Core Readings

[Sunil Natarajan]

Hi David,
David I would like to know whether it is necessary to go through each and every Core reading topic. I would like to know whether the topics in core readings could be prioritised i.e to go through most important topics in core readings and the least important topics be studied from Jorion Handbook.Iam asking this because there is not much time to read through each and every core reading topic and revise the same and practice questions. There are nearly 43 core readings.
I would request you to give a plan or strategy for this. Does GARP provide any practice or mock test , so that we would atleast get some idea about the main exam on Nov 15.

Thanks and Regards,
Sunil

 

[David Harper CFA FRM]

Hi Sunil,

I count 85 core readings. I realize I owe some prioritization but (i) it is more difficult than i thought b/c the test has been streamlined (last year there were partially redundant readings on VaR on volatility; e.g., this year the 3 volatility readings have been reduced to 1) and so far it is hard to identify readings i would skip and (ii) it is hard for me to implicitly suggest you should skip certain readings. I realize the exam prep is enormously time consuming; I will tag the reading list with priorities as soon as i can...but i can't fundamentally change the notion that the FRM requires a massive time spend on your part. (GARP has said, based on their survey of last year's passers, that passers spend 250 hrs -350 hrs to even up to 400 hours preparing)

You see I've posted Quant and Market Risk notes-yes? The other three sections will come. These notes should help you cliff note digest the concepts. Don't the study notes help?

Re the exams, please see the member page, third column, right below the notes. There are eight (8) full length exams located there.

"I would request you to give a plan or strategy for this" - I have tried to answer this so many ways, you see the sticky post here? http://forum.bionicturtle.com/viewthread/270/

i'll tag the list as soon as i can, but i am this weekend putting Monday's movie on VaR together, etc, so please understand....David