Tips for taking CFA level 1 Exam

Our earlier post concerned tips on how to study for the CFAlevel 1 Exam. Today we want to share with you a few tips for taking the exam. Preparing for the exam begins weeks in advance.

So you’ve put your 300 -400 hours in, you’ve gone through the Imarticus CFA program 3000 questions sample bank and have covered every topic in detail. Here’s what you do now.

Take care of your health: With a month to go, start making sure you take care of your health.  You haven’t come this far to fall ill on your big day. Try not to come into contact with anyone having the flu and make sure you don’t get a stomach bug. Ladies, here’s where we talk about your period; no, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and it's a very big reality. If you think your period will fall around the CFA dates, please talk to your gynecologist to help mitigate symptoms. 

Read the CFA Rules: To ensure you don’t disqualify yourself by doing something stupid, please read the CFA rules on the website which outline what you can take into the room. Here are the program policies https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/exams/Pages/policies.aspx

Master your calculator: Calculators are NOT available at the test center. Batteries for the calculator are NOT available at the test center. Only two calculators are authorized - Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional)

Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30th anniversary edition, and HP 12C Prestige). https://www.cfainstitute.org/about/governance/policies/Pages/calculator_policy.aspx Take extra batteries and a small screwdriver.

Do a mock test: Test yourself under exam conditions. This means no material other than a calculator and a pencil in hand and the stamina to withstand two three hour tests in one day.  When you enroll in the Imarticus Chartered Financial Analyst program, we conduct a mock exam for you under real exam conditions, which is key to your success in the actual exam because it familiarizes you with the pressure of the test itself.

Map your logistics: Make your way to the test site and back at least once before the actual test so you know how much time it’s going to take to get there. Are you driving? If so, where will you park? Are you taking a taxi? Then how much in advance do you need to book it? There are two sessions. If you miss the morning session, you cannot take the afternoon one. If you are late by 30 minutes, you cannot enter the exam hall. Exam day schedule: https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/exams/Pages/cfa_exam_day_experience.aspx

Pack everything two days in advance: You need to take your passport, calculator, batteries if needed, screwdriver to change batteries, pencils, erasers, required medications, exam ticket, photo ID and ear plugs. Earplugs are very important if you prefer to work in silence. Ask your test center if you are allowed to take noise cancellation headphones. Also pack a lunch for your two –hour break. Don’t forget the Key Stroke card that came with your calculator; it has useful information that can ensure you get certain points.

Sleep: We suggest sleeping a minimum of 8 hours a night a week before your test to ensure there is no sleep deficit built up that can harm your chances.

Talk to your CFA Charter Holder Mentor: The Imarticus CFA program is the only program where a dedicated CFA Charter Holder mentors you through the entire duration of the program. Make sure you have a session with them before the test to clear any doubts you might have about the exam itself.

Exam Day: Wake up early and work on a few programs. Much like you wouldn’t go cold into a race, you don’t go in cold for an exam. But work on easy problems and concepts you know.

Take the exam: Don’t talk to anyone about the exam before it or during the break. Start with the easy questions. Always given an answer even if you think it's the wrong one. Don’t panic, you can take it again in 6 months time.