FAQs for in-person invigilated exams at exam centres

1. How do I select my preferred exam centre location?

There will be a link to an Exam location preference form included in your exam booking confirmation email. 

If you book and pay for your exams on the member portal, you can also access the Exam location preference form from your member portal exam booking confirmation page.  

You can select up to your three preferences of exam centre location. 

If there are no suitable exam centre locations, you can also request to sit remotely, online. 

We guide through each step in choosing your exam location on our Choosing your exam location web page. 

2. When should I submit my Exam location preference form?

Exam centre capacities are limited by location and will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. 

To increase the likelihood of receiving your preference, please book as early as possible in the exam booking period.  

The deadline for submitting your Exam location preference form is 09:00 GMT (UTC) Monday 16 February.

3. What happens if I do not complete an Exam location preference form?

If you do not submit an Exam location preference form or submit your form after the deadline, we will allocate an exam centre based on the preferred communication address we hold for you. 

Therefore, please ensure your preferred address for communications is updated on the member portal before or immediately after booking.

4. When will I know whether I’ve been allocated to my preferred exam location(s)?

We will confirm your allocation(s) by email during the week of the 23 February 2026.

We will allocate you to one of your three preferred options where-ever possible.  

5. What happens if you can’t allocate me to any of my preferred exam locations? 

If we are unable to allocate you to one of your three preferred exam centres, we will allocate you to the next nearest location in the same country or to remote invigilation. 

If you do not want to sit your exam in the location (including remote invigilation) that we have allocated to you, you will have the opportunity to submit an exam location change request or request a full refund.  

Change requests must be made using the dedicated form which, if applicable, will be shared in your allocation confirmation email. 

We guide through each step in choosing your exam location on our Choosing your exam location web page. 

6. What if I don’t want to sit my exam(s) in the location you have allocated? 

If we have allocated you to one of your preferred locations, but you decide that you do not wish to sit your exam in that location, you can cancel your exam. Our standard assessment refund policy will apply.

7. Where can I find my exam centre location?

You can find your exam location (including remote invigilation) in your exam location allocation confirmation email.

Your exam location will also be confirmed in your exam joining instructions, which will be available in your member portal two weeks before your exam date.

You can find a list of exam centre addresses on our webpages:

• Exam centres: UK and Ireland
• Exam centres: Outside of UK and Ireland

1. Will the exams still be closed book?

Yes.

The only exception is the Communications Practice (CP3), where exam candidates are permitted to bring the advanced material into the exam room. 

Candidates can make notes on the advanced material only - no additional pages of pre-prepared notes can be used during the exam.

For further guidance, please see the Examinations Handbook and Assessment Regulations. 

2. Will all exams start at the same time?

Yes, each exam subject will have one single start time.

Exams will be held at 09:00 BST (UTC +1).

3. Will the length of time given for each exam change with the introduction of in-person exams?

No, the exam duration will remain the same, regardless of whether you are sitting the exam at a centre or remotely.

4. What will it be like to sit an exam in an exam centre?

Here is what you can expect on your exam day:

Arrival
Please arrive at your exam centre at least 1 hour before your exam start time.

Registration
Locate the registration desk (there will be signs).
Complete the ID checks.

Storing Items
Store your personal items in the allocated area.
Bring only permitted items to your exam desk.

Desk Allocation
You will be allocated your exam desk and then allowed to enter the exam room.

Settling In
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
If you arrive early, you may leave the exam room before the exam starts.

Logging In
You can log onto the Online Exam Platform before the exam start time.
You cannot make notes or load MS applications before the exam start time.  

Announcements
Exam invigilators will make announcements before the exam begins.

Go ahead and complete your exam

5. How will the exam be invigilated?

All exam centres will have invigilators in the room, who will be monitoring all activity to ensure the integrity of our exams is maintained.

6. What equipment will I need to sit the exam in person at an exam centre?

All equipment will be provided for you. The equipment will be setup for you at your assigned exam centre, ready for you to sit and complete your exam.

