Short answer: on exam day, pace yourself at about 1 minute 45 seconds per question, answer everything, flag the doubtful ones and come back. Prepare your ID and set-up in advance, and avoid cramming the night before.
The advice below applies to the ACAMS exams (CAMS, CGSS and CCAS). Time and question numbers differ: CAMS is 120 questions in 3.5 hours; CGSS and CCAS are 100 questions in 175 minutes, per ACAMS information. Confirm details in the candidate handbook, which governs.
The week before
- Take your last full timed mock about five to seven days before the exam. Review mistakes, not new material.
- Re-read your mistakes list and flashcards (CAMS, CGSS, CCAS).
- Confirm your exam booking, time, time zone and format.
- Check that your ID matches your registration name exactly.
The day before
- Light revision only: summaries, tables, definitions.
- Prepare ID, confirmation email and directions (test centre) or run the system check (online).
- Sleep matters more than another hour of study.
Test centre checklist
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| ID | Two original, valid government-issued IDs (check the handbook for exact requirements) |
| Arrival | 30 minutes early |
| Belongings | Phones and notes are usually stored away |
| Breaks | Know the rules on breaks before you start |
Online proctored checklist
- Run the system test on the same computer and network you will use.
- Clear your desk and room as required.
- Close all other programmes and disable notifications.
- Log in 30 minutes early for ID and room checks.
- Have a backup plan (phone hotspot, support contact details).
During the exam
Pacing
- 120 questions in 210 minutes (CAMS) or 100 in 175 minutes (CGSS, CCAS) leaves about 1 minute 45 seconds a question.
- Check your timing at the quarter marks.
- Do not spend more than three minutes on a single question on the first pass.
Reading
- Read the question line first, then the scenario.
- Circle in your mind: FIRST, BEST, MOST, NOT, EXCEPT.
- For select-two or select-three questions, treat each option as true or false.
Flagging
- Answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing.
- Flag doubtful ones and return at the end.
- Do not change answers without a reason; your first instinct is often right unless you realise you misread.
Eliminating answers
- Remove options that are clearly wrong or irrelevant.
- Remove options that are true but do not answer the question.
- Between two remaining, pick the one that fits the standard (FATF, ACAMS materials), not your employer's practice.
Common mistakes under pressure
- Picking the most drastic action (exit the customer, report to regulator) when the question asks for the first step.
- Missing "NOT" or "EXCEPT".
- Answering from experience rather than the framework.
- Spending too long on one scenario.
After the exam
You typically see the result on screen when you finish. If you pass, note your recertification deadline: see CAMS recertification. If you do not, see what to do after failing an ACAMS exam.
Practice before the day
Do at least two timed mocks. You can start with the free tests for CAMS, CGSS and CCAS, and read the CAMS exam format post for more detail.