Part 1 in 2 months?

FRM
#1

Hi there, I’ve signed up for part 1 of FRM and will start studying in September. Now I am wondering if 2 months is enough time to prep for this exam. Any thoughts, experiences with this?

Thanks

#2

A friend on mine cleared it in 1 month (not part1 - the complete one). It took me some more time per part.

Depends a lot on the your previous familiarity with the topics, time availability and motivation level.

But yes, acheivable.

#3

I would also add that it depends on the study materials you use to prepare. The GARP readings are long (i.e. >1,200 pages) while the Schweser Notes are around 700 pages of text.

I have a strong quant background and work in asset management, which involves work in risk modeling. It took me 150 hours to read the GARP Readings thoroughly and make my own notes. It took another 200 hours to review, watch BT videos, and take BT sample questions and GARP sample exams. I passed the exam without any problems with top quartile in everything in Nov 2010. Therefore, if you can put in at least 200 hours in 2 months, it might be doable. Good Luck!

#4

Thanks you guys, this is helpful.

#5

Hello R Cash,

Are you living and working in Netherlands?

Cheers

John

#6

Hi John, yes I do. I guess you do too, and going for your first attempt in November? Ciao, R Cash

#7

OK, I only planned to read GARP reading and practice exam questions. Seems there are not many questions in the GARP books like CFA materials. Hope this and my math and CFA background will be sufficient to get me through…

#8

Talking about months isn’t useful; you need to think about hours of study.

I believe GARP recommends 200 hours of study per level.

Studying flat-out, fulltime, 10-hours-a-day, means you can reach 200 hours after about 20 days of study.

If you have two months to study, then you need to study something like 24 hours per week to reach 200 hours by exam time.

#9

See if you can get your hands on the schweser QB or, better still, BT practice questions - would be helpful.

#10

Fermion do you recommend getting the Schweser QB or is BT sufficient?

#11

Schweser QB is more widespread with lot of basic level questions. BT questions are generally higher level and mostly sufficient to clear if you get comfortable with their level.

Get Sch QB if you want to practice some basic level or mid level ques, else BT Q are sufficient.

Look at it this way - First do Sch notes and BT videos, Q etc - if you still have time (and money), go for Sch QB - leaving time for practice exams.