CAS Exam 5 exam-day guide
CAS Exam 5 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID with signature that matches the name on your exam registration. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam admission/confirmation document
Print or save the confirmation email or authorization-to-test document you received after scheduling. The provider may ask to see it at check-in; confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Approved calculator
CAS exams permit only specific calculator models; verify the current approved list on the CAS website and confirm with the provider that your model is allowed. Bring a model you have practiced with, and know its financial functions (N, I/Y, PV, PMT, FV).
Backup calculator and batteries
Bring a second approved calculator and fresh batteries. Test both calculators the night before. Confirm with the provider whether spare calculators may be kept at your desk or must be stored.
Writing instruments
Bring several pens or pencils as permitted. For constructed-response exams, confirm with the provider whether scratch paper and writing tools are supplied at the test center or whether you must bring your own.
Confirmation of test-center location and arrival time
Verify the address, parking, and required arrival time at least 24 hours in advance. Arrive early; late arrivals may be denied entry under provider rules. Confirm with the provider the cutoff for admission after the scheduled start.
Review of exam format and instructions
Re-read the CAS syllabus and the exam-specific instructions for your sitting so you know the number of questions, time allocation, and whether the exam is computer-based or paper-based. Confirm with the provider the exact format for your sitting.
Personal comfort items consistent with provider policy
Layers, water, and snacks may be restricted at your seat. Confirm with the provider what may be brought into the testing room and whether lockers are available for personal items.
Medical or accommodation documentation
If you have an approved testing accommodation, bring the approval letter and confirm with the provider how the accommodation will be administered on exam day.
Plan for formulas and tables
Know which formulas and tables are provided with the exam versus which must be memorized. Confirm with the provider or the CAS syllabus what reference material is available during the exam; do not bring unauthorized reference material.
Time-management plan
Decide in advance how many minutes to spend per question and when to skip and return. For constructed-response exams, plan to attempt every question, since partial credit is typically available.
Rest and logistics plan
Arrange transportation, sleep, and meals so that exam-day decisions are minimal. Confirm with the provider any rules about leaving the testing room during the exam and whether breaks stop the clock.
Plan the day
Shift from new material to consolidation. Re-work a small set of representative problems under timed conditions, review your formula sheet and common errors, and stop studying new topics. Confirm your calculator models against the current CAS approved list, verify your test-center appointment, and prepare your ID and admission documents. Protect sleep.
Do a light review only: key formulas, reserving methods, and a few past mistakes. Pack your bag with ID, admission document, approved calculators, batteries, and writing tools. Confirm travel time and parking. Avoid intensive practice exams that could undermine confidence. Set two alarms and go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal meal, arrive at the test center early, and complete check-in. Keep conversation with other candidates light and avoid last-minute cramming that raises anxiety. At your seat, verify your calculator works and that you have the permitted materials. Read the instructions screen or page carefully before starting.
Do a quick scan of the exam and budget time per question. Answer the questions you know first, flag difficult ones, and return to them. Show your work on constructed-response items so partial credit can be awarded. Watch the clock at set checkpoints; if time is short, write down the method and key formulas for remaining questions rather than leaving them blank. Confirm with the provider the rules on breaks and clock stoppage before exam day.
Rules to check
Bring original, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature; the name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider the exact ID requirements and whether a secondary ID is needed.
Use only calculator models on the current CAS approved list. Unapproved devices may be confiscated and can lead to disciplinary action. Confirm with the provider how calculator checks are conducted.
Do not bring unauthorized notes, formula sheets, phones, smart watches, or other electronic devices into the testing room. Store personal items as directed. Confirm with the provider what is permitted at your seat.
Follow all test-center and proctor instructions, including sign-in, seating, and room conduct. Failure to comply can result in removal from the exam. Confirm with the provider the consequences of rule violations.
Breaks and leaving the room are governed by provider policy; the clock may or may not stop. Confirm with the provider before exam day whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and how they affect your time.
Scoring is based on the exam as a whole; constructed-response questions may earn partial credit for correct method and setup even when the final numeric answer is wrong. Write legibly and show key steps. Confirm with the provider or CAS the scoring and pass-mark policy for your sitting.
Do not discuss, copy, or share exam content before, during, or after the exam. The CAS and testing provider enforce confidentiality and exam-integrity rules; violations can affect your results and eligibility.
If you experience a testing irregularity (equipment failure, disruption, or illness), notify the proctor immediately and follow the provider's incident-reporting procedure. Confirm with the provider how incidents are documented and reviewed.