Becoming a FIFA-licensed football agent is a goal many aspire to, but passing the exam isn’t just about knowing the rules. It’s about mastering them. The exam is tough for a reason: it ensures agents truly understand the regulations that govern world football. But with the right approach, preparation, and mindset, passing is absolutely within reach.
Here’s how to give yourself the best shot.
1. Understand What You’re Up Against
The FIFA Football Agent Exam is digitally open book and consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You have 60 minutes to complete it, so roughly three minutes per question. That’s not a lot of time if you’re flicking through PDFs hoping to stumble across the right clause.
Passing requires a score of 75% or more. The questions are drawn from official FIFA Study Materials, which include regulations on player transfers, intermediaries, training compensation, solidarity payments, and more.
2. Don’t Let “Open Book” Fool You
Yes, the exam is open book. No, that doesn’t make it easy.
Unless you’ve already studied the documents in depth, you won’t have enough time to look up every answer. The key is to become so familiar with the materials that you instinctively know where to look when you get stuck.
Reading the regulations once won’t cut it. You need to:
- Work through each document methodically
- Highlight key sections and clauses
- Take notes and summarise complicated topics
- Revisit tricky areas regularly
Over time, certain rules and phrases will become second nature. That’s when you know you’re getting exam-ready.
3. Practice Like You’re Playing
Preparation isn’t just about reading, it’s about applying.
FIFA provides a mock exam on its Agent Platform. Take it. Time yourself. Learn how the questions are worded. Notice the structure and flow.
You should also explore additional prep resources:
- Free and paid courses
- Sample question banks
- Webinars and workshops
But do your homework before spending money. Look for reviews, course previews, and credible instructors. Some courses offer direct interaction and Q&As, while others are just practice questions, know what works best for your learning style.
4. Nail Your Exam-Day Strategy
When exam day arrives, set yourself up for success:
- Create a quiet, well-organised space
- Have your digital study materials ready and searchable
- Stay calm and keep a steady pace
If a question stumps you, don’t dwell. Move on and return to it later. That extra time could be what helps you crack it with a fresh mind.
Use a staged approach to each question:
- Use common sense to rule out clearly wrong answers.
- Eliminate options that don’t align with the regulations.
- Check your memory before diving into the study materials.
- If in doubt, quickly locate and confirm your answer using the digital documents.
Sometimes, it’s better to trust your preparation and go with your gut, especially when the clock is ticking.
5. Master the Art of Navigation
Knowing the content is one thing. Knowing where to find it is just as important.
This is where document navigation can make or break your exam. Practise using keywords from mock questions and locating the corresponding sections in the regulations. Build muscle memory.
A few tips:
- Repeatedly revisit the table of contents in each document.
- Make mental notes about where key rules are located.
- Avoid over-relying on Control+F. It won’t always work, especially when the keyword appears in dozens of clauses.
Instead, know the structure of each document. For example:
- Training compensation? Check the FIFA RSTP (Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players).
- Representation agreements? Go to the FIFA Football Agent Regulations (FFAR).
When it matters most, you’ll save valuable time.
6. Keep Learning. Even After You Pass.
Passing the exam is a big milestone, but it’s not the end.
FIFA regulations evolve. Staying up to date is essential if you want to build a career as a trusted and knowledgeable agent. Make it a habit to revisit the study materials, attend webinars, and learn from real-world cases.
The best agents aren’t just exam passers, they’re lifelong learners.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortcut to passing the FIFA Football Agent Exam. But with disciplined preparation, smart strategy, and sharp navigation skills, you’ll massively increase your chances of success.
This isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about proving that you’re ready to operate at the highest level of the game. And if you’re serious about becoming a football agent, that’s the standard you should aim for.
Don’t forget to also join Daniel Geey and Dr Erkut Sogut on the How to Pass the Exam Course on Friday 16th May here.