The Most Effective Way to Study for Your FRM® Exam

You might have heard about how hard the FRM exam is, and you may be feeling anxious. There is no need to panic or feel apprehensive. If you have enrolled and registered for the FRM exam, we have a practical step-by-step guide to help you pass your exams.

1. Get acquainted with the FRM curriculum and identify different topic weights

Part I of the FRM curriculum tests the tools used to evaluate financial risk. The topics are;

• Quantitative analysis (20%)
• Foundations of risk management concepts (20%)
• Financial markets and products (30%)
• Valuation and risk models (30%)

Part II of the FRM curriculum focuses on applying the risk evaluation tools learned in part I. They are;

• Market risk measurement and management (20%)
• Credit risk measurement and management (20%)
• Operational and integrated risk management (20%)
• Liquidity and treasury risk measurement and management (15%)
• Risk management and investment management (15%)
• Current issues in financial markets (10%)

The weights are subject to change, but you can identify the most weight topics and focus on them. Ensure that you have an in-depth understanding of these topics to increase your chances of passing the exam.

2. Prepare and adhere to a study plan

The FRM curriculum is challenging and requires you to put in enough time and effort to succeed. When planning a study strategy, dedicate at least 200 to 240 hours towards studying for each level of the examination.

Make the most of this time by focusing on the topics which carry the most weight and achieving the planned learning outcomes. You should customize your study plan to suit your pace and circumstances. Enroll in the FRM study package at AnalystPrep.com and get an experienced expert to guide and mentor you through the challenging coursework.

The FRM exam pass rate is low, with less than half the candidates passing the first level in 2019 and a little over half passing the second level. These pass rates should not discourage you but rather motivate you to start studying as soon as possible. It would be best if you put in more than the recommended 240 hours to read.

Consider looking for additional study resources like exam prep packages from Analystprep.com to increase your chances of success.

3. Understand the question format used in FRM exams

The FRM curriculum consists of two levels, and the exams are offered twice a year; in May and November. Due to the postponed 2020 exams, the exam schedule in 2021 will be different.  Level I will be offered in May, July, and November, while Level I1sittings will be in May and December.

FRM part I has 100 equally weighted questions, while part II has 80 questions. The allocated test time is four hours for each of the levels. Although you can sit for both parts simultaneously, you should pass part I before GARP scores part II. You should pass level I exams before you can proceed to the next level. The exam format in both level exams is multiple choice.

The FRM exam is highly quantitative, and the mathematical difficulty is the same as that of an advanced undergraduate or introductory graduate-level finance course. It is conceptual, and you are required to know formulas as GARP will not provide formula sheets in the exam and apply them correctly.

Understanding these question formats will help you understand the topics as you study and how to apply this knowledge to answer exam questions effectively. Instructions that include calculate, compute or derive require you to use a formula.

4. Practice for the test using sample questions and mock exams

It would be best to allocate some of your study time to practice answering questions using sample questions and mock exams, especially as the exam date approaches. Mock exams simulate actual test conditions to help you understand how the exam is.

Analystprep.com has an extensive library with sample questions, personalized quizzes, and mock exams. Our online and video tutorials will help you internalize hard-to-understand concepts. We also demonstrate the required calculations to get the correct answer.

Practicing using sample questions and mock exams will assist you in identifying any knowledge gaps and prepare you to pace yourself during the test. You should review your performance and learn from your mistakes to avoid repeating them in the future.

Additional tips to use during the exam

• Ensure that you know how to use the features on your calculator and are comfortable with it.
• Attempt all the questions. You will not get a penalty for giving a wrong answer.
• Be comfortable during the exam. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes on exam day.
• Arrive at your exam center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled test time. Arriving on time will help you settle in and avoid disqualification.
• Always adhere to the expected code of conduct when sitting for your exam.

The key to passing your FRM exam starts with adequate preparation. Contact us at Analystprep.com to gain access to study materials and tutorials from experienced professors. Our up-to-date sample question bank will ensure that you get enough practice to give you the confidence to pass your exams.