If you have a goal of becoming a financial risk manager, then you first need to stay informed about all those important dates and deadlines. FRM exams are offered in three sessions: May, August, and November. However, you must be aware of how you can register, schedule, and prepare.
Wondering where you will get to know about all of this? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll run through all important dates, registration periods, and options for deferment, so you can concentrate on what really matters: acing the exam! Let’s get started!
Comprehensive Summary on FRM Exam Dates and Deadlines
- Exam Windows Overview: The FRM exam is conducted in May, August, and November, which provides candidates with three testing opportunities throughout the year.
- Registration Timeline Details: The exam cycle contains two registration periods, which consist of early and standard registration times and it also has a final scheduling cut-off date.
- Part I and II Schedule: All three yearly exam windows provide access to both FRM Part I and Part II examinations.
- Deferral and Policies: Candidates can defer their exam attempt once per registration with applicable fees and policy conditions.
- Result Announcement Timeline: The FRM results are announced approximately six weeks after the conclusion of the exam window.
- Planning and Preparation: Candidates can create their study schedules effectively by understanding exam dates and deadlines which assist them in avoiding late registration costs.
What are the Recent Changes to FRM Exam Dates?
There was a recent change in the FRM exam details by GARP in May 2022. The agency updated the part 1 exam to be held thrice a year: May, August (instead of July), and November. However, even the part 2 exams started to happen thrice a year, effective December 2022. In the past, only part 1 exams were conducted three times a year.
Source for recent changes to FRM Exam Date – GARP
A Reminder of the Upcoming 2026 Exam Cycle
Candidates applying must remember the FRM exam deadline dates to ensure they register on time and take advantage of the opportunity. Listed below is the reminder of the upcoming FRM exam schedule for your reference:
May 2026 Window: Registration started on 1st December 2025
- Standard Registration ends: 31st March 2026
August 2026 Window: Registration begins on 1st March 2026
- Early Registration ends: 30th April 2026
- Standard Registration ends: 30th June 2026
November 2026 Window: Registration begins on 1st May 2026
- Early Registration ends: 31st July 2026
- Standard Registration ends: 30th September 2026
Remember, these dates are for the FRM exam part 1 and the FRM exam part 2.
Don’t miss the early registration window; save on your FRM exam fees today!
FRM Exam Dates
The FRM exam registration date and the FRM exam date are separate and should not be confused or interlinked. The above section only spoke about the registration date, and the table below talks about the exam dates:
| Month | Exam Date |
| May 2026 | Part 1: 9–15 May 2026
Part 2: 16–19 May 2026 |
| August 2026 | Parts 1 and 2: 7–8 August 2026 |
| November 2026 | Part 1: 14–20 November 2026
Part 2: 21–25 November 2026 |
May 2026 (Part 1 and 2) FRM Exam Dates
Here are the exam and other relevant dates for the May 2026 attempt:
| Event | Date / Deadline |
| Registration Opens | 1 December 2025 |
| Early Registration Ends | 31 January 2026 |
| ADA Application Deadline | 28 February 2026 |
| Registration Closes (Last date to defer to the next exam) | 31 March 2026 |
| Last date to reschedule, select, and change exam venue | 25 April 2026 |
| Exam Date | Part 1: 9–15 May 2026
Part 2: 16–19 May 2026 |
August 2026 (Part 1 and 2) FRM Exam Dates
Here are the exam and other relevant dates for the August 2026 attempt:
| Event | Date / Deadline |
| Registration Opens | 1 March 2026 |
| Early Registration Ends | 30 April 2026 |
| ADA Application Deadline | 31 May 2026 |
| Registration Closes (Last date to defer to the next exam) | 30 June 2026 |
| Last date to reschedule, select, and change exam venue | 25 July 2026 |
| Exam Date | Parts 1 & 2: 7–8 August 2026 |
November 2026 (Part 1 and 2) FRM Exam Dates
Here are the exam and other relevant dates for the November 2026 attempt:
| Event | Date / Deadline |
| Registration Opens | 1 May 2026 |
| Early Registration Ends | 31 July 2026 |
| ADA Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Registration Closes (Last date to defer to the next exam) | 30 September 2026 |
| Last date to reschedule, select, and change exam venue | 24 October 2026 |
| Exam Date | Part 1: 14–20 November 2026
Part 2: 21–25 November 2026 |
Planning for the next FRM window? Get a customised study plan from our experts
FRM Exam Locations
Some of the major cities include New York, London, Mumbai, Dubai, and Singapore. Due to the numerous testing locations at different locations across the globe, candidates from such locations can choose a location convenient to them when scheduling the exam on the GARP portal.
