Menu

FAQ for FRM®

LAST REVISED: Jan. 8, 2024


SECTION 1 - ABOUT THE FRM EXAM


What are the requirements for FRM Certification?
  • Pass the FRM Exam Part I
  • Pass the FRM Exam Part II by December 31 of the fourth year of passing the FRM Part I
  • Submit two years of full-time relevant financial risk management work experience
What qualifies as relevant financial risk management work experience?

GARP looks for work experience where the identification, measurement, monitoring, or management of risk is a meaningful part of the job’s responsibility. As the FRM Exam covers a range of critical and fundamental aspects of risk, finance, and quantitative analysis, its application can be found in many jobs, including risk analysis, model validation, trading, portfolio management, treasury, audit, consulting, and many more. 

What are the requirements for submitting my two years of full-time work experience?

A candidate has five years to submit his/her work experience after passing the FRM Exam Part II. Experience up to 10 years prior to passing both Exams is applicable as well. If he/she does not complete this step within this timeframe, the candidate will be required to re-enroll in the program, pay all applicable fees, and retake the FRM Exam Part I and the FRM Exam Part II.


What's on the FRM Exams?

The FRM Exam Part I focuses on the tools used to assess financial risk. They include: 

  • Foundations of risk management concepts
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Financial markets and products
  • Valuation and risk models

The FRM Exam Part II focuses on the application of the tools acquired in the FRM Exam Part I. They include:

  • Market risk measurement and management
  • Credit risk measurement and management
  • Operational and integrated risk management
  • Liquidity and treasury risk measurement and management
  • Risk management and investment management
  • Current issues in financial markets
Are there any prerequisites needed before enrolling in the FRM Program?

There are no educational or professional prerequisites needed to register.


What is the exam format?

FRM Exam Part I is an equally weighted 100 question multiple-choice Exam, and the FRM Exam Part II is an equally weighted 80 question multiple-choice Exam. Both Exams are administered via computer-based testing (CBT).

In what language can I take the Exam?

Exams are offered in English only, specifically American English. GARP is aware that not every candidate’s native language is American English. In the exam development process, GARP makes every effort to ensure that questions are written in a clear, concise form and avoid the use of colloquialisms or other terms and phrases that might confuse a non-native American English speaker.

How quantitative is the Exam?

The level of mathematical difficulty of the Exam is consistent with an advanced undergraduate or introductory graduate level finance course at most universities. It should also be noted that while the FRM Exam is conceptual in nature, candidates will still need to know important formulas and calculations and how to apply them correctly. Formula sheets are not provided with the Exam. For guidance on which formulas to focus on, please refer to the learning objectives and look for any statements that include the words “Calculate,” “Compute,” or “Derive.” These words will generally indicate an associated formula to commit to memory.


What are the exam windows for the FRM Computer-Based Testing (CBT) exams?

The exam windows are provided below:

FRM Part I
May 11-17, 2024
August 9-10, 2024
November 9-15, 2024

FRM Part II
May 18-22, 2024
August 9-10, 2024
November 16-19, 2024

Where I can read about important exam information, including when the next registration cycle opens and closes?

For complete information on exam dates, registration deadlines, scheduling, and more, please visit our Exam Logistics page.

What is the difference between registration and scheduling?

Registration is when you sign up for an exam by entering your account details and paying the applicable exam fees for a specific exam window. After you register, you need to schedule your exam appointment. During scheduling you select the exact location, date, and time of your exam appointment. If you do not schedule your exam after you register, you will not know when and where to attend the exam.

How do I schedule or reschedule my Exam?

To schedule an Exam, candidates can log in to their account, go to “My Programs,” and click on the Exam Setup button to schedule. Candidates must have a paid registration in order to schedule and may only reschedule their appointment once. The last day to change your exam site is April 26 for May's Exams, July 26 for August's Exam, and October 25 for November's Exams.

How do I defer?

To defer an Exam to the next available Exam, log in to your account, go to “My Programs”, and click on the Exam Setup button. Candidates must have a paid registration in order to switch exam months and may only do so once for a fee of USD 250. The last day to switch your exam month is March 31 for May's Exams, June 30 for the August Exam, and September 30 for November's Exams.

How do I select or change my exam site?
To select or change an exam site, candidates can log in to their account, go to “My Programs”, and click on the Exam Setup button. Candidates must have a paid registration in order to change their exam site.
 
The last day to select or change your exam site is April 26 for the May Exams, July 26 for the August Exam, and October 25 for the November Exams.
What happens if the Exam must be postponed?

If it is necessary to postpone an Exam due to an evacuation, natural disaster, acts of military, political or government authority, global pandemic, or "Acts of God", GARP will make every effort to notify candidates as soon as possible.

