FRM Part 1 Study Plan 2025: 14-Week Schedule With Daily Targets

Kateryna Myrko
Aug 28
4 min read

FRM Part I Study Plan: 14-Week Schedule With Daily Targets

Preparing for the FRM Part I exam requires more than simply working through textbooks. Success demands a structured schedule, balanced coverage of all exam domains, and consistent practice that mirrors the testing environment. This 14-week plan is designed to guide you from day one to exam day using the most current 2025–2026 syllabus, with daily targets to keep your progress measurable and sustainable.

Understanding the 2025–2026 FRM Part I Framework

The FRM Part I exam assesses foundational risk management knowledge across four weighted domains:

Foundations of Risk Management — 20%
Quantitative Analysis — 20%
Financial Markets & Products — 30%
Valuation & Risk Models — 30%

Candidates typically dedicate around 240 total study hours, though individual needs can vary significantly. This plan allocates time proportionally to topic weightings while ensuring multiple review phases before exam day.

14-Week Roadmap FRM Part I Study Plan 2025

Weeks 1–2: Orientation and Foundations

Objective: Set the stage for disciplined study.

Familiarize yourself with the exam’s structure, question format, and time constraints.
Assemble study materials, create a dedicated study environment, and set up a tracking system. FRM Part I Study Plan 2025
Establish a consistent schedule of approximately 2 hours per day, focusing on understanding the exam’s scope and the role each domain plays.

Weeks 3–5: Foundations of Risk Management (20%)

Focus Areas:

Risk types and measurement approaches
Risk governance frameworks
Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and multifactor models
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
Ethics and professional standards
Risk reporting and transparency

Daily Target: Spend around 3 hours combining reading, concept mapping, and flashcard creation. Dedicate one session per week to practice questions to reinforce application skills.

Weeks 6–8: Quantitative Analysis (20%)

Focus Areas:

Probability distributions and statistical measures
Sampling, estimation, and hypothesis testing
Regression analysis and time-series modeling
Bayesian approaches and simulation techniques
Introduction to machine learning concepts relevant to risk

Daily Target: Maintain 3 hours split evenly between theory and problem-solving. Emphasize formula familiarity, but aim for conceptual understanding that allows you to adapt to different question formats.

Weeks 9–10: Financial Markets & Products (30%)

Focus Areas:

Structure and operation of financial markets
Exchange-traded vs. over-the-counter products
Forwards, futures, swaps, and options
Hedging strategies and risk sensitivities
Foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk
Corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and securitization processes

Daily Target: Allocate 3 hours for a mix of product valuation practice, conceptual reading, and visual aids such as payoff diagrams to solidify memory.

Weeks 11–12: Valuation & Risk Models (30%)

Focus Areas:

Value at Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall
Volatility and correlation estimation
Stress testing and scenario analysis
Capital estimation methods
Fixed-income valuation techniques
Credit risk and operational risk models
Hedging strategies and performance measurement

Daily Target: Continue with 3 hours focusing on numerical exercises and scenario-based questions. Dedicate the final day of each week to a cumulative mini-review of prior domains.

Week 13: Review and Mock Examination

Goals:

Consolidate all key concepts.
Take at least one full-length, timed mock exam to simulate real conditions.
Analyze results, identify weak areas, and revisit those topics intensively.

Daily Target: 3 hours—half for practice exams, half for targeted review. Aim for exam-day pacing and mental endurance.

Week 14: Final Review and Exam Readiness

Goals:

Light review of formulas, definitions, and high-yield concepts.
Practice quick-recall techniques for core formulas.
Maintain steady but not exhausting study sessions—2 hours per day.

The focus now is on confidence and clarity, not cramming. Keep study materials concise and limit new information intake.

Daily Study Time Allocation

Week	Hours per Day	Focus Area
1–2	2	Orientation & planning
3–5	3	Foundations of Risk Management
6–8	3	Quantitative Analysis
9–10	3	Financial Markets & Products
11–12	3	Valuation & Risk Models
13	3	Mock exam + intensive review
14	2	Final high-yield review and relaxation

Why This Schedule Works

Aligned With Exam WeightingsTime is proportioned according to each domain’s significance in the actual exam.
Sustainable Daily CommitmentLimiting sessions to 2–3 hours ensures long-term consistency without burnout.
Integrated PracticeRegular problem-solving sessions help transition from theory to application.
Built-In ReviewThe final two weeks are dedicated to reinforcing knowledge and sharpening exam strategy.
FlexibilityThe plan accommodates adjustments based on personal pace or unexpected schedule changes.

Final Success Tips

Active Recall Over Passive Reading: Use flashcards, teach concepts to others, and test yourself frequently.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Complete multiple timed mock exams before test day to refine pacing.
Focus on Understanding: Grasp the “why” behind each formula to handle variations in question styles.
Track Progress: Use a study journal or digital tracker to monitor hours spent, topics covered, and practice scores.
Maintain Balance: Sleep, nutrition, and light physical activity contribute to mental sharpness.

This 14-week FRM Part I study plan transforms the daunting 240-hour commitment into a manageable, goal-driven process. By aligning with the latest 2025–2026 curriculum, balancing topic weightings, and embedding consistent practice, it sets you up for both exam success and a deeper professional mastery of risk management fundamentals.

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