What To Expect On FRM Exam Day

The FRM Exam is not computer-based. They are administered in person with pencil and paper and must be taken in a designated FRM Exam testing centers.

GARP administers its exams in approximately 90 locations in more than 50 countries. For the most up-to-date listing of exam sites, be sure to visit the GARP website.

Both the FRM Exam Part I and Part II are conducted twice a year on the third Saturdays of May and November. Both parts can be taken on the same day, though few candidates choose to do this.

Deferred Examinations

A candidate can defer his or her exam only once and at the nonrefundable cost of $100. A deferral must be submitted by the last day of registration.

ID Requirements

GARP requires that you present a current, original, and valid government-issued passport or driver’s license (must be for the country in which you are taking the exam) for entrance to the FRM Exam. The name on your admission ticket must match exactly your ID. Your ID must include a photograph of you.

Admission Tickets

A PRINTED admission ticket is required for entry to the exam. Copies or electronic versions will not be accepted. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Permitted Calculators

Only the following types of business calculators are authorized for use during the FRM Exam:

• Texas Instruments BA II Plus (both versions), including the BA II Plus Professional
• Hewlett Packard 10B II,10B II+,20B
• Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum and the Anniversary Edition)

There are no exceptions to this policy. Should a candidate use a non-authorized calculator at any time during the Exam, his or her answer sheets will not be graded.

Exam Day Violations

GARP reviews all exam violations reported by proctors.  Violations that can result in your FRM Exam not being graded include (but are not limited to):  

• Candidate arrives after the doors were closed.
• Opened the exam booklet early.
• Started the exam before “time to begin” was announced.
• Use of a non-approved calculator.
• Used a writing instrument that was not issued by the proctor.
• Possession of erasers, white-out, or correction fluid/tape, highlighters, or rulers.
• Possession of wearable technology such as Google glasses, smart-watches, a watch, a Fitbit, or portable clocks.
• Wrote on the admission ticket or presented an admission ticket with writing on the back.
• Bringing a cell phone in to the exam room.
• Cheating.
• Continuing to write after the exam’s end.
• Communicating with other candidates during the exam.

Exam Start Times

The doors to the testing center will close promptly at 7:45 a.m. for Part I and 1:45 p.m. for Part II. They will not be opened for later arrivals. Some countries and testing centers may have a different start times, so be sure to check your admission ticket.

Typical Exam Day Schedule