The New FIFA Football Agent Exam Structure

The Format and Structure of the FIFA Football Agent Exam

FIFA has introduced major structural changes to the Football Agent Exam, which take effect from March 4, 2025. These updates mark a shift from the previous in-person, venue-based assessments to a fully online format, with stricter monitoring protocols and revised technical requirements. The changes are designed to increase fairness, transparency, and standardisation, ensuring that all candidates, regardless of location, take the exam under consistent and tightly controlled conditions.

Under the previous system, candidates were required to sit for the exam in person at designated testing venues provided by their National Football Associations. While this setup allowed for controlled exam conditions, there were significant variations in exam environments, with some associations offering different levels of technical support, internet access, and venue facilities. Additionally, the rules on permitted materials were inconsistent, with some NAs allowing candidates to bring printed study notes (including personally annotated hard copies), while others imposed stricter limitations.

Now, FIFA has removed all venue-based exams and replaced them with an online-only format, meaning candidates must take the test in a private, self-managed setting. This shift places a greater responsibility on candidates to ensure they have the necessary technology, internet stability, and a suitable workspace. The new system also introduces enhanced security measures, including mandatory camera and microphone access on the candidate’s computer, as well as secondary monitoring via a smartphone device. Unlike before, where invigilators supervised candidates in person, FIFA will now use AI-driven monitoring tools to track behavior and detect suspicious activity in real time.

Another critical change is the removal of all breaks during the 60-minute exam period. Previously, candidates were permitted to take toilet breaks under supervised conditions, but this is no longer allowed. Once the exam begins, candidates must remain visible on camera and stay seated until the time expires. If a candidate leaves their position, looks away for an extended period, or experiences a loss of internet connection, their attempt will be invalidated immediately, requiring them to reapply for a future session.

Additionally, FIFA has introduced stricter rules on exam misconduct. Under the previous system, violations such as unauthorised communication, accessing external materials, or using electronic devices could result in disqualification from that session, but candidates were often able to reapply for the next available exam date without further consequences. Under the new regulations, serious breaches, such as cheating, taking screenshots, or sharing exam content externally, could lead to a suspension from future exams. In extreme cases, candidates may even face a permanent ban from obtaining a FIFA agent license.

With these updates, FIFA aims to create a uniform and strictly regulated exam process, eliminating inconsistencies in exam conditions and preventing unfair advantages. Candidates must now be fully prepared, both in terms of technical setup and understanding of the rules, as any failure to meet the requirements could result in forfeiting their attempt.

Exam Format and Pass Requirements

The FIFA Football Agent Exam is now conducted entirely online, replacing the previous in-person, venue-based format. This change eliminates the need for candidates to travel to designated testing locations and places greater responsibility on them to ensure they have the necessary technical setup and a distraction-free environment. The exam is still 60 minutes long, and candidates must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions that evaluate a candidate’s knowledge of FIFA regulations, including player transfers, contractual agreements, intermediary responsibilities, and general football governance. The questions are designed to test not only factual knowledge but also a candidate’s ability to apply FIFA’s rules to real-world scenarios that agents may encounter when representing players and clubs.

One of the most significant rule changes is the strict prohibition on breaks during the exam. Previously, candidates were allowed to request supervised toilet breaks, but under the new system, no interruptions of any kind are permitted. This means that once the exam begins, candidates must remain seated, visible on camera, and engaged with the test until the full 60 minutes have elapsed. Leaving the session for any reason, whether due to a technical issue, personal needs, or accidental disconnection, will result in automatic disqualification, and the candidate will have to wait for the next available exam date to retake the test.

Given these stricter conditions, FIFA strongly advises candidates to prepare thoroughly before starting the exam, ensuring that they have a reliable internet connection, all necessary equipment, and a quiet, uninterrupted space to complete the test without issues.

Technical Requirements and Setup

Since the exam is now conducted entirely online, FIFA has introduced strict technical requirements to ensure a secure, standardised, and closely monitored testing environment. Candidates are solely responsible for setting up and maintaining their own exam conditions, as FIFA will not provide technical support during the test.

To take the exam, candidates must have access to the following:

• A laptop or desktop computer with a fully functional camera and microphone, both of which must remain enabled and active throughout the entire exam. FIFA’s monitoring system relies on these devices to track candidate behavior and detect any irregularities.
• A smartphone, which will be used for secondary monitoring purposes. Candidates may be required to position their phone in a way that provides an additional view of their workspace. The phone itself cannot be used for any other purpose during the exam.
• A stable and reliable internet connection. FIFA has made it clear that any internet disruption will invalidate the exam attempt, with no opportunity to resume the test. If a candidate loses connection at any point, their session will be terminated, and they will have to reapply for the next available exam date.

Given the high stakes of these technical requirements, FIFA strongly advises candidates to test their devices, internet speed, and webcam functionality well in advance of the exam date. If any technical issues arise during the exam, whether related to internet connectivity, hardware failure, or software malfunctions, the candidate will not be granted additional time or a retake in the same session. They will need to wait until the next scheduled exam and reapply.

Candidates should also ensure they have a quiet, well-lit workspace, free from distractions, as any movement out of frame, loss of visibility, or suspicious behavior could result in their attempt being flagged for review or disqualification.

Exam Venue and Conduct

Although the exam is now conducted entirely online, FIFA requires candidates to complete it in a quiet, private environment that is free from distractions and external assistance. The testing conditions must closely resemble a formal exam setting, ensuring fairness and integrity across all candidates worldwide. To enforce these standards, FIFA has implemented strict monitoring measures to detect and prevent any form of cheating or rule violations.

