Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the eligibility criteria to enrol for NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination?
NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination, being a renewal exam,is only available to those candidates having valid certificates of NISM-Series X-A and X-B (i.e., both Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates of NISM’s Investment Adviser Certification). Therefore, to enrol and to appear for this Renewal Exam (X-C):
- You should have valid certificates of NISM-Series-X-A: Investment Advisor (Level 1) AND NISM-Series-X-B: Investment Advisor (Level 2), AND
- One of these existing certificates must be expiring in the next twelve months period.
2. What is the exam pattern and duration for NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination?
The examination consists of two-three hours of video content (proctored) and a proctored exam of one hour duration (for 50 marks with pass mark as 25 without negative marking). Candidate can complete these from anywhere during the five days window assigned to him/her.
Please note that your login credentials for the renewal exam are valid for five calendar days from your scheduled examination date. Hence, you must ensure that you complete the process (i.e., watch all the videos and also complete the exam) within this allotted time. No extensions will be provided.
3. I am eligible for this Renewal Exam (X-C). How can I enrol for the same?
Candidates who are eligible for the NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination (as per the “eligibility criteria” mentioned above) may follow these steps to enrol for this Renewal exam:
Using your credentials, log in to your profile at NISM’s Certification Portal.
Navigate to “Enrolment” > “Enrol for Examination” using the left side menu on the page.
Please select NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination from the list of available exams. You will be asked to confirm your eligibility by submitting the declaration about holding valid certificates (i.e., NISM-Series-X-A & NISM-Series-X-B). NISM will verify your existing certification validity and will process your request within two working days, The user will be notified by email (to the email id registered with NISM).
Those candidates whose request is approved, can proceed with enrolment process by logging in and clicking on “Enrolment” > “Enrol for Examination” > “NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination”. There the candidate shall select the Exam Center as “Online Exam” and select the date (from the available slots). After the exam fee is paid by the candidate his/her Admit Card will be generated (which contains the enrolment details).
Considering the above verification process involved, candidates are advised to enrol sufficiently in advance and shall not wait till the last minute. Once the existing X-A or X-B certificate is expired, candidate will not be eligible to enrol for X-C renewal exam.
The URL and the login credentials (i.e., your user Id and password) of the renewal examination will be sent to your registered email id and also to your registered mobile number (via SMS), a day before your exam date (i.e., on the previous day evening).
4. What are the hardware and IT requirements for appearing for the NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination?
The X-C Renewal exam consists of a training module of 2-3 hours duration followed by an Exam of 1-hour duration.
During the training module (video material) a candidate can take breaks in between and also can re-watch the training videos multiple times during the assigned five days period. However, once the Exam is started, candidate shall NOT be allowed to take any breaks and shall complete the exam in one sitting.
Video footage of the candidate’s video training as well as his/her exam attempt would be recorded and verified before issuance of renewal certificate. For this, candidate’s web camera shall be switched on throughout the training period and also during the exam attempt.
Please note the following IT requirements to appear for this exam:
A. System Requirements: Candidates are advised to have a laptop/desktop equipped with a webcam and microphone, featuring a minimum of 4GB RAM. The processor should be an i3 dual-core 2.2 GHz 5th Generation or equivalent/higher. (Mobile phones, tablets, iPads, etc. are NOT supported).
B. Internet Specifications: A stable broadband internet connection with a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps is necessary.
C. Browser Compatibility: Supported on both Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge web browsers (Windows) optimized to work seamlessly with the latest versions of these browsers and those released thereafter.
D. Minimum System Requirement for attending Renewal Exam (X-C) programme:
a) Desktop computer or laptop desktop (please note that Mobile phones, tablets, iPads, etc. are NOT supported).
b) Built-in or external webcam and microphone.
c) Connection to a network with sufficient internet speed: at least 2 Mbps download speed and 2 Mbps upload speed.
d) Note that corporate firewalls, including VPNs, might hinder proctoring. It’s recommended to take your Renewal Exam (X-C) in a setting without a corporate firewall.
e) Preferred browsers Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge with the latest version.
f) Operating systems: Windows 10 or newer
g) Display requirements: Minimum Resolution: 1024 x 768 in 16-bit color (recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080 in 32-bit color.)
E. Office Networks – Please be aware that OFFICE NETWORKS MAY BLOCK certain course content and therefore, you may not be able to access or complete the course from your office network. It is therefore recommended to use your personal network/internet.
5. When do I get my renewal Certificate?
The renewal certificate will be issued only after the successful verification of the proctored video and examination of the candidate. Your certificate will be sent to your registered email id within 5-working days after completion of the renewal exam. The certificate will also be made available through the candidate dashboard.
The renewal Certificate will be issued only if the candidate fulfils all the requirements and after verification of the candidate’s proctored footage of his/her training participation and passing the exam. Merely attempting the exam and/or watching the videos does not guarantee the issuance of certificate.
No refund/re-appear/reschedule will be allowed, if you fail to attend or fail to complete the process within the given timeframe. Candidates who do not complete the training and examination, in all aspects mentioned above, within the given timeframe shall have to seek fresh enrolment by paying the examination fee. Candidate who fails in the exam are also shall have to seek fresh enrolment by paying the examination fee.
6. What is the fee structure for NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination?
The enrolment fee for the NISM-Series-X-C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination is Rs 2,500 plus applicable taxes.
7. What is the validity period of the certificate?
For the successful candidates, the X-C certificate would be issued which will have a validity of three years.
8. Whom to contact for any queries or any assistance required during my enrolment or during the online training/exam?
If you have any queries regarding the renewal exam, or need any assistance during your enrolment or during your exam/training, please contact NISM’s Helpdesk at certification@nism.ac.in or at 8080806476.
