FRM Study Plan: Week-by-Week Schedule | LearnByTeaching.ai
This 14-week FRM Part I study plan covers the four core areas: Foundations of Risk Management, Quantitative Analysis, Financial Markets and Products, and Valuation and Risk Models. The plan emphasizes building strong quantitative foundations early, then applying them to valuation and risk modeling. Adapt this schedule for Part II by replacing the topic blocks with credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and current issues.
14
weeks
15
hrs / week
210
total hours
Weekly Plan
Rest & Review Strategy
Take one full day off per week. The FRM requires intense quantitative study, so mental rest is essential to avoid diminishing returns. On rest days, avoid all study materials. If you feel overwhelmed during the week, swap a heavy study session for a light formula review using flashcards.
Adjustment Tips
- 1
If you have a strong quantitative background (statistics, engineering, physics), condense Weeks 1-2 into one week and use the extra week for more VaR and options practice.
- 2
If you are studying for both Part I and Part II in the same window, extend this plan to 20 weeks and alternate topics between parts.
- 3
If you struggle with derivatives pricing, add an extra week between Weeks 6 and 7 focused entirely on options and swaps calculations.
- 4
If you are studying while working full-time, extend to 18 weeks at 12 hours per week to maintain the same total study hours.
- 5
If your practice exam shows strong quantitative skills but weak foundations, reallocate more time to risk management frameworks and case studies.
Final Week Protocol
Day 1
Monday: Write all critical formulas from memory and check against your formula sheet — re-study any you missed.
Day 2
Tuesday: Light review of VaR methodologies, Greeks, and credit risk calculations — the highest-weight topics.
Day 3
Wednesday: Review commonly missed questions from both practice exams — focus on conceptual understanding, not memorization.
Day 4
Thursday: Skim foundations of risk management and risk governance — these are often quick-win questions on the exam.
Day 5
Friday: Confirm your exam center, arrival time, and allowed materials. Prepare your ID and calculator.
Day 6
Saturday: Rest completely — no studying. Do something relaxing and get a full night of sleep.
Day 7
Sunday (Exam Day): Arrive early, pace yourself at 2.4 minutes per question, and flag difficult questions to return to later.