm your travel or setup plan.
Confirm the start time in your local time zone. Get a full night's sleep; avoid last-minute cramming that displaces rest.
Eat a normal meal, arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions, and bring only permitted items to the workstation.
Do a brief warm-up of a few easy problems to settle in; avoid heavy new material.
Read each question fully, watch your pace against the number of items and time allowed, and flag difficult items to revisit rather than stalling.
Show your work on scratch paper where allowed, check units and rounding, and reserve time to review flagged items before submitting.
Rules to check
Present the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID in your registered name; confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Bring only permitted items to the testing area. Confirm with the provider the rules on phones, smart watches, notes, food, and drink, and whether personal items must be stored away.
Follow all proctor instructions, including room scans and desk clearance for remote delivery. Unauthorized materials or behavior can lead to dismissal; confirm the specific consequences with the provider.
Confirm with the provider in advance whether breaks are allowed, how they are timed, and whether the clock stops during breaks.
Confirm with the provider the scoring method, passing standard, and whether wrong answers are penalized, so you can decide whether to guess on unanswered items.
Confirm with the provider the policy on rescheduling, cancellations, and late arrival, and the procedure if technology fails during a remote exam.
Keep all exam content confidential; do not record, copy, or share questions or materials, per the provider's candidate agreement.