One of the most common question among FRM aspirants is that Can FRM Part 1 and 2 be attemped together. Some of the students are keen to know what is the minimum study time to complete both the parts, like can it be done in 3 – 4 months, or does it require a long duration.
To the these answers, we asked our FRM qualified student Smriti Patro to help other aspirants with their doubts, and here is her honest opinion.
To be completely honest, I have personally completed both levels of the exam after dedicating a preparation period of 9 months. However, I have also witnessed my peers successfully clearing both levels within a shorter timeframe of 3-4 months. While I wouldn’t generally recommend rushing through the process unless you can effectively handle pressure, I understand that certain circumstances may require it. If you find yourself in such a situation, here are my tips for preparation, whether you are taking both levels together or separately:
– Can Part 1 & 2 be completed in 3 to 4 months?
• Let’s consider the worst-case scenario where you have only 3 months, equivalent to 90 days, to prepare. When planning your study schedule, always allocate some days as a buffer for unexpected emergencies such as illness, unavoidable family events, or important work commitments if you are a professional. Let’s set aside 10 days as a buffer.
– How to prepare for FRM in a short duration?
• For some students FRM exam may be a difficult one, so it’s crucial to become self-aware of your strengths. Acknowledge that you have limited time and instead of panicking, focus on utilizing the best resources available to you. Avoid unnecessary drama or negative influences in your life during this period. I recommend seeking two types of support: emotional and academic. Find someone with whom you can share your feelings and thoughts, allowing you to vent and release any stress. Additionally, seek academic support from someone who can assist you with understanding concepts and clarifying doubts. It’s beneficial to join a coaching class where you can meet peers who are in a similar situation. Learning with them will provide valuable support, and professional guidance can be transformative not only for the exam but also for life. Personally, I highly recommend The Wallstreet School as they have been instrumental in my own success.
– What to focus on for FRM Exam?
• Given the limited time available, focus on the most important topics that are likely to appear in the exam for approximately 50-60 days. Alongside concept learning, practice questions that resemble the language and format of the actual GARP exam, as their questions can be tricky to understand. It’s essential to have the right study materials beforehand to avoid wasting time.
– FRM Part 1 & Part 2 Study Plan?
• Create your own study notes instead of relying solely on others’ notes. When you write and organize the information yourself, you will gain a better understanding of the material.
• During the remaining 10-20 days, allocate some time to cover less important topics just to ensure comprehensive coverage. Don’t forget to review the previously studied topics to stay connected with the material.
• In the last 5-10 days, focus primarily on taking mock tests and revisiting any previously unanswered questions or topics that caused doubts. Avoid studying any new topics during this period. Remember, if your mock test scores are not as high as expected, don’t get discouraged. Instead, analyze your mistakes and areas of improvement. For Part 1, any score above 60 is considered good, while for Part 2, any score above 40 is considered satisfactory. The key is to remain calm and composed.
• Approach the exam with confidence, prioritize your health, and ensure you get enough sleep to perform at your best. Avoid excessive anxiety as it can negatively impact your performance. Be prepared for both favorable and unfavorable outcomes and give it your all!
