Taking the Exam

Test takers pay for their exam online through Kryterion's Webassessor portal. You may pay for your exam via a credit card or if you purchase exams for a group, FISD will provide voucher codes for your group to use. Note that at-home exams require no advance scheduling and can be completed on-demand in a single 2 hour 40 minute stretch.

The FISD FIA is a 150-question, multiple-choice exam that candidates take on a computer at home via the Kryterion Webassessor portal. 

Candidates have 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the exam. You'll complete your exam on your regular computer browser -- no special software or webcam required.

The material covered by the FISD FIA is outlined in the official syllabus. FISD developed the syllabus in close consultation with experienced practitioners in our sector so it covers the knowledge that is most crucial for success in the financial information industry. The syllabus is divided into four sections: MarketsDataTechnology, and Issues & Trends.
How the Test Works: The FISD FIA Exam by the Numbers
  • 150 – The FISD FIA consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
  • 75% – A score of at least 75% is required to pass the FISD FIA. Achieving this mark earns you an FIA plaque, a place in the FISD FIA Directory, and the right to add the letters FIA after your name.
  • 160 – Candidates have 160 minutes (2 hours and 40 minutes) to complete the exam.
  • 0 – Number of hours of advanced notice required to schedule an FISD FIA at-home exam. Want to take your exam at 2:26 AM on a Wednesday? We don't recommend it, but you can do it!