The monitoring system includes the following:

• Live video surveillance via the candidate’s laptop or desktop camera, which must remain enabled and unobstructed throughout the entire exam.
• Secondary monitoring using the mandatory smartphone device, which may be required to provide an additional viewing angle of the candidate’s workspace. This ensures that the exam is completed without unauthorised assistance or external reference materials.
• AI-driven behavior tracking, which detects suspicious movements, excessive eye wandering, unusual background noises, or any signs of potential misconduct. If flagged by the system, the candidate’s session may be reviewed, leading to possible disqualification or suspension from future exams.

Candidates must remain seated, visible on camera, and fully engaged for the entire 60-minute duration of the exam. Looking away from the screen for an extended period, engaging in any form of communication, or attempting to use unauthorised materials may trigger an automatic violation flag. Even minor infractions, such as adjusting one’s position too frequently or appearing to speak aloud, could lead to further scrutiny and potential disqualification.

To avoid unnecessary issues, FIFA strongly recommends that candidates set up their exam environment in advance, ensuring good lighting, a neutral background, and no potential distractions. Any interruptions, such as people entering the room, background noise, or internet disruptions, could result in automatic disqualification, forcing the candidate to reapply for the next available exam date.

Permitted and Prohibited Items

FIFA has established clear guidelines on what candidates can and cannot have in their exam environment. Any unauthorised items found in the workspace may result in immediate disqualification and, in serious cases, suspension from future exam attempts.

✔️ Permitted Items

Candidates are allowed to have the following:

• Study materials, but only if they are saved digitally on the candidate’s laptop or desktop. Printed materials, handwritten notes, or any external storage devices containing study resources are strictly prohibited.
• Prescription glasses, if required for vision correction.
• A pen and a single blank sheet of paper for note-taking during the exam. However, the sheet must be shown to the camera before and after use to ensure it does not contain pre-written notes.
• The built-in calculator integrated into the FIFA online exam platform. External calculators are not allowed.

❌ Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly forbidden during the exam:

• Mobile phones, except for the one required for monitoring purposes. This phone must be placed as instructed and cannot be used for any other function during the test.
• Smartwatches, headphones, or any other smart devices capable of connecting to the internet.
• Accessing external websites beyond the official FIFA exam platform. Any attempt to browse the internet or open unauthorised tabs will be flagged as a violation.
• Printed documents, handwritten notes, or any physical study materials. Unlike previous exams where candidates could sometimes bring printed regulations, the new system only permits digital study materials on the laptop being used for the exam.
• Physical calculators. All necessary calculations must be done using the FIFA platform’s built-in calculator.

FIFA has emphasised that any attempt to access unauthorised materials, communicate with others, or use prohibited devices will be treated as a serious violation. Candidates caught breaking these rules risk immediate disqualification and may be barred from taking future exams. To avoid issues, candidates should thoroughly check their workspace before starting the exam and ensure they comply with all permitted and prohibited item regulations.

Exam Misconduct and Consequences

FIFA has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct during exams. Candidates are expected to adhere to all guidelines and regulations, as failure to do so could result in severe consequences, including permanent bans from future exams. The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

1. Cheating: Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, such as using unauthorised materials, tools, or receiving outside help (whether from another person or digital source), will result in immediate disciplinary action. This includes but is not limited to the use of notes, books, or unauthorised online resources.
2. Recording or Sharing Exam Content: Candidates are prohibited from taking screenshots, recording, or sharing any content from the exam. This includes distributing information via screenshots, videos, or any form of digital communication. Sharing exam material, whether in part or in whole, is a direct violation of FIFA’s policies.
3. Unauthorised Communication: Speaking to anyone, whether in person or through any electronic means (e.g., phone, chat applications, or social media), during the exam is prohibited. This includes any form of communication that could be perceived as an attempt to gain assistance or exchange information.
4. Leaving the Exam Without Permission: Candidates must remain in the designated exam session until it is officially completed. Leaving the exam room or session without proper authorisation constitutes a serious breach of conduct.
5. Impersonation: Any attempt to impersonate another candidate or have someone else take the exam on behalf of the candidate will be met with the highest level of scrutiny and punishment. This includes both direct impersonation and any form of collusion where one candidate submits work on behalf of another.

If a candidate is found to be in violation of any of these rules, FIFA has the authority to suspend them from participating in the next scheduled exam, and in more serious instances, impose a permanent ban on future participation in FIFA exams. The severity of the consequences will depend on the nature of the violation, with repeat offenders facing stricter penalties.

Furthermore, FIFA has integrated advanced AI-driven monitoring systems into their exams to detect any suspicious activity. These AI tools can identify patterns that suggest cheating or dishonesty, making it increasingly difficult for candidates to bypass the system unnoticed. This technological innovation is designed to protect the integrity of the exam process and ensure a fair environment for all participants.

Candidates are strongly advised to review and follow the exam rules carefully to avoid any complications. Violating these policies not only risks their exam success but can also jeopardise their reputation and eligibility for future opportunities within FIFA.

Results and Appeals Process

Candidates will receive their exam results via email within 14 days of completing the test. FIFA has also introduced a review process that allows candidates to see their answers and understand where they made mistakes. However, appealing exam results is no longer permitted.

If a candidate fails, they must wait for the next available exam date to retake the test. There are no exceptions, and FIFA will not offer individual reassessments.

Final Thoughts

The new FIFA Football Agent Exam rules mark a major shift toward a more secure, standardised, and transparent assessment process. With stricter monitoring, no breaks, and zero tolerance for misconduct, candidates must be fully prepared before entering the exam.

To increase your chances of success:

1. Ensure your laptop, smartphone, and internet connection meet FIFA’s requirements.
2. Familiarise yourself with the regulations using permitted digital study materials.
3. Follow all conduct rules carefully to avoid disqualification.

By understanding and adhering to these updated guidelines, candidates can navigate the new exam format confidently and work toward earning their FIFA Football Agent License.