To anyone who may know the answer to this I would greatly appreciate a reply. In the international metric system, we do not write fractions the same way as in the US system. So for example the CFA book would write: 100, 000.50$ (for one hundred thousand and fifty cents) But in French Canada, we would actually write: 100 000,50$ As you can see, this could be confusing for the US corrector. Do you think I will need to adjust my numbers format to the US one, or would a corrector understand the french canadian numbers format. I’m asking because it really feels unnatural for me to adjust. What are your opinions on this. Thanks. J.
100, 000.50$ - right format. It is US based institute and also this format is used worldwide. I don’t think so that would pay major attention to it
First, I would email CFAI and ask. They are good about responding quickly with an answer. They may, however, refer you to the material which will not be a direct answer. If they don’t explicitly say, I would note it on the exam what you said above, if you can’t make the switch. Good part is, a comma followed by 2 numbers will generally be looked at as a decimal, as commas usually are used with 3 numbers after, ie. 100,000,897. I would remember to note it on the exam though, and whoever grading it will understand I would think.
Thanks for your answers. I just sent an email to CFAI to confirm with them. Until then I’ll try to get used to CFA’s number format. J.
In the US, we use a comma to denote thousand multiples and a period to denote fractions of a number, eg 100,000.50. I have never seen it any different in the CFAI texts. I think its pretty obvious how you should answer. Only France, and the countries it colonized, use the backwards method you mentioned. With a question like this I find it hard to believe you made it passed the first 2 levels.
Wow, Thank you very much for your pertinent input Naples. If you had actually thought about it you would have realized that L1 and L2 are multiple choice questions and that the number format I used was irrelevant to my exam results. My trouble adjusting to CFAI’s format may also be because I have more than 6 years of University studies in a quant oriented discipline which makes the use of a comma before the decimals an automatism. I don’t even know why I’m wasting my time responding to you, but let me finish by replying that I couldn’t care less about your astonishment towards my past exam results. For one I’m not surprised that an insecure being like yourself (who’s probably graduated from an online degree such as Phoenix University) takes the time to come insult someone who has a genuine question. J.
By the way, I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone who graduated from University of Phoenix. I have no personal opinion on this institution and admittedly could have used another example. The point was simply to illustrate the absurdity of Naples last sentence with one that would mimic is thought process, although I’d be surprised if he was clever enough to even understand this. J.
My point was, if you have the intellect to pass levels 1 and 2 you should be able to figure out what format they are looking for. Have you ever seen the CFAI use the decimal comma format? I see your question akin to a candidate from France asking if it would be acceptable to answer in French.
Actually, In the past, we were allowed to do the exam in french in Montreal 
As for my question, I know that the format in CFAI’s book is the right one. What I’m asking is if the other format would be considered right or plainly wrong by a grader. Sorry if I was a bit harsh…
Hi J In my opinion that is a perfectly sensible question; I have been wondering myself. Although it is easy enough to READ and understand the US numbers format, it is not easy to WRITE numbers that way, especially when one is under stress. Have written to the CFAI to hear what they say; waiting for response. S
Hi J In my opinion that is a perfectly sensible question; I have been wondering myself. Although it is easy enough to READ and understand the US numbers format, it is not easy to WRITE numbers that way, especially when one is under stress. Have written to the CFAI to hear what they say; waiting for response.
It’s safest to write out all numbers. E.g. “cent mille dollars et cinquante cents”.