CFA Disability Accommodations: How to Request Exam Support

Preparing for the CFA exam takes a lot of time and effort. Some candidates may have a physical disability, medical condition, learning difficulty, or psychological condition that makes it difficult to take the exam under standard testing conditions.

To help ensure equal access, the CFA Institute offers CFA disability accommodations for eligible candidates. These accommodations allow candidates to take the exam in a testing environment that better meets their needs while following the same exam rules and standards.

Whether you are appearing for the CFA Program, CIPM Program, or the Sustainable Investing Certificate, it is important to understand the accommodation request process before registering for the exam. In this guide, you will learn who can apply, what documents are required, how to submit your request, important deadlines, and the types of accommodations available.

What Are CFA Exam Disability Accommodations?

Candidates who have a documented physical, medical, learning, or psychological condition that affects their ability to take a supervised CFA exam can apply for disability accommodations. The CFA Institute provides these accommodations to ensure eligible candidates get a fair opportunity to take the exam.

These accommodations are not meant to give any extra advantage. They are provided to help candidates take the exam under suitable conditions. Depending on the candidate's needs, support may include extra exam time, wheelchair-accessible test centres, or other approved accommodations.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for CFA Disability Accommodation?

Any registered candidate for the CFA Program, CIPM Program, or Sustainable Investing Certificate who has a documented disability affecting their test-taking ability may apply for CFA exam accommodations. CFA Institute recognises that each individual's condition and situation is unique.

You must be formally registered for an exam administration before you can submit an accommodation request. The process applies equally to first-time candidates and returning candidates, including those who have previously been granted accommodations. No assumption is made that prior approvals automatically transfer to a new exam window.

CFA Exam Accommodation Deadlines for 2026–2027

Missing the accommodation request deadline means your application will not be reviewed. CFA Institute does not make exceptions for late submissions. Deadlines are tied to your registration date, so it is critical to check which window applies to you.

CIPM Program

For the September 2026 exam window, the standard deadline to submit a CFA disability accommodation request is 5 August 2026 for all registered candidates.

Sustainable Investing Certificate

Candidates must submit their disability accommodations request within 30 days of registering for the Sustainable Investing Certificate. It is important to note that not all accommodation types are available under the online proctored testing format. Read the accommodation form carefully before submitting.

Required Documentation for CFA Disability Accommodation Request

To apply for CFA disability accommodations, you must provide documents that show your medical condition affects your ability to take the exam under normal testing conditions. 

What You Must Submit

• Medical Professional Questionnaire and Personal Statement: A qualified medical professional must complete and sign the medical form. You also need to write a personal statement explaining your condition and why you need the requested accommodation.

• Medical Evaluation Report: Submit your latest medical or diagnostic evaluation report, preferably completed within the last three years. The report should clearly explain your condition and be issued by a qualified healthcare professional.

• Previous Accommodation Records (if available): If you have received exam accommodations in the past for exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, university exams, or under a special education plan, you should include those records as supporting documents.

What You Must Not Submit

•       Documentation in any language other than English

•       General letters from medical professionals in place of a comprehensive evaluation report

•       Documents sent via email , all submissions must go through the secure online portal

•       Protected documents, self-reports, or research articles

All documentation must be submitted in English within ten business days of submitting the request form, but no later than the applicable deadline.

Step-by-Step: How to Submit a CFA Disability Accommodation Request

The CFA disability accommodation process has three simple steps. Following these steps carefully can help avoid delays and ensure your request is reviewed on time.

Step 1: Submit the Online Request Form

After registering for the CFA exam, log in to your CFA Institute account and fill out the disability accommodation request form. Upload all required medical documents through the online portal. After submitting, you can log in anytime to check the status of your request.

Step 2: Wait for the Decision

The CFA Institute usually takes about four weeks to review your request and supporting documents. Once the review is complete, you will receive a notification with the decision and further instructions.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

Do not book your exam until your accommodation request has been approved. If your request is accepted, you may need to schedule your exam directly with Prometric instead of using the regular online scheduling system.

Returning and Deferred Candidates: What Changes?

Candidates who have received CFA exam accommodations before must apply again for each new exam. Previous approvals are not automatically carried forward.

• CFA Program candidates should log in to their exam portal and confirm their previous accommodation or submit a new request if required.

• CIPM Program and Sustainable Investing Certificate candidates must submit a new accommodation request for every exam session.

• If you are requesting the same accommodation, you usually do not need to submit new medical documents. If you need a different accommodation, updated supporting documents are required.

• If you defer your exam, your accommodation approval will not be transferred automatically. You must submit a new request for the new exam session.

Comfort Requests: A Separate Process

Comfort requests are different from CFA disability accommodations. Some personal items approved by Prometric can be carried into the exam without getting approval from the CFA Institute.

If you need comfort support, such as nursing accommodations, you should email the CFA Institute before your exam. These requests are reviewed individually and depend on the availability of the test centre, so approval is not guaranteed. It is best to apply as early as possible.

Food and drinks (except water) are not allowed inside the exam room. However, you can keep them in the personal belongings area and use them during the scheduled break.

Key Tips for CFA Students Applying for Exam Accommodations

Here are some important points to remember while applying for CFA disability accommodations:

• Register for the CFA exam before submitting your accommodation request.

• Apply as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

• Keep your medical documents ready, as collecting them may take time.

• Check your CFA Institute account regularly to track your request status.

• Do not book your exam appointment until your accommodation request is approved.

• If you have any questions, contact the CFA Institute support team. They usually respond within five business days.