6 Things That Surprise FRM Students During the Course

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

 

Introduction

When you decide to be a certified Financial Risk Manager, you should understand that it takes hard work and dedication to pass both exams. This course has a lot of topics to master and should not be taken lightly.

Note that this designation sets you apart in the global marketplace and is quite the achievement to put on any resume.

For this reason, being successful in this program entails learning certain mistakes that many candidates tend to overlook.

But, worry not! We are here to keep you on the right track until the very end.

In this article, we shed light on a few things that tend to surprise candidates when travelling this path.

 

1. The number of hours needed to study

On average, it takes the typical student between 200 – 300 hours of studying to properly cover each level of the course.

Many persons simply tend to underestimate the number of hours needed to catch up with the entire syllabus. Even worse, some think that all-night cramming is a possible way out. It is not.

The last-minute rush and frantic reviews of the core materials never ends well on exam day.

 

2. The high requirements for understanding

The topics outlined by GARP call for a certain type of comprehension that you can only achieve over a carefully structured study course.

Having a plan helps candidates to concentrate fully on the curriculum and get crafty on how to tackle their questions.

To be successful, you have to adequately grasp the main concepts. You must understand the analytical techniques used to answering questions to always arrive at the correct answers.

Unsure candidates find it hard to structure a study plan, and motivated candidates will make one very easily.

For the unsure, prep packages will certainly help. Visit our Shop Page and you will see. Free of cost, we provide:

  • Summaries of both texts
  • A total of 70 sample questions
  • Study guides
  • Formula sheets

Our package will cover the necessary work as you concentrate thoroughly to learn the curriculum and gain analytical skills on answering questions.

In reality, all should understand that scheduling a study plan will not only help in fighting a battle to pass the exams but it will ultimately help in your professional development.

 

3. The need for having a plan

Many candidates fail due to panic. The type of panic that makes them read questions wrongly.

In this scenario, a game plan that allows for calm (and structured) studying is essential.

Candidates should take the time that they have into account and make a plan that will help in their preparation efforts.

Being structured and methodical helps you to slow down, be level headed and take sufficient time to re-read questions for better understanding.

That’s a big part of the secret. Otherwise, you will trip in an exam that you would have passed.

Additionally, a proper plan also guides you on how to approach the questions.

For instance, you can start by tackling easy or short questions to build confidence and get going.

When it comes to the more complex questions, re-read them for better understanding and when you are not sure what to select, eliminate the obvious one and make an educated guess.

Remember, make sure that you mark an answer instead of leaving it unanswered! A guess will at least give you a chance to be correct.

 

4. How quickly time goes by

You will be extremely surprised at how the time will go by in that test room.

And panicking will make things worse. This will make you miss out on simple questions, not think clearly, and end up second-guessing your abilities.

To get pass this obstacle, take 30 seconds off, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself that this is a challenge that you can do. A little positivity can go a long way.

 

5. The need for practice questions

The majority of FRM students will focus on learning the text and forget the extreme importance of practice questions.

This type of focus is vital to understand the concepts but not adding practice in your program is a major fault.

Practice will help you understand how questions appear and will add balance to your schedule.

All theory and no practice is a wrong combination.

 

6. How helpful sample questions can be

If possible, it is advisable to take some time off when the examination day is close. Additionally, save time for doing sample or practice questions exclusively.

Ensure to treat the practice run just like the real thing. Time yourself as well to be conscious and feel the pressure.

After you are done, grade the answers and use the results to know where to focus on more for the remaining days.

As you focus on those topics that you didn’t perform well, it’s crucial to skim through the areas that you are strong in. Try to keep as much fresh in your brain as possible.

During the last week, try to visit your assigned exam center. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the location and the time needed to get there.

The fewer distractions and surprises on test day, the better.

 

Conclusion

Passing this challenge is very possible. This is something that you must believe. And the odds of success will only increase when you take note of the tips mentioned above.

Invest your time properly and build a good preparation-package to get through.

You can join a study group if this is more to your liking. Just be sure that everyone is as focused as you are.

 

Thank you!

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Prepare yourself and fear nothing,

The QuestionBank Family