It is important to understand the FRM course duration to plan your exam preparation, manage your study schedule alongside other commitments, and set realistic expectations for completing both exam parts and earning the FRM certification.
Let us together explore how long it takes to pass the FRM exams and to gain the FRM qualification.
- FRM stands for Financial Risk Manager.
- The qualification is widely accepted and respected by employers all across the globe.
- As per GARP, candidates take 240 hours of study to pass each part of the exam.
- On an average the duration of FRM course to pass both its parts ranges from a year to a year and a half.
Before estimating your preparation time, explore the FRM Part 1 syllabus to understand the topics covered and plan your study schedule accordingly.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the FRM Course?
Students generally take 12 to 18 months to complete their FRM course. It varies for students depending on time dedicated to preparation, when you choose to take the exams, and whether you clear both parts on your first attempt. But many candidates plan to complete both FRM exam parts within a year.
The Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification, offered by GARP, consists of two exams: Part I and Part II. Candidates must pass both exams to qualify for the certification, along with meeting the relevant professional work-experience requirement.
And your timeline will generally depend on three factors:
- Preparation time: Candidates need sufficient time to study the syllabus, revise key concepts, and practise exam-style questions for both parts.
- Exam schedule: The time between your Part I and Part II attempts depends on the available exam windows and your readiness for the next exam.
- First-attempt success: Clearing both parts on your first attempt can help you complete the exams sooner, while a retake may extend the timeline.
Therefore, when planning your FRM journey, consider both the time needed to prepare for the exams and the additional requirements for earning the certification. And to plan your preparation timeline effectively, check the FRM part 1 exam dates and select an exam window that gives you sufficient time to cover the syllabus and revise.
FRM Course Duration for Part 1 and Part 2
As stated by GARP, it takes roughly 240 hours to prepare for each part of the FRM program, although this may change depending on how quickly an individual can learn, study habits, and how familiar one is with the risk management industry.
FRM Part 1 Preparation Time
Part I introduces candidates to risk management concepts, quantitative methods, financial instruments, and the creation of financial models and the related risks. Candidates should dedicate sufficient time to studying and learning the concepts, practicing the calculations, and reading through the exam material.
Most candidates can set aside between 3 and 4 months for preparation, though this depends on how much prior knowledge a candidate has, and the number of hours they can set aside per week for studying.
FRM Part 2 Preparation Time
Part II looks at risk management concepts in the areas of market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and investment and liquidity risk management. This section of the program also addresses recent developments in the field of finance.
Most candidates can plan for another 3 to 4 months of study, though how long each candidate will take really depends on how much revision is needed to fully understand the material.
Time Gap Between FRM Part I and Part II
GARP hosts FRM exams in May, August and November. Based on these, candidates can devise their plans for the next attempts. For example, a candidate who passes Part I in May may consider taking Part II in August or November depending on the preparation and the exam schedule. Part I must be passed before Part II can be taken, and there is no time limit to pass Part II once Part I has been passed, however candidates have four years to pass Part II.
| FRM Exam Stage | Suggested Preparation Time |
|---|---|
| FRM Part I | 3–4 months |
| FRM Part II | 3–4 months |
| Total Dedicated Preparation | 6–8 months |
If you are still deciding whether to pursue this qualification, read our guide on is FRM worth it to evaluate its career prospects and relevance to your long-term goals.
How Many Hours Are Required to Prepare for FRM?
The total number of hours taken to prepare for FRM is approximately 480 hours. The time required to prepare for the FRM exams depends on your understanding of finance, quantitative aptitude, and ability to maintain a consistent study schedule.
According to GARP, candidates spend an average of approximately 240 hours preparing for each FRM exam part. However, some may need more time to understand complex concepts, while others may progress faster because of their academic or professional background. For both exam parts, this translates to approximately 480 hours of preparation.
| Daily Study Time | Approximate Time to Complete 480 Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 Hour per Day | 16 Months |
| 2 Hours per Day | 8 Months |
| 3 Hours per Day | 5–6 Months |
| 4 Hours per Day | 4 Months |
These are mathematical estimates based on consistent daily study, not guaranteed completion timelines. They exclude breaks, revision gaps, and time between exam windows.