When are exam results released?

Once an exam window closes, GARP scores Exams in a timely fashion. Candidates are notified when their results are available in their GARP candidate portal.
Candidates who chose to sit for Part I and Part II in the same administration but fail Part I, their Part II Exam will not be graded.


How much is registration?

Registration prices vary based on the exam administration and whether the candidate is enrolling for the first time. Please refer to the Fees page for a more detailed pricing breakdown.  

Can I register multiple employees or members of my team?

Yes. Contact us to explore how you can elevate your organization's risk management by educating multiple employees at a time.


What payment options are available?

Candidates can pay for their exam registration via:

  • Credit Card: GARP accepts MasterCard, Visa, Amex, and Discover.
  • ePay: GARP accepts Alipay.
  • Wire: All wire payments will include a USD 50 processing fee added to your invoice. Please reference your GARP ID and Invoice Number when sending your payment. Full instructions can be found at the bottom of your invoice.
  • ACH: All ACH payments will include a USD 50 processing fee added to your invoice. Please reference your GARP ID and Invoice Number when sending your payment. Full instructions can be found at the bottom of your invoice.
When is the deadline to pay for the FRM Exam?

In order for a candidate’s exam registration to be considered complete, payment must be received by GARP no later than 11:59 P.M. Eastern time on the closing date of each registration period.

Can I get a refund?

GARP does not provide refunds for either the Exam Enrollment or Exam Registration Fee.

Can I transfer my Exam registration to another candidate?

No. Candidates cannot transfer a registration to another candidate.


Are study materials included in the price of the Exam registration?

No, the study materials are not included in the price of the registration.

Should I create a study plan?

Due to the sizable amount of material covered in the Exam, we suggest that candidates create a weekly study schedule. As such, we have created a 15-Week Study Plan that candidates should use as a framework and customize their plan based on their level of expertise. This is designed to pace the learning materials over an extended period of time.

How many hours are required to prepare for the FRM Exam?

Candidates’ preparation times will vary based on their professional experience, academic background, and familiarity with the concepts tested on the curriculum.

On average, individuals devoted approximately 240 hours to exam preparation, according to a survey conducted in May 2015 FRM Exam candidates. Individual figures, however, varied from less than 100 hours (10%) to more than 400 hours (14%).

How often is the study material changed?
GARP strives to maintain our program's best-in-class curriculum and associated study materials. In order to ensure relevance and accuracy, GARP reviews the curriculum every year. Revisions are made and new study materials are released December 1 for the following calendar year.

Does GARP offer any scholarship programs?

Students: Yes! However, they’re exclusive to students and faculty in our Academic Partner Program. Each year the program administrator may nominate six students and one faculty recipient.  

Universities: Yes! But your institution must be registered with GARP as an Academic Partner for Risk Education. To learn more about our Partnership Program, visit the Academic Partners section.


Does GARP offer preparation courses?

GARP does not offer exam preparation courses. However, there are third-party Exam Preparation Providers that do provide these services.

It should be noted that GARP does not endorse, promote, review, or warrant the accuracy, products, or services offered by Exam Preparation Providers of Exam related information. Nor does it endorse pass rates claimed by an Exam Preparation Provider. Further, GARP is not responsible for any fees or costs paid by the user to an Exam Preparation Provider. GARP provides candidates with this information solely as a service to them.


SECTION 2 - CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE


Exam Safety During COVID-19

Learn about our commitment to candidates' safety during this uncertain time.
Read the alert

What is the candidate responsibility statement?

The candidate responsibility statement is an ethical oath required by all FRM Candidates. Please find a copy of it below:

I understand, accept, and agree to comply with all conditions, requirements, policies, and procedures for the FRM Exam established by GARP, and as amended from time to time. I understand that such conditions, requirements, policies, and procedures include all material set forth on the GARP website for this year's Exam, as well as policies and procedures that may be established and amended from time to time, information about which is available by contacting GARP on this website or through GARP communications with FRM candidates. I understand that GARP requires FRM certified professionals to further their skills and knowledge after completing the FRM Exam through a mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program as set forth on the GARP website, and amended from time to time.

I understand that GARP has the authority to enforce its conditions, requirements, policies, and procedures against me by rejecting, suspending, or terminating my FRM candidacy at any time or, following due process, declining to award me the right to use the FRM designation, for my failure to satisfactorily adhere to the conditions, requirements, policies, and procedures or to comply with the Association's Code of Conduct. I understand that all registration fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

I represent that the information contained in my application, including my response to the Professional Conduct Inquiry and Candidate Responsibility Statement, is truthful and complete, and I agree to notify GARP of any material changes to my responses to any of the questions on my application including my current address (es). I have read the "Exam Policies" before registering for this Exam. I have reviewed my application, and everything I have stated is true. By electronically transmitting this application, I indicate my agreement with each of the terms and conditions. I understand that I will be bound by the Candidate Responsibility Statement and GARP's Code of Conduct.


