The Ultimate Test Taker’s Guide to Navigating the Computer‑Based IMC Sample Test

 
Certificate in Investment Management - Sample test

The computer‑based IMC sample test

The IMC sample test contains 17 questions from the official IMC mock exams. The aim of the demo test is to allow candidates to familiarise themselves with the functionality of the live exam.

To access the sample test, go to the IMC sample test webpage and click on ‘Next’.

CFA Sample Test - click Next to launch demo

A message box will appear asking you if you are ready to begin the exam - click ‘Yes’.

CFA IMC Sample Test - Ready to begin exam

Keyboard Shortcuts for navigating the computer‑based IMC sample test

Please be aware that the keyboard shortcuts mentioned in this article are applicable to the IMC sample test. Should you encounter any uncertainty regarding the keyboard shortcuts during your exam, simply employ your mouse to access the necessary functions.

Next Question

Windows: Alt + N

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + N

Previous Question

Windows: Alt + P

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + P

IMC Sample Test - Previous Button

Open Calculator

We couldn't find a direct keyboard shortcut to access the calculator, but here’s a workaround: use the keyboard shortcuts for the strikethrough button, followed by the tab key to navigate to the calculator button and then press enter to open it. This keyboard sequence involves more keystrokes than the other shortcuts, so it's recommended for keyboard-savvy users. If this combination feels too long or complex, use your mouse to access the calculator.

Windows: Alt + W + Tab + Enter

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + W + Tab + Enter

IMC Sample Test - Calculator Button

The IMC sample test gives access to two calculators:

  1. A scientific calculator - Texas Instruments TI‑30XS

  2. A standard calculator - Texas Instruments TI‑108

It’s important to note that clicking the calculator button on the IMC sample test doesn’t automatically display the scientific calculator, however the scientific calculator will be the default calculator in your actual exam. In the sample test, you can use the dropdown menu to select ‘Scientific’.

IMC Demo Test- Select Calculator

We strongly recommend using the numeric keypad (a.k.a Numpad) on your keyboard to enter numbers into the calculator and for basic calculator operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. To use your Numpad, you must activate Num Lock by pressing the Num Lock key on your keyboard.

Pearson VUE On-Screen Calculators - Use Number Pad

Texas Instruments TI-30XS Scientific Calculator

We recommend reading our ultimate guide to Pearson VUE’s TI‑30XS on‑screen calculator for tips and tricks on how to use this calculator in your exam.

Pearson VUE TI-30XS Calculator

Close Calculator

Esc

Pearson VUE - close calculator button

Comment

Windows: Alt + M

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + M

IMC Sample test - Comment button

Highlight

Windows: Alt + J

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + J

IMC Sample Test- Highlight Button

Strikethrough

Windows: Alt + W

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + W

IMC Sample Test - Strikethrough Button

Flag for Comment

Windows: Alt + C

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + C

Please be aware that in your actual exam, the 'Flag for Comment' button might be labelled 'Flag'. Additionally, it could employ different keyboard shortcuts compared to those used in the demo test:

Windows: Alt + F

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + F

IMC Sample Test -Flag for Comment

Flag for Review

Windows: Alt + Shift + F

Mac: Ctrl + Alt + F

IMC Sample Test - Flag for Review

Use your keyboard to answer multiple‑choice questions

For multiple‑choice questions, you can press the letters A, B, C or D on your keyboard to select the correct option instead of clicking on the answer option.

IMC Sample Test - Multiple Choice Question
How to use your keyboard to answer multiple choice questions in your IMC exam. Press A key to select option A. Press B key to select option B. Press C Key to select option C. Press D key to select option D.

Time restrictions on Pearson VUE's demo test

Please keep in mind that the IMC demo test enforces a 100-minute time limit. Upon reaching this time limit, a message will appear on your screen stating ‘Your time has expired. Click OK to continue.’

Time expired message - Pearson VUE demo test
IMC Sample Test - Thank you for completing your examination

If you still require access to the IMC demo test after it has timed out, you will need to open a new demo test.

The IMC demo test's limitations

The IMC demo test doesn’t provide answer reviews or a total score; it's designed for navigation practice. If you want to assess your knowledge you can complete mock exams.