CFEI exam-day guide
CFEI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification named in your admission notice. If you are unsure what is accepted, confirm with the provider before test day; do not assume any photo ID works.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation showing your name, exam, date, time, and test-center or remote-proctoring details. Review the provider's instructions on whether a printed copy is required.
Appointment time and location confirmed
Re-check the start time, time zone, and address (or remote-testing link) within 24 hours. For in-person testing, confirm parking or transit options and building access procedures with the provider.
Allowed reference materials
CFEI-style exams may or may not permit references or calculators. Confirm the current allowed-items list with the provider; bring nothing not explicitly permitted.
Calculator (only if permitted)
If a calculator is allowed, confirm the approved type and model restrictions with the provider. If not stated, assume it is not allowed.
Writing implements or scratch materials (only if permitted)
Many test centers supply these or prohibit bringing your own. Confirm with the provider; do not rely on bringing pens or paper.
Remote-testing environment and equipment check
For online proctoring, test your camera, microphone, browser, and internet connection in advance, and clear your workspace per the provider's rules. Confirm software requirements with the provider.
Personal items plan
Plan where your phone, watch, bag, and notes will go. Most providers prohibit these in the testing room; confirm storage rules with the provider.
Medication and accessibility arrangements
If you need accommodations, medication, or breaks, request and confirm them with the provider well before test day. Do not assume they will be granted on arrival.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Plan a normal night's sleep, a light meal, and water before the exam. Avoid trying new caffeine levels or foods on test day.
Backup plan for delays
Note the provider's contact number and late-arrival policy. Confirm with the provider what happens if you are delayed or have a technical failure.
Arrival buffer
Arrive earlier than the check-in time the provider states. Confirm the recommended arrival window with the provider rather than guessing.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review your weakest topics at a high level, re-read the provider's candidate handbook for rules and allowed items, and confirm your appointment details and ID requirements.
Do one or two short practice sets under timed conditions to check pacing, then stop. Protect sleep and avoid all-night cramming.
Pack your ID, confirmation, and permitted items. Confirm travel or remote-testing setup. Re-check the start time and time zone. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and arrive at the test site or log in early per the provider's instructions. Do a final check that prohibited items are stowed.
Read each question fully, watch for qualifiers such as 'except' or 'best', and answer the easier items first if the platform allows navigation. Flag uncertain items and return to them.
Pace yourself against the number of questions and remaining time; do not spend too long on any single item. Use only breaks the provider permits, and follow proctor instructions exactly.
Review flagged items if time permits, ensure every question is answered unless the format penalizes guessing, and confirm submission per the on-screen instructions. Note the provider's policy on score reporting.
Rules to check
Bring and present the identification the provider requires; if you are unsure what is accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor and test-center instructions, including rules on personal items, phones, watches, and notes. Prohibited items in the testing room can lead to dismissal.
Do not communicate with other candidates or use unauthorized materials, devices, or assistance during the exam. Treat all exam content as confidential.
Take breaks only as the provider permits. Confirm in advance whether breaks are allowed, how they affect your time, and whether you may leave the testing area.
If you are unsure about the scoring method, passing score, or whether wrong answers are penalized, confirm with the provider rather than guessing; this affects how you should handle uncertain questions.
If you experience a technical failure or emergency, notify the proctor or provider immediately and follow their documented process; do not attempt to resolve it on your own.
Report any suspected irregularity or security issue to the provider after the exam rather than discussing exam content with others.