IMT Exam 2 FAQ — Case-Based Exam Tips

Frequently asked questions for CSI IMT Exam 2: official structure, how to approach vignettes, and what to prioritize.

What is the official exam structure?

According to CSI’s Exam & Credits page:

  • Exam format: Proctored (remote or in-person at a test centre)
  • Question format: Multiple cases with multiple-choice questions
  • Questions per exam: 50
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Passing grade: 60%
  • Attempts allowed per exam: 3

How should I read a vignette?

Use a strict order:

  1. Capture the client’s objective and constraints (horizon, liquidity, tax, risk capacity).
  2. Identify what the question is really asking (allocation, product choice, risk control, monitoring).
  3. Eliminate answers that violate constraints or assume missing information.
  4. Prefer actions that improve process quality: clarify → document → act within policy.

Do I need different content than Exam 1?

The content overlaps heavily, but Exam 2 rewards application and prioritization. You must be able to use the same tools under time pressure across multiple questions tied to one case.

What should I prioritize?

Because the exam is integrated, prioritize:

  • IPS + constraints mapping
  • allocation + rebalancing mechanics
  • fixed-income sensitivity (duration intuition)
  • product structure (fees/liquidity/after-tax)
  • monitoring and next-step decisions

Sources: https://www.csi.ca/en/learning/courses/imt/exam-credits and https://www.csi.ca/en/learning/courses/imt/curriculum