Studying for Part 2 and Career Benefits of FRM Program

[Robert]

Hi David,

I’m back for the second and final round of the FRM exam. I wound up taking a significant amount of time off (2+ weeks) from work in preparation for Part 1 (May 2012) and have decided that I do not want to sacrifice any vacation time in 2013 for part 2. With that in mind, I’ll take part 2 in either May, if time permits, or November 2013, if I don’t feel well-prepared by May without taking vacation.

Do you think I’ll be at a disadvantage for part 2 given that it has been more than six months since I’ve studied for part 1? I’m trying to gauge whether or not I need to consider reviewing material from part 1 in preparation for part 2.

I also wanted to let you know that studying for the FRM is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. I’m nearly certain that I was given the opportunity to move within my company as a direct result of having taken and passed at least one of the FRM exams (exam awareness seems to be quite high where I work). While I still wouldn’t say the FRM certification is a requirement for many jobs, I do think it can significantly enhance one’s profile and lead to new opportunities.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[Hend Abuenein]

!!!
vt2012 : How is this relevant to Robert's post here?

 

[bhar]

Brezhnev, his face covered Panama, is on a beach resort of the Politburo.
Dog came and licked his genitals. Without changing his position, Brezhnev idly reacts:
- Well, it's too much, comrades!

Please remove this post. This is not the language expected in this forum.

 

[Hend Abuenein]

Hi Robert,

I know you're waiting for David's advice, but for what it's worth, here's my experience with part 2.

I started studies for the May 2012 mid-Feb, and was left with only 10 days before exam for practice questions. I did the GARP mocks of past 2 years, I had expected not to pass because I could only cover the readings once and without writing notes or memorizing. Before the exam, I had the plan to retake the exam in November. But part 2 curriculum is different than that of part 1. It's not so deep, and there's a lot repeated from part 1. You won't need the concentration of studying we felt necessary in part 1. And I found the exam really easy, many questions repeated -at least in form- from GARP mocks. I passed by 2-2-2-2-4.

I wish you good luck.

 

[bhar]

Hend, it is music to me when you say part 2 is easy. Thanks

 

[Robert]

Thank you very much, Hend. This is good to know. I still plan to study as hard as I possibly can and plan though.

 

[bhar]

Hend,

I hope this is not a big request.

Could you also share with me the following -
1) Basel II knowledge , information, repository of information, website links etc
2) Market Risk and Credit risk - books, website links and university courses.

I have been interested in a Financial Engineering program. However, there are too many colleges, departments and institutes that offer these.

Could you please share any information, resources etc if you have.

Thanks
Bhar

 

[Hend Abuenein]

Hi,
I'm sorry I don't necessarily know the answers to your requests.
I studied from Schweser notes mainly, but Basel material has a reference on the GARP Digital Libarary site.
Market & credit risk can be studied sufficiently from the GARP curriculum, or any notes.

Good luck

 

[bhar]

Thanks.