ICSAN Financial Strategy exam-day guide
ICSAN Financial Strategy · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID document in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a second form is required; do not rely on a photocopy or a digital ID on your phone.
Admission confirmation / exam permit
Print or download the confirmation email or permit showing your candidate number, exam centre or online proctoring link, and session time. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Calculator (approved model)
Financial Strategy papers require calculation. Bring a non-programmable calculator you have practised with, and check the provider's permitted-models list in advance. Confirm with the provider whether programmable or graphing models are banned and whether the calculator is inspected at the desk.
Spare batteries and a second calculator
A dead calculator mid-paper is avoidable. Carry spare batteries of the correct type, or a second approved calculator, and know how to reset memory if invigilators require it.
Writing instruments and stationery
Bring several pens (including a spare), pencils, an eraser and a sharpener. Use the pen colour the provider specifies for handwritten answers; confirm with the provider whether pencil is allowed only for workings or multiple-choice sheets.
Watch (non-smart, silent)
Many exam halls do not provide a visible clock, and phones are usually prohibited at the desk. A simple analogue or non-smart digital watch helps you pace the paper. Confirm with the provider that wristwatches are permitted.
Transparent water bottle and small snack
Hydration and a quick sugar source help concentration on a long paper. Confirm with the provider whether drinks and snacks are allowed at the desk and whether labels must be removed.
Review the provider's exam-day instructions
Re-read the candidate handbook or instructions email for arrival time, permitted items, prohibited items and the process for technical issues on a computer-based sitting. Policies differ by centre and delivery mode, so confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Practise the calculator and formula familiarity
Know how to compute present values, NPV, IRR approximations, WACC and gearing ratios on your own calculator. Check in advance whether any formula sheet is provided; confirm with the provider what reference material is supplied.
Plan the journey and a backup
Identify the route, travel time and a fallback transport option. Aim to arrive with a comfortable buffer before the stated reporting time. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time after which admission may be refused.
Rest and logistics the night before
Confirm accommodation or transport if travelling, set two alarms, and avoid last-minute cramming that erodes sleep. Keep your ID, permit and calculator packed together the night before.
Plan the day
Finish active revision and switch to consolidation: review your own summary notes on cost of capital, investment appraisal, business valuation, risk management and financing decisions. Do one timed full mock or a set of long-form questions under exam conditions, then mark it strictly against the marking guide and list your three weakest topics.
Target only those three weak topics with focused practice. Rehearse calculator routines for NPV, IRR and WACC so the mechanics are automatic. Check the provider's permitted-items list and confirm anything unclear with the provider, including ID requirements and calculator rules.
Do a light review of formulae and definitions, not new material. Pack your bag: ID, permit, approved calculator with spare batteries, pens, watch, water. Confirm your travel plan and reporting time. Stop studying early enough to sleep properly; avoid all-night revision.
Eat a proper meal, arrive at the centre or log in to the proctoring platform well before the stated time, and re-check that your ID and calculator are with you. Leave phones and smart devices secured as the provider requires. Do not attempt to learn new topics in the final hour.
Read the instructions and check the total marks and number of questions. Allocate time per question in proportion to marks, leaving a reserve for review. Note any compulsory sections or choice requirements before you start writing.
Answer the question actually asked, show workings clearly because method marks are commonly awarded, and state assumptions where a scenario is ambiguous. If a question stalls you, flag it and move on, returning later. For numerical answers, sanity-check the magnitude and units.
Check that every required question has an answer, that workings are legible and labelled, and that you have not left a compulsory section blank. Confirm your name and candidate details are correctly entered on the answer material.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID in the name used at registration and present it when asked; entry may be refused without acceptable identification. Confirm with the provider exactly which documents are accepted.
Do not bring phones, smart watches, notes or any unauthorised material to the desk. Where you may store personal belongings and how devices must be switched off is set by the provider; confirm with the provider before exam day.
Use only an approved calculator and clear its memory if instructed. Programmable or graphing calculators and stored notes are typically prohibited; confirm with the provider which models are permitted.
Follow the invigilator or proctor at all times, including rules on leaving the room, toilet breaks and returning to the desk. Break rules vary by centre and delivery mode, so confirm with the provider in advance.
Do not communicate with other candidates or attempt to access external help during the exam. Suspected misconduct is handled under the provider's disciplinary procedure, which can lead to invalidation of your result.
If equipment fails, a question appears defective or you feel unwell, raise your hand or contact the proctor immediately and follow their instructions rather than attempting your own fix.
Marks are awarded for method as well as final answers in numerical questions, so present workings clearly and state assumptions. Check the provider's published marking approach and pass standard for this paper.
Confirm with the provider the rules on requesting a deferral, special arrangements or reporting an incident after the exam, and keep any supporting evidence.