Your complete guide to the final week before your CIRO exam. Day-by-day schedule, what to review, and how to arrive at your best on exam day.
The Final Week: Your Critical Countdown
The last week before your CIRO exam is crucial. Here's exactly how to spend it to maximize your performance.
Day 7 (One Week Out)
Activities
- Take a full-length practice exam under timed conditions
- Identify remaining weak areas
- Create a focused review list
- Confirm exam logistics (location, time, ID requirements)
Days 6-5
Activities
- Review weak areas identified from practice exam
- Focus on high-yield topics (KYC, suitability, key formulas)
- Continue flashcard reviews
- Do targeted practice questions on weak topics
Days 4-3
Activities
- Take another practice exam
- Review any remaining weak areas
- Create a one-page summary sheet of key formulas
- Focus on commonly tested concepts
Day 2
Activities
- Light review only - no new material
- Review your one-page summary sheet
- Do a few practice questions to stay sharp
- Prepare everything for exam day
- Go to bed early
Exam Day Prep
- Lay out clothes
- Pack ID (government-issued photo ID)
- Check testing center location and route
- Set multiple alarms
Day 1 (Exam Day)
Morning Routine
- Wake up with plenty of time
- Eat a balanced breakfast (protein + complex carbs)
- Quick review of summary sheet (optional)
- Leave early for testing center
At the Testing Center
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Use restroom before checking in
- Take deep breaths to calm nerves
- Read instructions carefully
What NOT to Do
- Don't study new material in the final 48 hours
- Don't pull an all-nighter
- Don't skip meals
- Don't overthink or second-guess your preparation
- Don't discuss exam content with others right before
Final Week Study Hours
| Day | Hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Day 7 | 4-5 | Practice exam + review |
| Day 6 | 3-4 | Weak area focus |
| Day 5 | 3-4 | Weak area focus |
| Day 4 | 4-5 | Practice exam |
| Day 3 | 3-4 | Final weak areas |
| Day 2 | 1-2 | Light review only |
| Day 1 | 0 | Rest and execute |
Confidence Reminder
You've put in the work. Trust your preparation. You've got this!
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