Q. Am I allowed to bring scratch paper into the testing room?
Scratch paper is not permitted. In fact, the use of scratch paper represents a conduct violation and may result in disciplinary action. AIMR encourages candidates to use the Level I question book, question pages and extra pages in the Level II and Level III question books, as scratch paper. Nothing that is written on the question pages will be graded.
Q. What is AIMR' s policy regarding personal items in the exam room?
Our policy on personal belongings has changed significantly. Beginning in 2002, the following items are not permitted and should be left at home or in your car. If such items are found, whether inside or outside the testing room, security personnel will remove and dispose of them. AIMR is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged property.
• Bags of any kind including backpacks, purses, handbags, tote bags, briefcases, luggage, and
lunch bags.
• Study materials including notes, papers, textbooks, study guides, scratch paper,
present/future value tables.
• Cellular telephones, pagers, headsets, computers, electronic organizers, Palm Pilot
computers, or any other remote communication or photographic devices.
• A watch with an alarm or an audible timer.
The following items may be carried into the test center in your pockets or in a clear plastic bag measuring approximately 8" x 8" (20 cm. X 20 cm.):
• Examination Admission Ticket.
• Identification.
• Calculator(s), including calculator cases.
• Writing instruments.
• Erasers, calculator batteries, pencil sharpeners, eyeglasses, earplugs.
• Medicine, tissues, and other medically necessary or personal items.
• Food and drinks (must be consumed outside of the testing room).
Q. Can medicine be brought into the exam room and used during the exam?
You may keep medicines, tissues, and other personal items in your pockets or in a clear plastic bag during the exam. The plastic bag may remain on your desk (space permitting) or on the floor beneath your chair.
Q. I have a medical condition that requires me to consume food at frequent intervals. Am I permitted to keep and eat snacks at my desk during the examination?
Candidates are not permitted to eat or drink at their desks; rather, they may keep food and drinks with them (in their pockets or in a clear plastic bag) and leave the testing room to eat or drink. However, if you have a medical condition (such as diabetes) that requires you to eat frequently, you may request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To make your request, please complete the required forms and submit the necessary documentation from your physician. The forms can be downloaded from our website at
http://www.aimr.org/pdf/cfaprogram/disability_accom.pdf or can be obtained from Information Central.
Q. Can I remove my jacket or sweater during the exam if the testing room becomes too warm?
You may remove a sweater, jacket, hats, etc., during the exam. These items may be hung on the back of your chair or placed on the floor beneath your chair. Proctors will not collect clothing items during the examination, nor will there be a collection area or table for such items.
Q. Can I use a ruler, correction fluid, highlighters, or other tools on the exam?
No. Highlighters, correction fluid, rulers are not permitted. Candidates are only permitted to bring pencils, erasers, and pens for writing the examination. Multiple choice and item set questions must be answered in pencil; stray pencil marks or changed answers should be corrected by erasure. Essay questions must be answered in blue or black ink; changed essay answers must be marked through with ink. Graders will not grade answers that are marked out.
Q. The new policy on personal belongings states that lunch bags and drinks are prohibited in the testing room and that snacks can be carried in a clear plastic bag. If there aren't any restaurants near the test center, can I bring lunch in my clear plastic bag?
Yes, you may bring food and drink into the testing room in a clear plastic bag but it must be
consumed outside the testing room.