Please note:

• You cannot bring your own equipment, unless this has been approved through access arrangements.
• All exams will be taken on a single screen. 

For more information on equipment specifications, please refer to the Examinations Handbook.

7. Where do I download the exam paper from? And how would I upload my completed work?

If you’ve sat IFoA exams before, you’ll be familiar with the online exam platform, as it remains the same as in previous sessions.

• Turn on your device.
• Log into the online exam platform with your username and password.
• Access the exam area.
• Agree to the Assessment Regulations. 
• Select your exam paper button. 
• Download the exam paper to your machine for reference during the exam.
• Complete your exam answers and carefully save them to your desktop.
• You are responsible for saving your work. Please save your answer file at least every 20 minutes.
• Once your exam is complete, upload your completed work back in the exam area of the online exam platform.

Further step by step guidance is available in the Examinations Handbook.

8. Will I need my phone to log onto the online exams platform?

No, you will not need your phone to access the online exam platform, as two-factor authentication is no longer required.

If you do bring a phone with you:

• It must be switched to silent.
• Stored in your bag for the duration of the exam.
• You should only retrieve it once you have left the test centre.

9. Will I be provided a paper copy of the exam paper? Or could I print the paper?

All candidates will be downloading the exam paper from the IFoA exam platform. 

Printing facilities will not be available at the exam centres. 

10. Can I handwrite my exam answers?

No, all candidates are expected to keyboard type their answers using the equipment provided at the exam centre.

Handwritten answers are only permitted if you have a pre-approved access arrangement allowing this.

11. Do I need to apply for access arrangements?

Access arrangements are adjustments made to exam conditions to support candidates who would otherwise be at a substantial disadvantage.

If you require any access or inclusion arrangements for the upcoming exam session, you must submit your application by 17:00 GMT (UTC) on Friday 13 February 2026 (the exam entry closing date).

We strongly encourage you to:

• Read the Access Arrangements Policy before applying.
• Apply early, as this allows us time to review and implement any approved adjustments.

Late applications

If you apply after the deadline, it may not be possible to grant your request in time. In such cases, you may need to defer your exam in line with the IFoA Cancellation Policy.

Comfort aids

Candidates are allowed to bring certain comfort aids into the exam. Please refer to the Comfort Aid List for what is permitted. If you need a comfort aid that is not on the standard list, you must apply through the access arrangements process.

12. When should I arrive at my exam centre?

We recommend arriving at your exam centre at least one hour before your exam start time.

Arriving early allows time for:

• Mandatory ID checks.
• Desk assignment.
• Familiarising yourself with the exam environment and equipment.

All exams start promptly at 09:00 BST (UTC +1).

Please plan your journey in advance and check for any potential travel disruptions that may affect your arrival.

14. What form of photo ID will be accepted?

Please refer to the Assessment Regulations for guidance on what acceptable ID is permitted. 

15. What if my assumed name is different from my given name? Do I need to update my details with IFoA to reflect any middle names?

The details we hold for you must match your chosen form of photographic identification.

Candidates will need to update their details in their member portal to ensure ID verification is accepted.

Non-members will need to contact memberservices@actuaries.org.uk to make these changes.

16. Will I be able to take notes during the exam?

Yes, you will be able to start taking notes once your exam has started.

• The exam centre will provide you with paper and a pencil or pen.
• If you need additional paper during the exam, simply raise your hand to notify an invigilator, and they will provide more.

17. Will I be able to go to the toilet during the exam?

Yes, bathroom breaks are permitted during the exam.

However, they are for you visit the bathroom only and you must follow these procedures:

• Raise your hand to alert the invigilator
• Wait to be escorted to the facilities
• Be mindful not to disturb other candidates

There is no limit on the number of bathroom breaks, but please note that no extra time will be added to your exam.

18. What can I bring into the exam room?

Please refer to the Assessment Regulations for a list of the permitted items you can to bring into your exam room. 

