GARP Risk and AI Certificate: October Window Closes 30 September

The deadline first. The October 2026 RAI exam window runs 3-11 October 2026, and standard registration closes on 30 September 2026. That is the same date as the FRM November registration deadline, so if you are considering both, they fall on the same day.

What it is. GARP, the body behind the FRM, runs a separate credential called the Risk and AI Certificate, or RAI. It is not part of the FRM and does not replace any part of it.

The format. A single exam of 80 multiple-choice questions with four hours to complete it. GARP offers it in April and October, with appointments allocated first come, first served. Registration includes six months of complimentary GARP individual membership.

What it covers. Five areas: AI and risk as an overview, tools and techniques, risks and risk factors, responsible and ethical AI, and data and AI model governance. The material includes case studies and practitioner videos rather than being purely theoretical.

The extras people miss. A retake is USD 350, available at that reduced price for the next exam window only. Paying by wire transfer or ACH adds a USD 50 processing fee to the invoice. Fees exclude VAT, GST and other local taxes, which are calculated at checkout based on your location. Credit card, Alipay, wire and ACH are all accepted.

How established is it. GARP reports around 14,000 candidates since launch and roughly 7,000 current certificate holders. That makes it young next to the FRM, but no longer experimental.

Is it worth it alongside the FRM? It depends what you are optimising for. If you are still working through Part I or Part II, finish those first: the FRM is the credential employers screen on, and splitting study time is a poor trade. If you already hold the FRM and work somewhere deploying AI models in credit, market or operational risk, the RAI covers governance ground the FRM does not, it is a short commitment, and holders pay the lowest fee band. If you are a student with no risk role yet, it will not substitute for the FRM.

Sources: GARP Risk and AI (RAI) certificate fees and dates pages (garp.org).