To pass CDCS you need at least 70% in each of two exams, and the second one tests whether you can check real documents against a credit. The good news is that the format is predictable, so a structured plan works. This guide gives you a practical way to prepare while you work.
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Know what you are preparing for
The CDCS has two units, each with its own exam:
- FODC (Foundations of Documentary Credits): a 90-minute multiple-choice test.
- MGDC (Management of Documentary Credits): a 105-minute exam. Part A is multiple-choice. Part B is document-checking exercises that bring the whole syllabus together.
The pass mark is 70% in each exam, and you have 12 months from registration to finish. The awarding body states that exams are taken online with remote invigilation, so plan a quiet space and a reliable connection.
A suggested 8-week study plan
This is a suggested plan, not an official one. Adjust it to your schedule and experience.
| Weeks | Focus | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | How a credit works | Parties, credit types, payment methods, the lifecycle of a transaction |
| 3-4 | The rules | UCP 600, ISP98, URR 725 and Incoterms 2020: learn what each rule does, not just article numbers |
| 5 | Documents | Commercial, transport and financial documents and what each must show |
| 6 | Risk and related products | Risk types, indemnities and guarantees, financial crime compliance |
| 7 | Document checking | Practise checking sets of documents against a credit and listing discrepancies |
| 8 | Revision and mock tests | Timed practice for both exams and a review of weak topics |
Sit FODC once weeks 1 to 4 feel solid, then prepare for MGDC.
How to prepare for the multiple-choice parts
- Learn the reasoning behind each rule. Questions test whether you can apply an article to a situation.
- Read every option. Some answers differ by one condition.
- Practise under time limits so 90 and 105 minutes feel comfortable.
- Keep a short list of rules you mix up and review it daily.
How to prepare for document checking
Part B rewards a method more than memory. For each exercise:
- Read the credit terms first and note what each document must show.
- Check each document against the credit.
- Check the documents against each other for consistency.
- Decide whether each difference is a true discrepancy under the rules, and write it down clearly.
Practise on several sets until your method feels automatic.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Memorising article numbers without understanding the rule.
- Leaving document checking until the last week.
- Studying only the content you already know from work.
- Skipping timed practice.
On exam day
Check the technical requirements for the remote invigilation in advance, log in early, and keep your time per question in mind. If you do not pass a unit, you can resit; ask our team for the current resit details.
Ready to start?
If you are deciding whether CDCS is right for you, read the complete CDCS guide and eligibility, syllabus and career guide. When you are ready, open the CDCS course page and click Apply now, or chat with us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CDCS pass mark? At least 70% in each exam.
How long are the exams? FODC is 90 minutes and MGDC is 105 minutes.
Is the exam multiple-choice only? FODC is. MGDC has a multiple-choice part and a document-checking part.
How long should I study? It depends on your experience; the 8-week plan above is a starting point.
Can I take it from home? The awarding body states exams are online with remote invigilation.
Source: Walbrook CDCS page.