So the instruction is to get into the exam room by 8:35 for the AM session and will the exam start exactly at 9:00am? If so, that means we will be sitting inside for more than half an hour assuming you go in before 8:35. I am sure you don’t need half an hour to fill in your details right? Or are they going to read the dreaded exam policy/guidelines for half an hour?
And also, where do you put your mobile phones for safe keeping? Is it safe to keep it inside your bag outside the exam hall?
Would like to hear some responses from people who have taken the exam before. Thanks!
Exam starts a little bit after 9 am and the instruction lasts about 5-10 minutes.
Indeed, you can enter the room 8:30am, however, if you want, you can enter later (not adviced).
I’m sure you will find people you know inside there, so relax, it is not much time. Go to the bathroom!
As far as I know, CFAI commonly lease good places for exams (semi-luxury hotels, convention centers, etc), so they will probably have some place (secured enough) for candidates’ belongings.
There’s definitely a lot of waiting involved. You get into the room. Stand in line to get checked in. Sit. Wait around for 30-60 minutes depending on how early you are. Same thing after lunch.
As for mobile phones, I think the general rule is bring it and leave it in your bag outside at your own risk. There are security people stationed all around the place, but the bag area isn’t locked or anything and there’s nothing really stopping someone from stealing anything. Except the Code of Conduct, of course.
I would suggest leaving your phone at home and not bringing a bag if you can. The bag area is incredibly small and unorganized (tables with letters). At lunch break and after the exam you have 60-75% of 2000+ people trying to get their stuff at once. Time consuming mess.
I advice getting in as early as possible. Just pretend you’re trying to catch a flight. If you’re late, you miss the flight. It’s better to be too early than too late.
There is a LOT of waiting involved. Waiting in line to get into the exam building/hall, waiting in line to hang your coat/stow your bag, and then sitting at your seat and waiting for everyone else to sit down, then waiting for the exam proctor to tell you what to do with your exam book and read a brief exam policy.
But it’s OKAY. It’s just one day, for goodness’ sake. It’s not too painful, honestly. Use that time to get yourself into a good mental state and to adapt to the surroundings. Don’t bring too much stuff. I see people bringing suitcases, I have no idea why. Just bring what you must to get through the exam, and do NOT bring anything you’re told not to bring into the exam hall.
You’ll be fine.