Creating a personalized study calendar to pass the SOA Exam IFM in 120 hours requires a focused, structured, and flexible approach that fits your life and learning style. The IFM exam tests your grasp of corporate finance, financial models, and investment theory in a three-hour, computer-based format with 30 multiple-choice questions. Given the complexity and breadth of topics—from portfolio theory and option pricing models to market efficiency and derivatives—effective time management and smart planning are essential to make the most of your 120-hour study window.
Start by breaking down the entire syllabus into digestible sections aligned with the exam’s topic weights. The exam covers ten key topics, each contributing between 5-15% of the questions. For instance, Mean-Variance Portfolio Theory and Option Pricing Models carry significant weight, so they deserve more study time compared to smaller sections like Behavioral Finance or Option Greeks[2]. Allocating your study hours according to these proportions ensures you focus on the areas that matter most.
Once you have your topic breakdown, create a timeline working backward from your exam date. With only 120 hours, you’ll want to divide your study period into weekly or even daily blocks. For example, if you have eight weeks until the exam, aim to dedicate about 15 hours per week, splitting those hours into manageable daily sessions. This approach helps prevent burnout and keeps your study rhythm steady[4].
In your daily plan, mix different types of study activities to keep things engaging and effective. Start sessions with reviewing video lessons or reading key concept summaries to build foundational knowledge. The Infinite Actuary course, for example, offers over 30 hours of video lessons and 950+ solved problems, which can be an excellent way to digest material actively rather than passively reading[1]. Follow that with practice problems, which are crucial for understanding how concepts apply in exam scenarios. Practice should include SOA sample questions, which are close in difficulty and style to the actual exam questions[7][9]. Repeating these questions multiple times will boost familiarity and confidence.
Don’t forget to schedule periodic review sessions. Revisiting tougher topics and previously studied material prevents forgetting and reinforces your understanding. Aim to use about 20% of your total study time for review and mock exams in the last few weeks before the test. This will help you identify weak spots and get comfortable with the exam format[3][4].
Personalize your calendar further by identifying your peak study times—are you sharper in the morning or evening? Plan your hardest topics during these windows when your focus is highest. Also, factor in breaks and rest days to avoid burnout. A flexible schedule that adjusts if life gets busy will keep you on track without stress[4].
Here’s an example of how your weekly study plan might look for a 120-hour IFM prep over eight weeks:
- Monday to Friday: 2 hours daily focused on video lessons and solving practice problems. Rotate topics according to the syllabus weight.
- Saturday: 3-hour practice exam or timed problem sets to simulate exam conditions and build stamina.
- Sunday: 1-2 hours reviewing mistakes from practice tests and revisiting difficult concepts.
In addition to structured study, consider these tips to enhance your preparation:
- Use flashcards for key formulas and definitions to reinforce memorization and quick recall[1].
- Track your progress with study apps or journals to stay motivated and adjust your plan as needed[1][4].
- Engage with study groups or forums to clarify doubts and learn different problem-solving approaches.
- Inform friends and family about your study goals to create a supportive environment and minimize distractions[6].
Remember, while the old rule of thumb suggests 100 hours per exam hour (meaning about 300 hours for a 3-hour exam), tailoring your plan to 120 hours is achievable if you focus on quality, use efficient resources, and keep consistent with your schedule[6]. Prioritize understanding over rote memorization, and leverage multiple practice runs to build confidence.
By following a personalized, balanced study calendar aligned with the IFM syllabus and your own rhythms, you’ll maximize your chances to pass the exam efficiently within 120 hours. The key is to stay consistent, adapt when needed, and keep your goal in sight. Good luck!