I gave the CFA exam level I, couple weeks ago. And I have been notified through an email that I am currently under an investigation for suspected cheating. I was quite surprised to be honest with you. Let me expose you my case :
CASE-FACTS
During the PM session, I just realised that I still had my mobile in my pocket cople minutes after the exam so as soon as I realised I raised my hands and decided to hand over my mobile to the proctors, because I was not allowed to enter in the testing room with my mobile. I acknowledge that it was an oversight from my side which is mainly due to the fact that I was a bit too focused and a bit stressed… and this fact has been reported accordingly in the violation report as stated previously.
ADVICE
Could you please advice me how I could reply to them by email, to prove that I did not CHEAT on the exam? What are the likelihood for having my results not being void or in the worst case not being excluded from the CFA program? is there any way to speed up a bit the investigation because It could take 4 months from what I heard , (so it means i can receive the outcome of the investigation in the best case scenario in October)?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
I wish all the best and good luck to all of you for your results
There is 0% chance of your exam counting this year. I’m sorry, man. I doubt you will be excluded from the program based on the facts of the case but you simply cannot have a mobile device on you at any point during the test. They even give you a final chance to surrender when reading the directions.
Not trying to be a jerk but I don’t want to get your hopes up. What I’ve read on these boards over the past few years is that these investigations never go in the candidates favor. And in your case this is pretty clear cut.
Actually I found by myself that I had the mobile on my pocket so It WAS me you gave the mobile to the proctors. They did not ask me to surrender the mobile first. But the fact that I raised my hands to give them my mobile could be in my favor. Or it does not matter? Because it was just an oversight from my side. I was a bit too stressed and focused as I said.
It doesn’t matter. You had it on you DURING the exam. There are directions on the booklet that they read out prior to administering the exam giving you one last chance to surrender it and what will happen if you’re caught with it. The fact that you turned yourself in matters zero.
I am sorry to hear it. But its this knowledge I feel is critical while taking the exam. They did their bit (I truly feel that) to make you aware regarding the Dos and Donts. They made instructions clear both orally and in written.
Dont get me wrong, I feel for you. You tried to do the right thing. Prepare your case well and hope for the best!!
man… so sad reading this… The exam is definitely gone, dont expect any result, and i hope they dont take further actions against you. Its a big mistake from your part… Hopefully their investigation will favour you a little.
A court of law looks at intention to commit crime.
You may genuinely be innocent, but there’s an element of doubt. The argument of “voluntarily returning the mobile” is not convincing, as one could well have intended to cheat but changed their mind after exam started. The fact that sufficient time was available during booklet instructions, announcements etc. strengthens this doubt.
On the other hand, “too focussed on the exam, stressed” is perfectly understandable for L1 candidate taking CFA exam for the first time.
Thank you all for your feedbacks. I really appreciate that.
I heard your arguments, but I Had NO intention to cheat. during the morning session I followed the rules and I left my mobile phone on the locker room. But for the afternoon session I made this STUPID mistake which could ruin all my efforts that I have made over the last 6 months.
You were right to say that the argument of voluntary returning the mobile is not convincing because I had sufficient time to hander over my mobile during booklet instructions, announcements etc… but I was too focused and stressed to realised early enough that it was still in my pocket. In addition the mobile was turned off and i did not used it before giving it to the proctors.
Hopefully I would try to demonstrate them that I have no intention to cheat and I keep my fingers crossed about the outcome.
you are told in advance no cell phones. You are also given another chance to surrender it before exam starts. Your exam results this year are definitely going to be voided.
No, they come out all the way up to the day scores are released… the early PCP notices appear to be low-level violations such as writing after time called, etc… the later violations are more serious cheating violations where CFAI may do some investigation and analysis (e.g. similarity analysis ).
Quote: “In 2013 someone did not get result till 7th August (and asked possible reason on AF) and he frantically contacted CFAI a few times. On 8th August he was informed he is “being investigated for PCP”! So with CFAI you can never be so sure.”
Not very convincing. Do you think an excessive exam ticket analysis was necessary? In my opinion the AF posts do not support your conclusion. I do not see any obvious pattern. It comes when it comes…
sorry to hear this… here is the bright side, you dont have to wait an entire year to write the exam again, you can re-write level 1 in December. and everything you have learned should still be fresh in your mind. you will definitely ace the exam!
