Note that this article details the 2021 policy and is for reference only. Please find details about our 2022 deferral policy here.
Requests for deferrals will no longer be taken by phone or email, and candidates are no longer required to contact the GCC to request a deferral. Candidates seeking a deferral must request one using the deferral webform. This change is meant to streamline the process for candidates with one self-service option.C
Candidates interested in a deferral should visit our CFA Exam Deferral Request page, read the deferral requirements, and, if one of the listed reasons applies, submit the online deferral request form attesting to their decision. The form notes that the Code of Ethics applies to candidates’ decision to defer.
After submitting the form, candidates will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their deferral request. See a sample of that email here. (Depending on their circumstances, we may ask candidates to provide supporting documentation to process the deferral.) Then, we will contact candidates with next steps.
Qualifying candidates will be provided a deferral that can be used for any exam at their level within the next 12 months, as long as the registration window is open.
Please note: The CFA Program curriculum for 2022 has been updated. Candidates who defer their exams into 2022 will be tested on the 2022 curriculum. Read this article for more information.
Unless we contact candidates to provide supporting documentation, once they submit the deferral form and receive their confirmation email, no further action is required. Candidates do not need to contact the GCC about their deferral. Candidates should allow up to 5 weeks for their request to be processed.
We look forward to this process change streamlining the deferral request process for our candidates and allowing the GCC to focus resources on other candidate needs.
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