{"id":10603,"date":"2025-05-14T12:59:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T07:29:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/?p=4718"},"modified":"2025-05-14T12:59:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T07:29:08","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-to-complete-frm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/how-long-does-it-take-to-complete-frm\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does It Take to Complete FRM?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finance professionals today are chasing certifications that prove their skills beyond just a college degree. FRM, short for Financial Risk Manager, is one of the top credentials for anyone serious about risk management. But one question comes up again and again; <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how long does it take to complete FRM<\/span><b>?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no single fixed answer. It depends on the person, their schedule, and how much time they can give. Still, it\u2019s possible to break the journey down into clear parts and understand what most people can expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FRM Structure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To begin with, the <a href=\"https:\/\/thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/what-is-frm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FRM exam<\/a> is held in two parts, namely I and II. You can only take Part II after you\u2019ve passed Part I. Each part has its own syllabus, focus areas, and difficulty level. GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals), the body that runs the FRM, allows candidates to sit for both parts on the same day, though most prefer to do them separately.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Part I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focuses on the basics and tools used to assess financial risk, such as quantitative analysis, financial markets, and risk models.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Part II<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is more practical and covers real-world applications like credit risk, operational risk, and current market issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a quick look:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Part<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Topics Covered<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Exam Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Pass Rate (Approx.)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>I<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foundations of risk, valuation, quant methods<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40\u201350%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>II<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk models, credit, operational risk, case studies<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50\u201360%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, How Long Does It Take to Complete FRM?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A straightforward answer would be about 1 to 2 years for most working professionals. Students may be quicker if they have fewer distractions and full days to study.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s break it down even further.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for FRM Part I<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People usually take 4 to 6 months to prepare for Part I if they study about 10 to 15 hours per week. That adds up to roughly 200 to 300 hours of study. Those with a background in finance or maths may need slightly less time. People from non-finance backgrounds often take the full 6 months to feel confident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, GARP offers the exam three times a year, in May, August, and November, so you can plan around your own routine. Some prefer to finish Part I and wait a year before taking Part II. Others want to finish both within the same year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"The ABSOLUTE BEST Way to Prepare for FRM Exam and Get Hired\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rW853HT-OS8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for FRM Part II<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part II is known to be more practical and can be harder in terms of application. The suggested study time is around 200\u2013250 hours, which translates to another 4\u20135 months, especially if you\u2019re doing it while working.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s worth remembering that you can\u2019t receive the official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/frm-coaching-in-delhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FRM certification<\/a> until you\u2019ve completed both parts and also shown two years of relevant work experience in financial risk or related fields.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how long does it take to complete FRM, including experience? If you already have work experience, then passing both exams could mean you get certified in 1 to 1.5 years. If not, add on the time it takes to complete those two years after passing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can You Finish Both Exams in One Year?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technically, yes. Since exams are spaced out in different months, many candidates attempt Part I in May and Part II in November. But this fast track needs serious commitment and time discipline. If someone is already working in finance, then revising for Part II might feel smoother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, rushing may backfire. Some people end up failing Part II due to the pressure. It\u2019s more realistic and less stressful to aim for a 15 to 18-month timeline overall.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Study Patterns and Personal Factors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some candidates are full-time students and can afford to give 20+ hours a week to their FRM studies. They might finish both parts within 12 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working professionals, on the other hand, must fit studies around jobs, family, and life. They might take 18\u201324 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Language comfort, prior exposure to maths-heavy subjects, and mental stamina all play a role. No two candidates have the exact same timeline, but here are some common scenarios:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Candidate Type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Estimated Time to Complete FRM<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full-time finance student<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12\u201315 months<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working professional in finance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18\u201324 months<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-finance background<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24+ months<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What About the Validity of Exams?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you pass Part I, you must sit for Part II within 4 years. If you don\u2019t, your Part I result becomes invalid. Also, to get the FRM title, you must submit proof of work experience within 5 years after clearing both exams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So time does matter, not just in preparation, but also in meeting these deadlines.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how long does it take to complete FRM<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? The most honest answer is: it depends on you. Most students take 1.5 to 2 years, including exam preparation and work experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re committed and have a decent background in finance or maths, you might do it in a year. If you&#8217;re balancing work and studies, or coming from a non-finance stream, then give yourself a longer runway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing is clear: proper preparation makes a huge difference. And having the right guidance can speed up the whole process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/\"><b>The WallStreet School<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s FRM training program is worth checking out. It focuses on practical learning, structured schedules, and support from experienced mentors. Many candidates have found it useful not just for passing the exam, but for understanding the subject deeply. If you&#8217;re serious about getting your FRM certification without wasting time, it\u2019s worth considering them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>How many hours do I need to study for FRM?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, around 200\u2013250 hours per part. That makes it roughly 400\u2013500 hours for the full course.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Can I take both parts of the FRM exam on the same day?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but it\u2019s not recommended unless you have a very strong background and plenty of preparation time. Most students take them separately.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Do I need finance experience to take the exam?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Anyone can register. But to get certified as an FRM, you must show two years of relevant work after clearing both parts.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Is FRM tougher than CFA?<br \/>\n<\/b><\/span>Different focus areas. CFA is broader and includes equity, fixed income, portfolio management. FRM is deep in risk and quant-heavy. Some find FRM tougher due to the maths involved.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finance professionals today are chasing certifications that prove their skills beyond just a college degree. FRM, short for Financial Risk Manager, is one of the top credentials for anyone serious about risk management. But one question comes up again and again; how long does it take to complete FRM? There\u2019s no single fixed answer. It [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":9241,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[690],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-frm"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10603"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10603\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}