QFA Life Assurance exam-day guide
QFA Life Assurance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original, valid government-issued photo ID you registered with (typically a passport or driving licence). The name must match your exam booking exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a printed booking confirmation is also required.
Exam booking confirmation
Bring a printed or downloaded copy of your booking reference and test-centre address. Some centres request it at reception; confirm with the provider whether it is mandatory.
Appointment time and venue details
Note the exact start time, arrival time (often 15-30 minutes before), full address, and travel route. Arrive early; confirm the provider's late-arrival cut-off policy.
Approved calculator
If a calculator is permitted, bring a non-programmable model with no stored text. Confirm with the provider which models are allowed and whether on-screen calculators are provided.
Stationery and permitted materials
Bring only what the provider allows (e.g. pen/pencil, rough paper if supplied). Do not bring notes, textbooks, or unauthorised aids. Confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Personal items plan
Phones, smart watches, and bags are usually stored away or prohibited at the desk. Plan to leave valuables at home or in secure storage. Confirm the provider's rules on electronic devices.
Comfort and medical needs
Bring water and any necessary medication (declared to invigilators). If you need adjustments (extra time, separate room), confirm approval with the provider well in advance.
Rest and logistics
Plan sleep, meals, and travel the night before. Check transport disruptions and have a backup route. Do not rely on cramming the morning of the exam.
Final revision summary
Prepare a one-page summary of key formulas, definitions, and regulatory principles to review in the final 24 hours only. Confirm the syllabus scope with the provider.
Confirm exam format and rules
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for format, duration, number of questions, pass mark, and permitted aids. Where unsure, confirm directly with the provider.
Plan the day
Finish active revision of weak topics. Do timed practice under exam conditions. Confirm venue, start time, and ID requirements with the provider. Check travel and accommodation.
Reduce new material; review summaries and formula sheets. Re-read the candidate handbook for conduct and permitted items. Prepare documents and stationery in one place.
Light review only. Pack ID, confirmation, calculator, and permitted materials. Confirm transport times. Eat well, avoid alcohol, and sleep at a normal hour.
Eat a proper meal. Re-check documents and travel. Arrive at the centre early per the provider's guidance. Avoid last-minute cramming that increases anxiety.
Read instructions and check question count and time. Answer easier questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Watch the clock and leave time to review. Answer every question unless the provider penalises wrong answers (confirm the marking rule).
Note any topics you found difficult for future study. Do not discuss specific questions in a way that breaches the provider's confidentiality rules.
Rules to check
Bring valid original photo ID matching your booking; entry may be refused without it. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Arrive at the time specified by the provider; late arrivals may be refused entry. Confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring unauthorised materials or electronic devices into the exam room. Phones and smart watches must be switched off and stored as directed.
Follow invigilator instructions at all times. Raise your hand for questions, toilet breaks, or technical issues rather than leaving your seat unannounced.
Breaks are generally not permitted during timed sections unless specified; confirm the provider's policy on comfort breaks and their effect on timing.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not share or reproduce exam content afterwards; this may breach the provider's confidentiality rules.
Understand the scoring and pass mark before you sit: confirm with the provider whether wrong answers are penalised and what the pass standard is.
If you need adjustments or have a medical condition, arrange approval with the provider in advance and declare required medication to the invigilator.