Should I memorize these for the exam, the focus seems to be memorizing the 2 tailed z values one tailed: 90% 1.28 95% 1.65 99% 2.33
Yes, questions could be pointing to both 1-tail or 2-tail tests. So, it will be good to memorize standardized z values for both for mosty used confidence intervals. (90, 95 and 99) But most common 1-tail z characteristic asked for is at 95% confidence, which is same as that for 2-tail at 90% confidence. (i.e. 1.65). And you will be expected to know it as they will not be providing its value in the question. I dont remember having to use 1-tail value for 90% or 99% in CFA exam or in any practice questions though.
If they don’t tell you directly which test to use you should be able to infer based on the null+alternative hypothesis: does not equal vs. great/less than.
Pretty much if it’s in the curriculum you should KNOW it. If you hypothesize in your dreams the critical points should be available from memory.