If you are a college student or working professional, set a realistic weekly target rather than relying only on daily study hours. It is better to allocate time for learning concepts, solving practice questions, revising weak areas, and taking mock exams. A consistent schedule can help you prepare effectively without disrupting your existing commitments.
And remember that preparation hours and the duration of FRM course are not the same. Even after completing your study plan, you must account for exam dates, results, and the possibility of needing another attempt.
Can You Complete the FRM Course in One Year?
Yes, it is possible to complete both FRM exam parts within one year if you prepare consistently, choose suitable exam windows, and pass both exams on your first attempt. So, to complete both parts within 12 months, you can follow the proposed schedule below:
- Months 1–4: Prepare for FRM Part I, covering the syllabus, practising questions, and revising key concepts.
- Month 5: Take the FRM Part I exam, subject to the available exam window.
- Months 6–9: Prepare for FRM Part II, focusing on applying risk management concepts and practising exam-style questions.
- Months 10–12: Take FRM Part II in a suitable exam window, allowing for the actual exam schedule and your preparation progress.
You should confirm the available exam windows and result dates before committing to a schedule, as you may need to adjust your plan if the next exam window is too close or you need additional preparation.
Also, completing both exams within one year does not automatically mean you will receive the FRM certification within the same period. You must separately meet GARP’s relevant professional work-experience requirement.
Once you have finalised your preparation timeline, read our guide on FRM registration to understand the registration process, deadlines, and steps to book your exam.
Duration of FRM Course for Students and Working Professionals
The amount of time you need to study for the FRM exams will be different from the amount of time someone else needs to study. The time will vary based on how many hours you study each week, your work, your school, and your overall circumstances. The FRM curriculum will take different lengths of time for different people based on their routine.
FRM With College
Students in college may use their time to create a regular study schedule around their other obligations. For some, beginning to study early may enable them to finish both parts of the exam in 8–12 months. This is dependent on their individual time, level of commitment, and background in finance, economics, or related fields.
FRM Post Graduation
It is possible to complete both parts of the exam in as little as one year post graduation, particularly for those with some knowledge of the finance industry. Even so, candidates in this position will need to study the entirety of the course content and complete exam practice questions.
FRM Whilst Working
It will take those in the working world more time to prepare for the exams. Study hours will need to be spread over several shorter weekday sessions and several longer weekend study blocks. The time taken to complete both exam parts may be longer than 12 months for many, again dependent on exam results.
As with anything else in life, if you take the time to prepare yourself, the more likely you will succeed. A course that will let you study over a period of several months will give you a better chance to prepare for your exams without disrupting the other responsibilities you have in your life. Rushing will almost guarantee that you fail at least one of the two parts of your exam. Choose a pace that is right for you, your schedule, and your commitment level.
How Long Does It Take to Get the FRM Certification?
Passing both FRM exam parts is a major milestone, but candidates must also meet the professional work-experience requirement to earn the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification.
According to GARP, candidates must submit two years of relevant full-time work experience in financial risk management or a related field. This experience can be gained before or after passing the exams, subject to GARP’s eligibility and submission requirements. Candidates must submit their experience within the applicable timeframe to receive the certification.
Your overall FRM certification timeline therefore depends on three milestones:
- Passing FRM Part I: Complete the first exam and build the foundation for advanced risk management concepts.
- Passing FRM Part II: Pass the second exam within four years of passing Part I.
- Meeting the work-experience requirement: Submit the required two years of relevant professional experience to GARP.
For example, a candidate who passes both exams within one year but has no qualifying work experience yet will need additional time before receiving the certification. Conversely, a working professional who already has eligible experience may be closer to meeting this requirement, subject to GARP’s review and approval.
Therefore, distinguish between the time required to pass both FRM exams and the time required to earn the complete FRM certification when planning your career.
How to Complete the FRM Course Within Your Planned Timeline
Achieving your target goal of passing the FRM in a set time will involve putting in place a realistic study plan and preparing thoroughly and systematically to sit each of the exams. Rather than rushing to cover all the curriculum in a given timeframe, concentrate on mastering the various risk management concepts and identify those parts that will need to be revised later.
