FRM 2011

[neelanjanb]

Hi David

I am planning for FRM May 2011. had some basic queries

1. How much time allocation in terms of hours do you feel is required ( I am a Finance and Accounting Graduate with an MBA in Finance)
2. Is it possible to sit for both the groups in MAY
3. Is it enough if i complete all the reference materials referred to in the FRM handbook

Regards
Neelanjan

 

[Suzanne Evans]

Neelanjan,

Thank you for your interest in bionicturtle.com!

1) Please see the following: http://www.bionicturtle.com/faqs/category/frm-product/#is_200_hours_enough_to_prepare_for_the_exam

2) Yes, I do believe so, however you would want to confirm this with GARP. You may email them via:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

3) I do not have a view on this.

@David, Could you please respond to #3?

Thanks,
Suzanne

 

[David Harper CFA FRM]

Thanks Suzanne....

2) I agree with Suzanne. Although originally (in 2009) GARP had announced candidates must sit the L1 & L2 in non-simultaneous sequence, more recently they shifted to the approach that does allow a candidate to sit for L1 (in the AM) and L2 (in the afternoon) on the same day. But note the implied risk: if you do this and do not pass the L1 in the AM, you get no credit for passing L2 in the afternoon; if you pass L1 but not L2, then you get credit for L1 and only need to pass L2 subsequently

3) The FRM Handbook (5th or 4th Edition; barely a difference) is a supplement to the assigned material (note: it is not itself assigned!) and, in general, is insufficient by itself. It does not contain all the material in the Study Guide. You want to reference GARP's AIMs (Learning Outcomes) in the Study Guides. It's a great intro (IMO) except the questions have many errors, but you will need more preparation. If not from a provider like us, then through the assigned readings.

David

 

[[email protected]]

I will add to what David has comented on Point 1. From my experience, people who have written both L1& L2 on the same day tend to have a lower pass rate. (This is not a scientific fact as it is based on people that I know , so it may be a biased view). I wrote L1 in may an am now doing L2. The volume of work is quite considerable so doing both levels on the same day will put you under a lot of time pressure.

In addition to preparing well (using Bionic Turtle program), having a fresh mind on exam day is critical. I think by the time you have written L1 in the morning, you will find that you will be extremely tired in the afternoon and you may find it hard to think as efficiently.