Frequently asked questions for CSC Exam 2: exam structure, topic weightings, portfolio emphasis, and how to use this guide.
Confirm current CSI policies directly with CSI before booking or rescheduling.
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CSI publishes CSC Exam 2 structure on the official Exam & Credits page. The current reference structure is a proctored multiple-choice exam with 100 questions, a 2-hour time limit, a 60% passing mark per exam, and up to 3 attempts.
From CSI’s official weighting table, CSC Exam 2 breaks down this way:
That weighting makes analysis, portfolio construction, and packaged products the center of the exam.
Often yes, because CSC Exam 2 is more scenario-driven and recommendation-oriented. The main skill jump is not memorizing more facts. It is learning to identify which client constraint matters most, such as risk tolerance, time horizon, tax sensitivity, liquidity, or account type.
Start with investment analysis and portfolio analysis because those topics make the rest of the exam easier to organize. Then move into mutual funds, ETFs, alternatives, and client-account application.
Memorize a compact formula and terminology pack, but spend more time understanding diversification, asset allocation, suitability logic, portfolio tradeoffs, and product selection. CSC Exam 2 usually rewards reasoning more than pure recall.
Use short topic drills first, then switch to mixed sets that force you to sort between products, client profiles, and portfolio constraints. Review every miss and reduce it to a one-sentence rule you can apply again.
Yes. CSC Exam 2 now has an exact web practice page on MasteryExamPrep. Use this guide for the route and review layer, then move into exact web practice when you are ready to train speed on the 100-question structure.
According to CSI’s current CSC course page, effective January 1, 2026, CSC is no longer acceptable for the purposes of CIRO approval with an Investment Dealer. That is a career-path and proficiency issue rather than an exam-structure issue, so candidates should confirm the current rule before using CSC for registration planning.
Use Official Resources. That page points to the current CSI course, curriculum, and exam-credits pages, which are the right places to confirm the official structure and course details.