About FRM

• The Financial Risk Manager (FRM) is the certification awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and recognized among financial risk professionals worldwide, with 24,139 FRMs in 90 countries across the globe.
• With the increased focus on risk within financial markets the FRM designation is expected to become a key requirement for professionals working in risk analysis
• The exam covers all the key areas of risk and the questions are presented in the context of real-world situations that a candidate might face.
• FRM holders have positions such as Chief Risk Officer, Senior Risk Analyst, Head of Operational Risk, and Director, Investment Risk Management, to name a few.

Benefits of FRM

As a Certified FRM Holder:

• You will be recognized across the globe as a leader in financial risk management
• Studying the broad concepts underlying risk management in today's dynamic market environment will give you a holistic view and appreciation for the role risk management plays in an enterprise
• Lucrative opportunities will open up in the field of Financial Risk Management. You will be more desirable to companies seeking senior risk management profiles as they seek FRM holders more than ever before
• Lucrative career options in Risk Management, Trading, Structuring, Modeling, etc.
• Strong value addition to your skills, credentials and resume

How to get FRM Certified?

In order to be certified as a Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) and be able to use the FRM acronym after your name, the following is required:

• Pass the two levels of the FRM examination
• Active membership in the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
• A minimum of two years experience in the area of financial risk management or another related field including, but not limited to, trading, portfolio management, academic or industry research, economics, auditing, risk consulting, and/or risk technology. 

Earning the right to use 'FRM' after your name demonstrates professionalism and dedication to the profession. Thus having experience is important to assure the FRM designation maintains its status as the certification for financial risk professionals worldwide

FRM Program Curriculum

The FRM exam is based on the core body of knowledge that contains the following topics

FRM— Part II Exam Weight

1. Market Risk Measurement and Management-----------25%
2. Credit Risk Measurement and Management------------25%
3. Operational and Integrated Risk Management---------25%
4. Risk Management and Investment Management-------15%
5. Current Issues in Financial Markets-------------------10%

Exam Format

Starting in the May 2010 exam window, the FRM® Exam will transition into a two-level format. Both Level 1 and Level 2 will be available semi-annually, in May and November.

LEVEL 1

• 100 multiple choice
• 4-hours total; 2-hour sessions; 90-minute break
• 150-200 hours of recommended study
• Topics include:
  • Foundations of Risk Management
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Financial Markets and Products
  • Valuation and Risk Models

LEVEL 2

• 80 multiple choice
• 4-hours total; 2-hour sessions; 90-minute break
• 150-200 hours of recommended study
• Topics include:
  • Market Risk Measurement and Management
  • Credit Risk Measurement and Management
  • Operational and Integrated Risk Management
  • Risk Management and Investment Management
  • Current Issues in Financial Markets