CISI PCIAM exam-day guide
CISI PCIAM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original, current photo ID specified by the exam provider (typically a passport or driving licence). Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second ID is required; do not assume a photocopy or expired document will be accepted.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have the confirmation email or booking reference available (printed or on your phone) so you can locate your seat and resolve any registration query quickly. Confirm with the provider whether printed confirmation is mandatory.
Approved calculator
PCIAM includes calculation-based questions. Use only the calculator model permitted by the provider; confirm the approved list in advance. If in doubt, ask the invigilator before the test starts.
Writing materials
Many test centres supply an erasable noteboard and pen. Confirm with the provider whether you may bring your own pen or paper; unauthorised materials are usually removed at check-in.
Personal items stored
Plan to place phones, watches, bags and notes in a locker or designated area. Phones must be switched off, not merely silenced. Confirm the centre's storage arrangements so you are not separated from essential medication.
Know the syllabus and format
Re-read the current CISI PCIAM syllabus and the exam format guidance (number of questions, time allowed, pass mark). These details can change between sittings; verify them on the CISI website rather than relying on older course notes.
Arrive early
Aim to arrive at the test centre with enough time for ID checks, security screening and a settling-in period. The exact recommended arrival time (for example, 15–30 minutes before the start) should be confirmed with the provider.
Route and timing plan
Check the journey in advance, including transport disruptions and parking. For remote-proctored sittings, confirm the platform, system requirements and room requirements with the provider beforehand.
Review key formula sheet
Bring a concise, self-made summary of core calculations (for example, yield measures, duration, accrued interest, performance attribution basics) for last-minute review before check-in. Leave it in storage during the test.
Read the candidate instructions
Read the provider's current candidate handbook or regulations, covering conduct, breaks, technical failures and results. Rules differ between centres and remote invigilation; confirm anything unclear with the provider.
Plan for breaks and medication
If you need a break or have a medical or access requirement, arrange any permitted adjustments with the provider in advance. Do not assume unscheduled breaks are allowed; confirm the policy with the provider.
Sleep and nutrition plan
Protect sleep in the final week and eat a normal meal before the test. Avoid last-minute cramming of new topics; consolidate what you already know.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new material to consolidation. Re-read your own summary notes and formula sheet, then complete one or two timed practice sets under exam conditions. Review errors by topic and note the recurring causes (misreading the question, calculation slips, gaps in a syllabus area). Confirm your appointment time, centre location and ID requirements with the provider. Prepare everything you will take so the final 24 hours are calm.
Do light review only: key definitions, calculation steps and any syllabus areas you have flagged as weak. Do not attempt a full mock this late. Check travel arrangements and the weather, set out clothes and ID, and confirm the start time. Aim for a normal night's sleep; avoid caffeine late in the day and avoid alcohol.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive at the centre with time to spare. Leave phones and notes in storage as instructed. Use the waiting time for a brief skim of your formula sheet only, not for new topics. Follow the invigilator's instructions for ID checks and seating, and raise any issue (calculator, workstation, noise) immediately rather than after the test has begun.
Read the instructions and note the time available and number of questions. Work through the paper at a steady pace, flagging questions that need more thought and returning to them later. Read each question fully, watch for 'not' and 'except', and show calculation steps on the noteboard to reduce errors. If a question is taking too long, mark your best answer and move on. Keep an eye on the clock so you can review flagged items before the end.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID specified by the provider. Without acceptable ID you may be refused entry and lose your fee; confirm the accepted forms with the provider before the test day.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Unauthorised materials, including notes, smart watches and phones, must be stored as directed; possession during the test may be treated as misconduct.
Electronic devices must be switched off and stored, not merely silenced. Confirm the centre's policy on phones and wearable devices with the provider.
Breaks are usually not permitted during the test unless arranged in advance as an access or medical adjustment. Confirm the break policy with the provider before the test day.
Scoring and the pass mark are set by the provider and can change between sittings. Check the current pass mark and result timeline on the CISI website or with the provider rather than relying on older sources.
If a technical failure occurs during a computer-based or remote-proctored test, stop and notify the invigilator or proctor immediately. Do not attempt to fix equipment yourself; confirm the provider's incident procedure in advance.
Attempt only your own paper. Communication with other candidates, copying or sharing questions is misconduct and may lead to invalidation of your result.
If you have a medical condition, access requirement or need to reschedule, contact the provider as early as possible. Do not assume special arrangements will be made on the day; confirm the policy with the provider.