CFA Program Identification Policy

CFA Institute requires an international travel passport* from every candidate. This policy sets forth one global standard, in the form of a single document that is both internationally obtainable and recognizable, that allows us to confirm the identity of our candidates, and to ensure that all candidates receive identical treatment during the exam day admissions process.

You must have a valid international travel passport* to participate in the CFA Program. A valid international travel passport is a document which:

You must enter and/or verify your passport information when you register for the exam, and you must present your valid, international travel passport during check-in for both the morning and afternoon sessions on exam day. If the name, passport number, and expiration date on your passport do not exactly match the information printed on your admission ticket, you will not be permitted to take the exam and you will forfeit your registration fee. Failure by proctors to detect an invalid ID does not imply that the ID is valid or that your scores will be reported. 

If your international travel passport expires before the date of your confirmed exam, you may update the expiration date, passport number, and country of issuance in the Manage Account section of our website. All other  identification changes, including name,  must be updated by submitting an Identification Information Change Request Form (PDF). Processing time is 3-5 business days upon receipt, with the exception of peak exam periods.

*An international travel passport is a document issued by a national government which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder. It is the only acceptable form of identification for the CFA Program. Passport cards, national identification cards, limited travel documents, and internal passports are not valid forms of identification for the CFA Program. Read more detailed information.

†Name Variations

Examples of acceptable name variations are provided below.