19. Am I allowed to use the pre-exam materials provided in advance of the exams for CP3 and the CS exams?

Yes, you are permitted to use the pre-exam materials provided for CP3 and the CS exams.

CP3:

• You will have access to the advanced materials 3 days before the exam via the Online Exams Platform.
• Candidates can download the materials. you may print these materials, annotate them, and bring the printed version into the exam.
• Only the printed advanced materials are allowed you may not bring in separate notes written on blank paper.

CS exams (CS1B and CS2B):

• The pre-exam materials will be released on Monday 30 March 2026 through the Online Exams Platform.
• You do not need to download them in advance they will be preloaded and set up on each exam centre computer.

20. Can I bring my own earplugs?

Earplugs will be provided by the test centre. 

You are allowed to bring your own. However, they must be a pair of non-electronic earplugs or ear defenders. 

If you choose to bring your own earplugs, you will need to ensure the exam invigilator is aware at the point of checking your identification, so proper checks can be performed.

21. Will I be allowed to copy and paste in the exam?

Yes, the copy and paste function is allowed during your exam.

• You may copy and paste content such as the IFoA Standard Keyboard Notation or text from the PDF version of the Formulae and Tables into your exam submission if it helps support your answers.
• In some exams, like CP3, you may also need to copy material directly from the exam paper and or the advance material this is permitted where appropriate.
• However, please be aware: any plagiarism may result in disciplinary action, unless the exam specifically requires you to reproduce provided materials.

22. Where will I store my bag during the exam?

There will be a designated area at the exam centre for you to store your belongings during the exam.

• Please avoid bringing valuables, as storage will not be secure.
• Only permitted items are allowed at your exam desk.
• All non-permitted items must be stored in your bag and kept in the designated area.

For a full list of permitted and non-permitted items, please refer to the Examinations Handbook / Assessment Regulations.

23. Can I use a whiteboard during my exam?

No, candidates sitting their exam at a test centre are not permitted to use a whiteboard, unless this has been pre-approved through access arrangements.

• You will be provided with two pieces of A4 size scrap paper at the start of the exam.
• If you require additional paper, raise your hand and an invigilator will assist you.

24. Can I use a calculator during the exam?

Yes, candidates are permitted to use a calculator during their exam.

• There is no restriction on the make or model of calculator you can use.
• You are also allowed to use Excel for calculation-based questions.

However:

• Calculators on mobile devices or online platforms are not permitted.

Please refer to the Examinations Handbook for more details on permitted equipment.

25. Are we allowed to split screens across the one monitor?

Yes, candidates will be able to use the split screen functionality on their one monitor.

26. Where can I find further guidance on the dos and don’ts? 

For further guidance, please see the Examinations Handbook / Assessment Regulations.

27. Will I have access to a copy of my exam script after my April exam?  

Yes, you will be able to log in to the IFoA Exam Platform to download a copy of your exam submission.

Your submission will be available once your exam is complete. 

Please note your submission will only be available for you to download two weeks after your given exam. For example, if you have your exam on 15 April, you have until 29 April to download your submission. 

Please refer to the Examinations Handbook for further guidance.

28. What happens if my exam is disrupted by something out of my control at the centre?

If your exam performance is affected by an incident outside of your control, please follow these steps:

1. Inform the invigilator immediately. 

This is the first and most important step.

2. Submit an incident report to the IFoA. 

You can do this after your exam is complete by either:

• Scanning the QR code displayed at the exam centre.
• Using the link in your exam upload confirmation receipt email.

Important:

• The incident report must be submitted within 24 hours of completing your exam.
• This report does not replace a mitigating circumstances application. If you believe the issue significantly impacted your performance, you must still submit a separate mitigating circumstances application.
• The incident report can be used as supporting evidence for that application.

Please refer to the Examinations Handbook for further guidance.

29. Can I use the Autosave function?

No. The autosave function will be disabled for the entire duration of the exam.

You are responsible for saving your own work throughout the exam. We strongly recommend that you manually save your answer file at least every 20 minutes to avoid losing progress.