Similar to CFA exams, GARP has announced that FRM exams will transition to computer-based testing (CBT) from 2021.
Whether you are new to FRM exams, or a seasoned Part 2 candidate, here’s a handy summary of all the key FRM exam dates you need to know.
And a nice frequently asked questions (FAQ) section too, to answer any FRM registration questions you may have.
Let’s dive in 🙂
What are the recent changes to FRM exam dates?
Given all the recent FRM exam schedule changes, FRM exams are now held 3x a year for Part 1 candidates, and twice a year for Part 2 candidates.
Here’s a reminder of the next few upcoming exam cycles (all CBT except Part 2 May 2021):
- May 2021 (Part 1 & 2): May21 is the first CBT exams for Part 1 candidates. On the other hand, Part 2 in May21 will be the last paper-based exam for FRM, and transitions to CBT in Dec21. This was done to provide test format consistency to Part 2 May21 candidates who have done Part 1 in paper-based format.
- July 2021 (Part 1 only): a new, regular exam window going forward for FRM Part 1 only. This was added by GARP for additional scheduling flexibility for FRM candidates.
- Nov 2021 (Part 1 only): the usual Part 1 exam cycle that was retained from the previous schedule.
- Dec 2021 (Part 2 only): the usual Part 2 exam cycle that was retained from the previous schedule.
FRM exam dates: A handy summary table
Short on time? Here are the latest FRM exam dates and registration deadlines:
| Key Deadlines | May 2021 FRM Exams (Part 1 & 2) | Jul 2021 FRM Exams (Part 1 only) | Nov 2021 FRM Exams (Part 1 only) | Dec 2021 FRM Exams (Part 2 only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration opens | 1 Dec 2020 | 1 Dec 2020 | 1 May 2021 | 1 May 2021 |
| Scheduling opens | 15 Dec 2020 | 15 Dec 2020 | 15 May 2021 | 15 May 2021 |
| Early registration ends | 31 Jan 2021 | 31 Jan 2021 | 31 Jul 2021 | 31 Jul 2021 |
| Special (RAD)* requests due Special (ADA)** requests due | 28 Feb 2021 | 28 Feb 2021 | 31 Aug 2021 | 31 Aug 2021 |
| Registration closes: Last day to defer to next exam | 31 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 30 Sep 2021 | 30 Sep 2021 |
| Last day to schedule/reschedule exam, or select/change exam sites | 8 Apr 2021 | 8 Apr 2021 | 20 Oct 2021 | 20 Oct 2021 |
| FRM exam windows | Part 1: 8-21 May 2021 Part 2: 15 May 2021 (paper) | Part 1: 10-23 July 2021 | Part 1: 13-26 Nov 2021 | Part 2: 4-10 Dec 2021 (CBT) |
* Request for alternative exam date for religious reasons only (RAD)
** Accommodations for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Frequently asked questions
How do I schedule or reschedule my FRM exam?
For CBT exams, you need to log into your GARP account, and click the Exam Setup button under “My Programs” to (re)schedule. You can schedule your exams after registration fees are paid, and can only reschedule your CBT appointment once.
The last day to change your exam test center is 8 April for May21 and Jul21’s exams, and 20th October for Nov21 and Dec21’s exams.
For May21’s Part 2 paper-based exam on 15 May 2021, there is no option to reschedule to a different date. You can defer your exam if you cannot sit for this last paper-based exam.
How do I change my FRM exam test center?
To do this, you need to log into your GARP account, and click the Exam Setup button under “My Programs” to choose your test center.
This process is the same regardless whether you’re a CBT or paper-based FRM candidate.
The last day to change your exam test center is 8 April for May21 and Jul21’s exams, and 20th October for Nov21 and Dec21’s exams.
How do I defer my FRM exam?
Log into your GARP account, click the Exam Setup button under “My Programs” to defer your exam to the next available exam window.
Note that Part 1 candidates can only defer once to the next 2 available exam windows, whilst Part 2 candidates can only defer once to the next available exam window.
Once registration fee is paid, you can only defer your exam once for a fee of US$200. Subsequent deferrals will not be considered.
The last day to defer your FRM exam is 31 March for May21 and Jul21’s exams, and 30th September for Nov21 and Dec21’s exams.
When is the deadline to pay for FRM exams?
Your registration fee payment must be received by GARP latest by midnight (EST) on the closing date of each registration period.
This means 31 March for May21 and July21 exams, and 30th September for Nov21 and Dec21 exams.
How can I get a refund?
Candidates have 48 hours after their exam registration to submit a refund request. All refund requests must be received via email to memberservices@garp.com.
Other than that, GARP does not provide refunds for either the exam enrollment or exam registration fee under typical circumstances.
I have another question. Can I get a response from you guys?
Sure thing. Leave a comment in this article below!
I hope the summary table on FRM exam dates is helpful! If you’ve got more questions, leave a comment below and we will answer 🙂
Meanwhile, here are some related articles that may be of interest:
Are their charges for deferring May 21 exam, if you are Covid Positive?
Hi Aman, unfortunately GARP isn’t clear about this upfront.
If a candidate has COVID-19, it is best to first email them at memberservices@garp.com, with proof of that. And follow up right away with a phone call since it’s so close to the exam now. My guess would be that it is assessed individually on a case-by-case basis.
After the completion of part 2 exam and successfully surpass the threshold of the exam, when are we gonna get our certificate?
Hi Fergy, once you passed FRM Part 2, you still need to meet the 2 years of relevant full time work experience requirements.
Assuming you meet the work experience requirement and submitted that to GARP, you should receive your FRM certificate within 1 month from the date of approval of your work experience.
Hope this helps!