The Complete Checklist of Items to Bring to CFA Exam Day

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The Complete Checklist of Items to Bring to CFA Exam Day

Knowing & preparing what you're going to bring can make a lot of difference in your exam - taking the exam when you know you're running out of pencils, or that your calculator is getting iffy...

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Galal

I am a fresh graduate seeking to enter in Dec 2013 part 1 CFA. I wanted to ask how long is the exam? and is it the right decision to start CFA right away ?

Sophie

Hi @Galal, the CFA Level 1 exam consists of 2 papers lasting 3 hours each. You take them in the course of 1 day, divided into morning and afternoon sessions. Starting early is a good practice, and you are putting giving yourself a good headstart since we typical advice to start 6 months before the exams to put sufficient study time in (with a full time job).

AjFinance

Thanks @Sophie thats a good comprehensive list. I am planning to carry extra batteries for my TI BA 2 Plus Professional Calculator. I've been using it since 2010, working fine until now. But theres always that feeling deep inside that your most dependable ally will ditch you on exam day :P

Reena

Absolutely @AjFinance - I'm also paranoid like that!

AjFinance

@Reena - Its the worst feeling at level 2, given the number of calculations.

tacheman

A good way to pick up old calculators is through charterholders

jimmyg

There's always one like this.

AjFinance

@jimmyg lol

hairyfairy

Good tip on the 2 calculators thing. I have batteries but I'm not sure if I can change batteries in exam conditions...

AjFinance

@hairyfairy you can. Which calculator do you have?

Snippy

Um i've used my calculator for 1 exam. Can i continue using this till my June exam without having to worry about it dying on me?

AjFinance

@SidMenon of course you can. Which one do you use though?

Snippy

@AjFinance TI BA II Plus.

AjFinance

@SidMenon I've the same one. It shouldn't be a problem. Besides, you can carry an extra battery. Its much easier to change a battery in TI BA II Plus

Snippy

Ah, okay. Thanks!

hairyfairy

AjFinance said:

@hairyfairy you can. Which calculator do you have?

I have the BA II Plus.

AjFinance

@hairyfairy TI BA II Plus requires a screwdriver to replace the batteries, an extra calculator is a safe bet. @SidMenon sorry man I misread your post, I thought you have the TI BA II Plus Professional (Thats the one I have). However, I guess you shouldn't be worried about the calculator not working for your first exam. In short, if you have the BA II Plus, see if you can get your hands on an extra piece (Unless you want to use a screwdriver), whereas if you have the BA II Plus Professional, you can do with extra batteries in my opinion.

hairyfairy

Yeah I don't trust myself with a screwdriver. I'll try and get another calculator.

christine

Better to take 2 calcs. You don't want to be fiddling around with screwdrivers during the exam.

Snippy

@AjFinance Oh, that's okay. Ill ask around for an extra.

Dubinka

Any advise on how to deal with pre-exam stress ?

Merci

dodo

@Dubinka i had a long swim today. it worked for me. You can go for a run or a work out session.

ar1311

For all those freaking out about calculators, Ive had 2 (one BAII and one BA II pro) and im in my third year of using them - neither has died so far, so I wouldnt be too nervous. But if you are, rather than getting a second calculator, just get new batteries, replace them at home and then your certain they wont die in like 48 hours.

CFAcharterwannabe

@Zee‌ I seem to be unable to access the full post. Keep getting a 404 error. Is it just me?

kungpow9960

Two calculators is key, without a doubt. I used the same two TI BA-II Plus (one Pro, one not) for all three levels with no issues. In fact, I used the Pro only and never needed to bother with the back-up. So each Memorial Day I would replace the Pro's battery just to be sure (I use it at work too, so it gets fairly regular use). Two warning stories: first, two years ago a guy I work with brought his old, expired passport to the exam by mistake. They didn't let him take the exam and he had to explain that to his boss. It's now a legend among us here in the office. Don't be that guy. Check the passport. Second, when I took Level III, a guy was going around to every candidate right before the exam started begging to use a calculator as he had only one and had forgotten it at home. That was a Level III candidate who should have known better. Don't be that guy. Just bring two calculators.

wm247

@Dubinka‌ I do lots of Zumba at the gym nearby. Ditch the workout, join the party!

Farooq

Just want to ask some clarifications please. > How many pencils should I have in total, sharped, without having to worry about sharpening them during the exam? > Can jackets and wallets be taken to the seats?

krishTa

Link is throwing 404 error. 

Zee

@krishTa‌ fixed - thanks for highlighting!

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