CISI Financial Markets exam-day guide
CISI Financial Markets · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the exact ID type the exam provider requires (commonly a current passport or photocard driving licence). The name must match your registration. Confirm the accepted ID types with the provider before test day.
Booking confirmation and candidate number
Print or download your appointment confirmation showing the test centre, time, and candidate/registration number. Confirm with the provider whether printed copies are mandatory.
Know your test centre route and arrival time
Plan the journey in advance and aim to arrive with a comfortable buffer. Confirm the required arrival time (often before the scheduled start) with the provider.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Check the provider's calculator policy in advance. If a calculator is allowed, bring only the approved type; if not, practise the arithmetic you will need by hand.
Know what is prohibited in the exam room
Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags are typically not allowed at the desk. Confirm the provider's rules on storage and prohibited items.
Syllabus and formula recall sheet (for revision only)
Use your own summary of key formulas and definitions during final revision. Do not attempt to bring notes into the exam room.
Practice under timed conditions
Complete at least one full mock at the real time limit so you know your pace per question and can practise flag-and-return.
Sleep and logistics plan
Protect sleep in the final nights and plan meals, transport, and any medication so the morning is low-stress.
Confirm exam format and scoring
Check the number of questions, time allowed, and pass mark for your specific unit with the provider, as these vary by qualification.
Read the candidate regulations
Review the provider's candidate handbook for conduct, ID, break, and misconduct rules before the exam day.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Re-read your own condensed notes, focus on weak topics flagged by mocks, and do one or two timed practice sets. Confirm your booking, ID, and travel plan.
Do a light review of key formulas and definitions only. Pack your ID and confirmation. Check the test centre location and journey time. Avoid cramming late into the night and prioritise sleep.
Eat a proper meal, arrive early, and re-read only a short summary sheet. Keep calm and avoid last-minute discussion of topics you are unsure about. Follow the centre's check-in and ID verification process.
Read the instructions and note the time limit. Answer easier questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Watch the clock and reserve time to review flagged items. Attempt every question unless the format penalises wrong answers (confirm with the provider).
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID matching your registration; without acceptable ID you may be refused entry. Confirm accepted ID with the provider.
Arrive by the required check-in time. Late arrival may mean you are not admitted or your time is reduced; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Do not bring prohibited items into the exam room. Store bags, phones, and smart devices as instructed by the invigilator.
Follow all invigilator instructions and do not communicate with other candidates during the exam.
Any form of cheating, unauthorised material, or impersonation is misconduct and can lead to invalidation of your result. Confirm the provider's misconduct policy.
Break rules vary by centre and format. Ask the invigilator or check the candidate handbook in advance if you need to leave the room.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the provider and vary by unit. Check the pass mark and whether unanswered questions are penalised before the exam.
If you feel unwell or have an issue during the exam, raise your hand and inform the invigilator immediately.