What belongings can I bring into the exam room?

Only the following items are allowed to be on your desk during the Exam:

  • A PRINTED confirmation of appointment email.
  • An original/not expired government issued passport or driver’s license
  • A GARP approved calculator(s)

What does computer-based testing (CBT) entail?

FRM Exam candidates will take the Exam at testing centers around the world equipped with computers that offer the Exam in a secure and convenient environment. CBT is not remote/in home proctoring, and candidates will be required to go to a physical testing center on exam day.

Overall, CBT allows for more scheduling options for the FRM Exam while upholding the professional certification’s quality and reputation.

How will CBT impact my exam day experience?

Very little will change, aside from the new digital format of the Exam. The length of the Exam and format will also remain the same. 

What will the Exam look like on my computer?

China, Hong Kong, and Thailand will administer their Exams through ATA:

ATA-tutorial


Exams in the rest of the world will be administered through PSI:

PSI-tutorial

What happens if a glitch or technical error occurs while I’m taking my Exam?

GARP strives to give all candidates an exceptional testing experience. On the rare occasion a technical issue arises for a candidate during an Exam, GARP will investigate the issue and make any necessary accommodations.

Do I have to print an Admission Ticket?

GARP will no longer issue Admission Tickets. However, after candidates schedule their Exam with our vendors, they will get a Confirmation of Appointment email. Candidates will be required to print this email and bring it with them on exam day. Digital tickets will not be accepted.

Will I be given scratch paper?

A sheet of scratch paper and a pencil will be provided to every candidate at the start of the Exam. These items must be kept on the desk for the duration of the Exam. If more scratch paper is needed the first sheet will be collected before a new one is given. Please note: All scratch paper will be destroyed after the Exam.

Will I be given a calculator?

No, GARP will not provide calculators. Candidates can only use approved types of business calculators. Click here to view the list of approved calculators. 

Can I take the FRM Exam Part I and Part II on the same day?

You can sit for the Part I and Part II on the same day in August.
You cannot sit for Part I and Part II on the same day in May or November. However, candidates can sit for Part I and Part II in the same exam administration.


Where can I place my personal belongings during the exam?

GARP strongly encourages candidates to bring as few items as possible on exam day. Candidates will be asked to leave ALL their belongings in a locker, storage bag, or area designated by the proctor for personal belongings. Candidates will not have access to the items in the locker, storage bag, or area designated by the proctor for personal belongings during the Exam.

Can I bring my Smartphone?

A candidate may bring one cellular phone into the exam room. If a candidate's cellular phone emits any type of noise (e.g., ring, beep, etc.) during the Exam, the candidate will not be allowed to continue with the Exam, the candidate's answer sheet will be collected (and will not be graded) and the proctor will escort the candidate from the exam room. This will apply if the cellular phone is in the exam room or in the designated personal belonging area.

What items are not permitted in the testing room?
  • Any writing instruments such as pens, personal pencils, mechanical pencils, erasers, white-out or correction fluid, tape, highlighters, or rulers
  • Personal accessories such as watches, cufflinks
  • Any wearable technology devices such as Google glasses, smart-watches, fit-bits, etc.
  • Baggage of any kind such as backpacks, handbags, tote bags, briefcases, laptop bags, luggage, carrying cases, or pencil cases
  • Study materials such as textbooks, study guides, scratch paper, present/future value tables, or calculator manuals
  • All clocks, watches, electronic devices, and wearable technology (including FitBits and Google glasses), tobacco
Upon entering the Exam, will I be subject to screening?

Proctors and security personnel may ask to inspect your belongings at check-in to ensure that prohibited items are not carried into the testing room.

Can I leave the testing room?

Candidates can step away from their workstation to take a break or use the restroom. Candidates must take their identification with them when leaving their workstation.

Time will not stop or pause while on break. Further instructions will be provided by the staff on exam day.


SECTION 3 - FRM CERTIFICATION PROCESS


How can I submit my work experience?

After a candidate receives an email notification that they passed the FRM Exam Part II, they will be prompted to submit two years of full-time work experience in their GARP account. Candidates have five years from the date they pass the FRM Exam Part II to submit their professional experience or else they will have to retake the Exams and re-enroll in the program as a new candidate.

Once my work experience is approved, when can I expect my certificate to be sent?

