HKSI Exam Day: What to Expect and What to Bring

Most exam-day problems are administrative, not academic: the wrong ID, a name that does not match, or arriving after the cut-off. Each one ends the same way, with you marked absent and the fee lost. This guide follows HKSI’s Examination Policies and published dates, as checked on hksi.org on 11 October 2026.

What to bring

• An original, valid government-issued photo ID with an English name that matches your HKSI Online Portal record. Accepted examples include a Hong Kong Identity Card, a passport and certain travel permits. Copies and photos of ID are not accepted.
• The last four digits of your registered mobile number, or your examination confirmation number. You will be asked for one of them at check-in.
• For Papers 7 to 12 only: an approved calculator, if you want your own. Paper 1 is not on HKSI’s calculator list.

Timing: the 30-minute cut-off

Your Confirmation of Examination Scheduling email gives an admission start time. Arrive by then. HKSI’s policy is that candidates who arrive, or fail to complete identity checks, more than 30 minutes after the admission start time are not admitted and are marked absent. A missed exam cannot be rescheduled and the fee is not refunded.

Plan to be at the centre before the admission start time, so a slow lift or a queue at check-in cannot push you past the cut-off.

Check-in and the exam room

• Turn off your phone, smartwatch and every other device before you enter, and keep them off.
• Put personal items in the designated area. Large bags stay outside, unattended.
• Only your ID, an authorised calculator where allowed, and the draft paper or noteboard and pen provided by the centre go on the desk.
• Headwear is not allowed unless invigilators approve it. Smart glasses with cameras or displays are banned.
• No food or drink inside the examination room.
• If invigilators doubt your identity, they may photograph your ID and ask you to remove glasses, hat or mask.

Calculators

During the exam

Paper 1 is 60 questions in 1 hour 30 min, about 90 seconds each. The questions are available in English and Traditional Chinese; the system interface is in English. HKSI offers an Examination System Simulator on its website so you can see the screens beforehand.

• Answer the questions you know first. Flag the rest and return.
• HKSI’s preparation guidance says wrong answers are not penalised, so answer every question.
• Read statement questions (I, II, III, IV) by eliminating options that include a statement you know is false.
• Talking, reading questions aloud and copying exam content are misconduct and can lead to suspension.

Results

Download and keep your Notification of Results: your firm needs it for your licence application, and HKSI does not reissue results. Next steps after a pass or a fail are in results and retakes.

Bad weather

Exams go ahead unless HKSI announces a cancellation. If a typhoon signal No. 8 or above, a black rainstorm warning or “extreme conditions” is in force, HKSI normally posts cancellations on its website and app at least two hours before the start. If a warning is raised during the exam, the exam continues to its end. Check hksi.org that morning.

The night before

• Lay out your ID and check it has not expired.
• Re-read the confirmation email for the address and admission time.
• Skim your figures sheet or our cheat sheet; do not start new topics.
• If you have not sat a full timed mock yet, try the free mock earlier in the week.

HKSI Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by HKSI Institute or the SFC. HKSI’s policies apply on the day; read the latest on hksi.org.