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How to Enroll for the FRM Exam in 2026
So yeah, FRM.
If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about registering for the FRM exam in 2026. Or at least considering it. Maybe you’ve been pushing the thought for weeks. Maybe months. One day you’re motivated, next day you’re like-nah, later.
That’s normal.
The thing with FRM is… the exam is respected, but the registration part feels oddly confusing at first. Not difficult. Just layered. Fees here, windows there, Part I, Part II, and suddenly you’re second-guessing everything.
Let’s just go through it calmly.
What Is the FRM Exam, Really?
FRM stands for Financial Risk Manager. It’s conducted by the Global Association of Risk Professionals, which people usually just call GARP.
The exam has two parts.
- Part I – basics, concepts, numbers, foundations, markets
- Part II – deeper risk stuff: credit risk, market risk, operational risk, current issues
You can give both parts together. Some people do. Most don’t. Especially first-timers. It’s a lot to digest in one go.
FRM Exam in 2026 – When Does It Happen?
Usually, FRM exams happen three times a year:
- May
- August
- November
2026 should follow the same pattern.
Registration opens months before the exam date. And yes, registering early makes a big difference in fees. People ignore this, then regret it later.
How to Register for FRM 2026
Let’s not over-format this. Just steps.
Step 1: Create a GARP Account
You go to GARP’s website and sign up. That’s it.
You’ll enter:
- Your name (exactly as per passport, don’t experiment here)
- Email ID
- Country and basic info
Once this account is created, everything happens here—registration, exam booking, results, all of it.
Step 2: Pay the One-Time Enrollment Fee
This is where first-timers usually pause.
If you’ve never registered for FRM before, there’s a one-time enrollment fee. Mandatory.
Few things to know:
- Paid only once
- Valid for four years
- Separate from exam fees
You can’t skip it. And no, it’s not refundable.
Get More Details Of FRM Coaching Classes
Step 3: Choose Your Exam Part
Now you choose what you’re registering for:
- FRM Part I only
- FRM Part II only (only if Part I is cleared)
- Both parts together
Most people choose Part I only, especially if they’re working or studying alongside. Trying to do both together sounds impressive, but it’s not always practical.
Step 4: Pick the Exam Window
Choose between May, August, or November 2026.
Be honest with yourself here. Not optimistic-honest.
If you’re starting prep late, November is safer. There’s no prize for rushing.
Step 5: Select Exam Center and Slot
FRM is a computer-based exam, conducted at test centers.
During registration, you’ll:
- Select your city
- Choose date and time
Important thing-slots fill up. Especially weekends. If you delay, you might end up traveling. People underestimate this part.
Step 6: Make the Payment
Once everything’s selected, you pay.
Payment usually works via:
- Debit/credit cards
- Wire transfer (in some cases)
After payment:
- Confirmation email comes
- Exam details show in your dashboard
Save the emails. Screenshots help too.
FRM Exam Fees for 2026 (Rough Picture)
Fees depend on when you register.
There are usually:
- Early registration (cheapest)
- Standard
- Late (most expensive)
Each exam part has its own fee. And if you’re new, add the enrollment fee on top.
Registering early genuinely saves money. Not a marketing line. Just facts.
Documents You’ll Need
Honestly, not much.
- Valid passport (must match your name exactly)
- Correct personal details
- Email ID you actually check
That’s it. No experience proof, no degree upload.
Deferral and Rescheduling – Is It Possible?
Yes. But don’t rely on it.
- You can defer to the next exam window
- There’s a deferral fee
- Timeline matters
Refunds are usually not given. So don’t register casually.
After Registration – What Next?
Once you’re registered, reality kicks in.
You should:
- Download the syllabus
- Make a study plan (realistic one)
- Decide self-study vs coaching
- Aim for around 250–300 hours for Part I
Some days you’ll study. Some days you won’t. That’s normal too.
One Last Thing
FRM registration isn’t hard. But it’s easy to mess up small things-dates, names, windows, timing.
If risk management is something you’re genuinely interested in, FRM is worth the effort. Just don’t rush it. Register early. Study steadily. And stop comparing your timeline with others.
FAQs
Yes. Many people do. It’s challenging, but not impossible.
No. Experience is required after clearing Part II, not before registration.
Yes. But for most first-timers, Part I alone makes more sense.
Four years. You must clear both parts within that time.
If you don’t defer properly, the fee is usually gone.
No. It’s conducted at exam centers.
Early. Less stress, lower fees, better slots.
