CISI Transfer Agency exam-day guide
CISI Transfer Agency · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID document (passport or driving licence) that matches the name on your exam booking. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required; do not rely on a photocopy or a digital copy.
Exam appointment confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email showing your test centre address, start time, and booking reference. Arrive with enough time to complete check-in; confirm with the provider how early you should arrive.
Know your candidate number and login details
If the test is computer-based, bring any candidate number, username, or password issued to you. If you have not received these, contact the provider before the exam day; do not assume they will be given at the desk.
Confirm permitted items
Ask the provider in advance whether a calculator, pen, paper, or formula sheet is allowed. Do not bring these unless confirmed; unauthorised items may be removed and could be treated as a conduct issue.
Personal items plan
Leave valuables at home. Expect bags, phones, and smart devices to be stored away from the desk. Confirm with the provider whether lockers are available and whether phones must be switched off entirely.
Travel and timing plan
Plan your route and allow a buffer for delays. Check the test centre's location and access requirements the day before. Confirm with the provider what happens if you arrive late, as late entry rules vary.
Syllabus and revision notes (for the final days, not the exam room)
Use your own summary of the CISI Transfer Agency syllabus to review high-weight areas such as fund structures, dealing and settlement, registration and AML, and client money. Do not bring notes into the exam unless the provider confirms they are permitted.
Access arrangements confirmed
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, confirm with the provider that these have been approved and will be in place. Bring any approval letter if instructed.
Medical or comfort needs
Bring any medication you may need and confirm with the provider how it can be kept with you. Water and tissues are usually allowed but check; avoid bringing food unless confirmed.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, charge your phone, and prepare clothes and ID the night before. Aim for a normal night's sleep; cramming late is rarely worth it.
Read the candidate instructions
Review the provider's candidate handbook or instructions for the exam platform, including how to flag questions and how to submit. Confirm with the provider if anything is unclear.
Backup contact for the provider
Save the provider's contact number in case of travel disruption or a technical problem. Confirm with the provider the correct number for exam-day issues.
Plan the day
Switch from new material to consolidation. Re-read your own summaries of the CISI Transfer Agency syllabus, focusing on the largest topic areas and any weak spots identified in practice questions. Do one timed practice set under exam conditions, then review every wrong answer and write a short note on why you missed it. Confirm your appointment time, test centre location, and ID requirements with the provider. Stop studying by early evening and protect sleep.
Do a light review only: key definitions, formulae, and process flows such as subscription, redemption, and transfer. Pack your ID, appointment confirmation, and any permitted items. Check travel arrangements and the weather. Avoid intensive new topics. Eat normally, set alarms, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Confirm with the provider if you have not received joining instructions.
Eat a proper meal and hydrate. Arrive at the test centre with time to spare, as advised by the provider. Leave phones and smart devices switched off and stored as instructed. Use the washroom before check-in. Do not attempt last-minute cramming in the waiting area; a brief glance at your own summary is enough. Present your ID and follow staff instructions.
Read the instructions on the screen carefully, including the number of questions and time allowed. Do a first pass answering questions you know, flagging uncertain ones. For calculation questions, show your working on any permitted paper and check units. For scenario questions, identify the client, the product, and the regulatory issue before choosing. Watch the clock and keep a pace that leaves time to review flagged questions. If the platform fails, raise your hand and follow staff instructions; do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Rules to check
Bring the original, valid photo ID specified by the provider. The name must match your booking. If you have recently changed your name, confirm with the provider in advance what evidence is needed. Candidates without acceptable ID are usually refused entry and may forfeit the fee.
Arrive at the time advised by the provider. Late arrival may mean you are not admitted or that your exam time is reduced. Confirm with the provider what the cut-off is and whether exceptions apply.
Do not bring unauthorised materials into the exam room. Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags must be stored as instructed. Possession of unauthorised items at the desk can lead to invalidation of your result or a misconduct finding. Ask the provider before the exam day if you are unsure what is permitted.
Breaks are generally not allowed during the exam unless approved as an access arrangement. Confirm with the provider whether a comfort break is possible and how it affects your time. If you need to leave the room, follow staff instructions exactly.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and test-centre staff. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Any suspected cheating, impersonation, or disruption will be handled under the provider's misconduct procedures.
Scoring: the exam is marked against the syllabus, and results are usually given as a pass or fail against a set pass mark. Confirm with the provider the current pass mark, the number of questions, and when results are released. Do not assume a guessed answer is penalised; check the instructions on screen for negative marking.
If you experience a technical problem, stop and raise your hand immediately. Do not attempt to restart or troubleshoot equipment yourself. The provider's staff will record the incident and advise on next steps.
After the exam, do not discuss question content with other candidates in a way that could compromise exam security. Keep your result correspondence and any feedback for future study.