Exam day preparation can make a significant difference in your FRM score. Here are proven strategies for maximizing your performance.

Before Exam Day

The Week Before

  • Review your formula sheets and key concepts
  • Take one final practice exam under timed conditions
  • Don't try to learn new material — focus on consolidation
  • Prepare your materials: calculator, passport/ID, admission ticket

The Night Before

  • Get a good night's sleep (7-8 hours minimum)
  • Lay out everything you need: ID, calculator, admission ticket
  • Set multiple alarms
  • Avoid excessive studying — light review only

Approved Calculator

Only these calculators are allowed:

  • Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including Professional)
  • Hewlett Packard 12C (including Platinum)

Practice with your actual exam calculator during preparation!

Time Management

Part 1: 100 questions in 4 hours

  • Average: 2.4 minutes per question
  • First pass: Answer all questions you can do quickly
  • Second pass: Return to flagged/skipped questions
  • Final 30 min: Review answers, ensure nothing is blank

Part 2: 80 questions in 4 hours

  • Average: 3 minutes per question
  • More time per question for scenario-based questions
  • Same two-pass strategy applies

Question Strategies

Multiple Choice Tips

  1. Read the question carefully — understand what's being asked before looking at options
  2. Eliminate wrong answers — even eliminating 1-2 options significantly improves guessing
  3. Watch for absolute words — "always," "never" are often wrong
  4. Check units and magnitude — quick sanity check on calculations
  5. Don't change answers unless you have a clear reason — your first instinct is often correct

Calculation Questions

  1. Write down the formula first
  2. Identify given information
  3. Plug in values carefully
  4. Double-check units and conversions
  5. Verify your answer makes intuitive sense

Qualitative Questions

  1. Look for the "most correct" answer (not just a partially correct one)
  2. Consider regulatory and industry best practices
  3. Eliminate extreme or absolute statements
  4. Focus on what the FRM curriculum emphasizes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Spending too long on any single question (max 5 minutes, then move on)
  • Leaving questions blank (no penalty for wrong answers — always guess!)
  • Misreading the question (especially "which is NOT" questions)
  • Calculator errors (practice with your specific calculator)
  • Running out of time (keep a time check every 25 questions)

After the Exam

  • Results are typically available 6-8 weeks after the exam
  • Quartile scores are provided for each topic area
  • If you don't pass, identify weak quartiles and focus preparation there

Mental Game

  • Stay calm — you've prepared for this
  • If you encounter a difficult stretch, remember that everyone finds certain areas challenging
  • Keep your pace steady — time management is as important as knowledge
  • Believe in your preparation and trust the process

Good luck! Prepare with confidence using FRM Quiz Bank's comprehensive practice tests!