FRM Exam Fees and Refund Policy
The FRM exam fees vary depending on whether the candidate goes for early or standard registration and whether they are new or returning candidates. Let’s look at both:
| FRM Exam Level | New Candidate (Enrollment + Exam) | Returning Candidate (Exam Fee Only) |
| Exam Part 1 | Early: USD 1,000
Standard: USD 1,200 |
Early: USD 600
Standard: USD 800 |
| Exam Part 2 | Early: USD 600*
Standard: USD 800* |
Early: USD 600
Standard: USD 800 |
In case the candidates wish to cancel their registration, they have 48 hours to submit a refund request. They must submit their refund request via email to [email protected]. Here are some more exam policies for candidates to remember:
- A complete registration form must be submitted with the registration fee before the deadline. If the candidate doesn’t submit the refund within 48 hours, the registration fee will be forfeited.
- If the candidate wants to sit for the exam in the future, they will have to pay the registration fee again.
- Candidates must reach the exam venue on time. They won’t be allowed to sit for the exam if they are late. In such cases, no fee will be refunded.
- They must carry proof of identification when appearing at the exam venue for admission.
Common Questions on FRM Exams
Following are the common faqs students face during preparing for their FRM exams:
Can You Defer or Postpone an FRM Exam?
Candidates can only postpone or defer their exam one time to the next exam date. No second deferral is allowed, and the request must be made before the end of the FRM exam registration date. The candidate must also pay USD 250 to defer their exam.
When are the FRM Exam Results Available?
The FRM results are given and scored on a pass-and-fail basis. Candidates will receive their FRM exam results via email approximately six weeks after taking them. The results will also have a quartile comparison of how they have performed with other candidates.
How Do You Get FRM Exam Results?
The FRM results are given and scored on a pass-and-fail basis. Candidates will receive their FRM exam results via email approximately six weeks after taking them. The results will also have a quartile comparison of how they have performed with other candidates.
FRM Certification Timeline
Candidates must pass Parts 1 and 2 of the exam to get FRM certification. Part 2 must be cleared by 31 December of the fourth year of passing part 1. Moreover, candidates must submit proof of two years of full-time financial risk management work experience to obtain their certification.
What are the Steps to Becoming an FRM Certified?
There are several steps needed to become a Financial Risk Manager. Here’s a breakdown:
- Enrolment in the FRM Program: Registration and payment of an enrolment fee of USD 400 for Part I.
- Pass the FRM Part I Exam: It deals with quantitative analysis, risk management concepts, financial markets, and valuation models.
- Pass the FRM Part II Exam: This part exposes the student to real-life applications such as market, credit, liquidity, and operational risk management.
- Gain Significant Work Experience: You must spend 2 years working full-time in some form of financial risk management or similar field of activity. This experience must be obtained within 5 years after passing both exams.
- Submit Work Experience: Submit your work experience through your GARP account, where you are asked to provide the required information. Once it passes the review process and is accepted, you will be granted your FRM certification.
- Maintain Certification: For FRM holders, there are no continuing education requirements, although an active membership in GARP and keeping current on industry matters are considered good practices.
Conclusion
Before attempting the exam, candidates must understand the FRM exam pattern, FRM exam format, and FRM exam structure completely. This will help in knowing whether this exam and field are right for them or not. Moreover, this exam requires a lot of dedication and consistent effort, and hence, if you have a clear understanding, it will be possible to go for the right FRM exam preparation.
FAQs on FRM Exam Dates and Deadlines
In which months is the FRM exam held each year?
Exams take place globally during three specific windows every year: May, August, and November.
When does early registration end for the May 2026 exam?
You must complete your early-bird registration by January 31, 2026, to secure the lowest fee.
What is the final deadline for August exam registration?
Standard registration for the August cycle closes on June 30, 2026, including all necessary payments.
How late can I schedule my FRM exam date?
You must pick your specific date and centre by October 24 for the November session.
How can I reduce my FRM exam registration costs?
Registering during the early-bird window saves you $200 compared to the standard registration fee amount.
Where can I find the best FRM exam preparation?
Zell Education offers expert-led training and mock exams to help you pass within your chosen window.
How many times can I reschedule my FRM exam?
You are allowed to reschedule your exam date once within the same window for no fee.
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