Constantly upskilling yourself is really crucial in today’s job market. Especially if you belong to the finance industry, it is important that you keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date. Gaining additional certification will not only boost your knowledge but also make you stand out of the crowd of finance professionals.
If you want to make a career in risk management, then FRM (Financial Risk Manager) is a good place to start. This article provides you a complete roadmap for FRM 2024. So keep reading to get the most out of it.
About FRM
Financial Risk Manager, also known as FRM, is a reputable risk certification provided by the designated institution of GARP(Global Association of Risk Professionals). The course involves two parts comprising ten subjects in total:
- Part 1:
- Foundation of Risk Management
- Quantitative Analysis
- Financial Markets and Products
- Valuation and Risk Models
- Part 2:
- Market risk measurement and management
- Credit risk measurement and management
- Operational and integrated risk measurement and management
- Liquidity and treasury risk measurement and management
- Risk management and investment management
- Current issues in financial markets
After the successful completion of the two exams, the candidate needs to further provide two years of work experience in the related field within 5 years of clearing FRM part 2 exam. Upon providing the work experience, the candidate is awarded with the FRM designation.
Top Employers of FRM
It has been over 25 years since this program was launched and the demand for risk professionals has grown every year. Especially the events of the 2008 global financial crisis has boosted this demand and FRM holders are getting the spotlight ever since.
With ever increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to GARP CEO Rich Apostolik, there will be an inevitable focus on operational risk. Risk managers will be required to effectively manage and assess these risks and their possible repercussions. So it is safe to say that there are numerous career opportunities and demand for the risk management professionals. Some of the top employers of FRM holders are:
- HSBC
- Bank of China
- ICBC
- Citigroup
- Credit Sussie
- JP Morgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- PWC
Exam and Registration Dates for 2024
May 2024 –
- Part II May 2024 Exam Dates: May 18-22, 2024
- Registration Opens: December 1, 2023
- Early Registration Deadline: January 31, 2024
- Registration Closes: March 31, 2024
August 2024-
- Part II August 2024 Exam Dates: August 9-10, 2024
- Registration Opens: March 1, 2024
- Early Registration Deadline: April 30, 2024
- Registration Closes: June 30, 2024
November 2024-
- Part II November 2024 Exam Dates: November 16-19, 2024
- Registration Opens: May 1, 2024
- Early Registration Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Registration Closes: September 30, 2024
Exam Fees for 2024
For new candidates, the enrollment fee of USD 400 is applicable. Returning candidates don’t need to pay this fee again.
May 2024 Exam- (in USD)
- Early bird fee: $600
- Standard fee: $800
August 2024 Exam- (in USD)
- Early bird fee: $600
- Standard fee: $800
November 2024 Exam- (in USD)
- Early bird fee: $600
- Standard fee: $800
Exam Format 2024
FRM exams are computer-based multiple choice exams. Part 1 consists of 100 questions and Part 2 consists of 80 questions, conducted three times a year – May, August and November. The exams are offered only in English and should be completed in four hours or less.
Candidates are required to carry their government issued passport or driving license and printed copy of Confirmation of Appointment email. The electronic version of the email is not accepted. Only GARP authorized financial calculators are allowed to carry like
- Hewlett Packard 12C
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus
- Hewlett Packard 10BII
- Hewlett Packard 10BII+
- Hewlett Packard 20B
Note- if the candidate decides to give Part 2 exam on the same day as Part 1, then their Part 2 answers are not graded until they pass Part 1.
Preparation Guide 2024
- Plan ahead: It is essential for your FRM to plan and schedule your exam date and timing in advance. This will help you plan your study journey effectively. It is possible to complete both levels of the exam within a year if you are able to study full-time. The duration of the preparation will depend on your personal circumstances and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. It’s important to note that the FRM certification is a rigorous and challenging certification that requires a significant amount of time and effort to prepare for.
- Target complicated topics first: Understanding of concepts is very important in FRM. Exam questions usually test your knowledge and application of concepts that you learned. It is best advised to start with the most difficult topic area according to you. Make you sure you are actually understanding the topics rather than just studying it. This will increase your level of comprehension of the subject material.
- Get a mentor: To prepare for the FRM exam, you may want to consider a study program or mentor. There are a number of online and in-person courses available, and GARP also offers official study materials. The WallStreet School focuses on providing lectures and guidance so that the students can clear the exams with top quartiles. The recorded lectures give you the freedom to learn at your own pace and allow you to revisit the concepts anytime and as much time as you want.
- Practice Questions and Exams are important tools before the D-Day: It is essential to test yourself before giving the actual exam as it would help you boost confidence and help you figure out the topics you need to work on. Make sure to at least give 5 practice tests before the exam and give it in a strict exam setting.
Lastly, it is really crucial to prioritize your health during preparation, before the day of exam. Remember to get adequate sleep and avoid late-night studying, especially in the last several weeks.
Goodluck!
