Which Jobs can I Apply with an FRM® Certification?

Wondering what jobs you can land with an FRM® certification?
You’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting your finance career or pivoting into risk management, the FRM designation opens doors to high-paying roles in banking, asset management, consulting, fintech, and beyond.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common jobs FRM holders qualify for, what industries hire them, and how much you can expect to earn—so you can make a smart, confident career move.

Top Jobs You Can Apply for with an FRM® Certification

Risk manager

As a risk manager, you will help businesses identify and evaluate risks that could potentially affect them in the future. You will be responsible for analyzing various investment approaches such as asset allocation, fixed incomes, and hedge funds.

Operational risk manager

As an operational risk manager, your responsibility is to investigate how an organization or business is run and prepare future risks that present a danger to the company. As an operational risk manager, your goal is to moderate risks to the company as much as possible and avoid financial losses.

Credit Risk Manager

As a credit risk manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing company guidelines and measures to reduce the credit risk for the financial institution. You will also be responsible for building and managing economic models that predict credit risk exposure to the company.

Chief risk officer

With an FRM certification, you can work your way to this executive office. As a chief risk officer, you will assess and mitigate significant threats to the institution’s capital and income at the executive level. These risks can be from competitors, new regulations, or technology.

Risk analyst

Risk analyst professionals apply analytical skills and knowledge on international business and currency markets to evaluate various investment portfolios and calculate the risk involved.

Regulatory risk analyst

As a regulatory risk analyst, you will study existing and proposed rules and regulations and determine how to apply these to your company. You will also research how these laws will impact businesses in other states and countries.

Market risk analyst/ market risk managers

Market risk managers apply their knowledge and study market trends to provide investors and companies with comprehensive market assessment reports.

How to attain the FRM certification

1. To attain your FRM certification, you need to enroll and register for part I exams. You can enroll and register for the FRM part I exam by visiting the GARP website. You do not need prior education or work experience to qualify for the program. You will pay a one-time enrollment fee of USD 400 on your initial registration. The early exam registration fee is USD 550, and the standard exam registration fee is US 750. The registration fees, however, do not include study materials. 
2. Once you have passed the FRM part I exams, you have up to four years to register for part II. You will only have to pay for exam registration, and the early exam registration fee is USD 550, while the standard exam registration fee is US 750. FRM part II exams are in May and December.
3. The last step you need to take to get your FRM certification is to prove that you have gained at least two years of full-time work experience in a relevant role. You should submit evidence of your work experience after you have passed your FRM part II exams. GARP defines relevant work experience as to where you are in a role where you are involved in the identification, measurement, monitoring, or management of risk. Experience up to ten years before sitting for FRM exams is acceptable.

You should submit your work experience within five years after completion of the course. If you fail to submit it within the given timeframe, you will need to re-enroll in the program, pay all the fees and retake both FRM part exams. If you want to start your professional journey to attaining FRM certification, enroll in our study packages at Analystprep.com. You will gain access to training and multimedia tutorials from our experienced professors. We have a library of over 4,000 sample questions that will help you practice for your exam.

FAQs

Q1: What jobs can I get with an FRM certification?
A: FRM holders typically qualify for roles such as risk analyst, credit risk manager, market risk analyst, operational risk consultant, and financial risk manager. Senior professionals may become chief risk officers (CROs) or heads of risk departments.

Q2: Is the FRM certification worth it for a finance career?
A: Yes. The FRM is globally recognized and highly valued in risk management, investment banking, fintech, and regulatory roles. It enhances your credibility, opens up mid to senior-level roles, and increases salary potential.

Q3: What is the average salary after FRM certification?
A: Entry-level FRM-certified professionals typically earn $70K–$90K per year, while experienced professionals and risk managers can earn between $100K and $150K+. CROs can make $200K+ depending on the industry and region.

Q4: Can I get a job abroad after completing the FRM certification?
A: Yes. The FRM certification is accepted in financial centers around the world, including the US, UK, Canada, India, Singapore, and the Middle East. Many multinational firms actively recruit FRM-certified professionals.

Q5: What industries hire FRM-certified professionals?
A: FRM holders work in investment banks, commercial banks, hedge funds, asset management firms, fintech companies, insurance, rating agencies, and regulatory bodies.

Q6: Is FRM better than CFA for risk management jobs?
A: For specialized roles in financial risk, the FRM is often preferred over the CFA. However, the CFA covers broader investment topics. Many professionals pursue both for a competitive edge.

Q7: Do I need experience to get a job after passing FRM?
A: While some roles require experience, many firms hire FRM candidates for entry-level positions like risk analyst or associate. GARP requires two years of experience to become fully certified, but passing Part I and II already boosts employability.