Certificates are sent out the month following the approval date of your work experience submission. For example, a candidate whose work experience is approved on January 15 will have their certificate sent out by the end of February, if not sooner.

After I purchase a reissue certificate, when can I expect it to be sent?
Reissued certificates are sent out the month following the purchase. For example, a candidate who purchases a reissued certificate on January 15 will have their certificate sent out by the end of February, if not sooner.

How should the FRM designation be used?

You can use the designation as follows:

  • FRM
  • FRM Certified Professional 
  • Financial Risk Manager - Certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals
Where can the FRM designation be used?
  • After your name in written correspondence and/or as part of your email signature
  • After your name on business cards, letterheads, and/or name plates
  • As an identifier in resumes, curriculum vitas, biographies, personal statements, and/or published articles

What is the FRM Committee?

The FRM Committee is a select group of risk management experts from around the world. Committee members represent all aspects of financial risk management and possess an expertise in one or more risk management disciplines.
View the Members of the Committee


SECTION 4 - CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


Is participating in CPD mandatory?

FRM certified professionals are encouraged to participate in the program in order to stay up to date on current issues and maintain the advanced level of proficiency demonstrated during the certification process.

What are the CPD program requirements?

In order to successfully meet the program requirements, you will need to earn 40 credits (approximately 40 hours) every two years.

What is a CPD Cycle?

A CPD cycle spans 24 months starting on January 1st and ending December 31st the following year. For example, a cycle beginning January 1, 2020, will end on December 31, 2021.

When does my CPD cycle begin?

Depending on your certification date, your cycle will begin in the current calendar year or the following January. For example, if you are certified on or before June 30th, your first CPD cycle will start in the current year and you may begin submitting credits immediately. If you are certified after June 30th, your cycle will begin the following January, but you can begin submitting credits immediately. 

What types of activities qualify for credit?

Activities should be educational, relevant to energy or financial risk management, and build on the knowledge and skills you achieved earning your certification. Activities include but are not limited to:

  • Reading an in-depth article, journal, whitepaper, or book
  • Attending a conference, forum, seminar, or other live event
  • Attending a professional chapter or society meeting
  • Participating in a live or self-study training course
  • Participating in training offered by employers
  • Viewing a webcast, podcast, or video
  • Attending a lecture or taking a course at an accredited college or university
  • Participating in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
  • Passing relevant risk related exams
  • Publishing, speaking, or teaching on risk related issues
  • Volunteering for GARP as a subject matter expert, item writer, or committee member
How do I calculate credits for CPD activities?

Credits should be calculated based on the time spent engaged in learning: One hour qualifies for one credit, a half hour qualifies for 0.5 credits, and 15 minutes qualifies for 0.25 credits. For example, a webcast lasting 90 minutes should be entered as 1.5 credits.

How do I calculate credits for reading?

Estimate 1.5 minutes per page for non-technical reading and 3 minutes per page for technical reading. For example, 10 pages of technical reading would be estimated at 30 minutes and eligible for 0.5 credits. Readings accessed through the GARP portal will have pre-approved credits.

How do I get my credits approved?

You will need to submit requests for credit approval through the Credit Tracker in your GARP portal. Credits earned by attending our Chapter Meetings are recorded automatically.

Are there fees for participating in CPD?

The credit tracking tool in the GARP portal is open to all FRM and ERP certified professionals, as well as SCR Certificate holders.

Do I need to submit attendance records for every activity?

No, CPD is based on an honor system. However, you are expected to record activities and keep attendance records as we do conduct random annual audits. In the event you are selected for audit, you will be provided adequate time to provide verification of your activities.

How do I access my CPD record?

To access your CPD record, log on to your GARP portal using your username and password.

Do I need to earn credits from GARP sponsored activities?

No, you are not limited to the selections that we provide. You may choose any educational activities that align with your career and interests and are accessible to you.

Can I earn credits for free?

Yes, there are many ways to earn CPD credits without incurring additional fees. Each month, you will receive an email with numerous complimentary credit offerings in the form of articles, whitepapers, research papers, webcasts, and more. Go to your email preferences in your profile and select the CPD Credit Bulletin to make sure you receive the monthly offerings.

What happens when I complete 40 credits?

After completing 40 credits, you will be granted access to a printable certificate that acknowledges your successful completion. Your FRM and/or ERP digital badge will reflect your achievement and your listing in the Directory will be updated.

Who do I contact with questions?

All questions may be directed to CPD@garp.com.


FRM badge gray background
FRM new cyan crop2
Ready to take the next step toward your certification?

Sign up now for a May or August FRM Exam.

BylawsCode of ConductPrivacy NoticeTerms of Use © 2024 Global Association of Risk Professionals