There are several things you can do to guide your study for the FRM exams:
- Plan your studies to ensure that you meet your objectives. Break the syllabus into manageable study objectives for each week, allocating sufficient time for both study and revision. Bear in mind your other commitments such as work and family when setting your goals.
- There is a big emphasis in the exam on understanding the underlying principles and theories rather than memorization. There will be questions about various subjects including, but not limited to, quantitative methods, financial markets, valuation, and risk management. Mastering these concepts will allow you to address novel problems.
- After completing a topic, solve questions to ensure your understanding and highlight your weaknesses.
- Include a few full-length mock exams in your study plan. Attempt the exam within a time constraint, similar to the actual exam. Doing so will enable you to evaluate how long it takes you to solve a particular problem and identify topics that you still need to review.
- Find out the dates that are available for the exam. Avoid booking a date to complete the exam for a certain time limit that you might have set.
- Your progress can be tracked to ensure that you meet your weekly objectives. Certain topics can be more complex and thus more time consuming. You may decide to change your study schedule. Being prepared for the exam is better than being unprepared and not doing well.
Completing the two parts of the FRM exams can be done within a time period you choose, provided that you follow a systematic and well thought out study plan. It is far more advantageous to you to complete both of the exams as needed to earn the credential than it is to speed through them and fail the exams.
Conclusion
The FRM course duration depends on your preparation schedule, exam attempts, and the time you can dedicate to studying. While many candidates aim to complete both FRM exam parts within 8–12 months, earning the full certification also requires meeting GARP’s relevant work-experience requirement.
To stay on track, set realistic study targets, practise questions regularly, and choose exam windows that allow sufficient preparation. If you prefer a structured approach, the right FRM coaching can help you organise your preparation, strengthen your understanding of complex topics, and work towards your target exam dates.
At edZeb, you can explore FRM preparation support designed to help you approach both exam parts with a clear study plan. Start planning your FRM journey today and take the next step towards building your career in financial risk management.
FAQs
Is it possible to clear both FRM exam parts in one year?
Yes, candidates can aim to clear both FRM exam parts within one year by selecting suitable exam windows and preparing consistently. However, success depends on exam availability, preparation, and passing both parts on the first attempt.
Is there a time limit to pass FRM Part II after Part I?
Yes. According to GARP, candidates must pass FRM Part II within four years of passing Part I. Otherwise, their Part I result becomes invalid, and they must retake it.
How long does it take to receive the FRM certification after passing both exams?
The timeline depends on whether you have already completed the required professional experience. GARP requires two years of relevant full-time work experience, which must be submitted and accepted before certification can be awarded.
Can I prepare for FRM while working full-time?
Yes. Working professionals can prepare for FRM by following a structured schedule that combines weekday study sessions with weekend revision and practice. Depending on their availability and preparation needs, they may require a year or longer to complete both exams.
What is the minimum FRM course duration?
There is no single minimum course duration prescribed by GARP. The time required depends on your preparation, exam scheduling, and whether you pass both exam parts on your first attempt.
How many hours should I study daily for FRM?
Your daily study time depends on your target exam date and existing knowledge. If you use GARP's average estimate of approximately 240 study hours per exam part, you can divide those hours across your available preparation period and include time for revision and mock tests.
Can I complete FRM without taking a coaching course?
Yes. Candidates can prepare through self-study using the official curriculum, practice questions, and other suitable study materials. Coaching may help those who prefer structured classes, guided preparation, and additional doubt-solving support.
Does FRM have a fixed duration like a degree course?
No. FRM does not follow a fixed academic calendar like a traditional degree. Candidates prepare independently, register for available exam windows, and progress through the two exam parts according to their readiness and results.
Can I take FRM Part II immediately after passing Part I?
You can plan to take Part II in a subsequent available exam window, provided you meet the applicable registration requirements. However, the gap should give you enough time to prepare for the Part II syllabus rather than rushing into the next attempt.
Does work experience count toward the FRM course duration?
Work experience does not reduce the time required to prepare for or pass the exams. However, relevant professional experience can count toward GARP's two-year requirement for earning the FRM certification, subject to its eligibility and approval rules.
