Join me as I prepare for the FMI AFM exam in February 2025
Preparing for the February 2025 AFM exam
I have decided to sit the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) exam from the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) in February 2025.
I am most comfortable modelling the reporting and analytics side of things. I love nothing more than transforming data using PowerQuery and using Excel Tables & structured referencing to build a robust reporting model.
I am however also very happy building financial models, it's just not something I do every day. I've taught our financial modelling content and FAST Standard level 1 exam preparation course for years and also build three statement models for clients from time to time.
At Full Stack we believe that the FMI qualifications are the best accreditation a financial modeller can have. Giles (Full Stack Modeller co-founder) is one of only seven people globally to hold all three qualifications (AFM, CFM and MFM).
So I thought it was high time that I started my own FMI certification journey with the Advanced Financial Modeler qualification.
I also thought it would be useful for people considering the AFM qualification for me to share my learnings through the process.
So, I am going to share a weekly update over the next twelve weeks leading to the AFM exam on Saturday 22nd February 2025.
My plan for preparing for the FMI AFM exam
I am going to use three main sources for my training:
1. The content provided by the Financial Modeling Institute
2. Our own financial modelling training within Full Stack Modeller
3. The AFM exam Bootcamp that Giles will be running in January
I'll follow this broad plan for the topic areas:
12 weeks to go - Planning
This week is a planning week. I will be booking time in my diary for the training and looking at my exam toolkit.
I currently use my own macro set to automate certain build and formatting tasks when building financial models. My current plan is to use the OA Robot tool and build out a set of AFM exam specific task automations. I'm excited to see what that looks like and how well it will suit the job. Everything I have heard about OA Robot so far points to the fact that it will be the perfect tool for the job.
I'll be checking back in next week with an update on how my first week has gone.
How we support FMI students at Full Stack
Full Stack Modeller is an accredited training provider for the Financial Modeling Institute.
Our core training program covers all the Excel and financial modelling skills that you need to succeed in the FMI exams.
We have recently launched our AFM exam Bootcamp which will be led by Giles. This bootcamp has been designed specifically to support candidates taking the FMI AFM exam.
Learn from a Master Financial Modeler
Giles Male, our co-founder and CEO, has achieved the prestigious, highest level of accreditation from the FMI - The Master Financial Modeler.
Learn from the best.
What is the Financial Modeling Institute?
The Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) was founded in 2017 with the goal of “Promoting awareness, excellence and discipline in Financial Modeling through world-class accreditation programs”.
The Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) focuses on assessment, leaving the delivery of training to independent and proven partners like us at Full Stack Modeller.
What are the FMI certification levels?
The Financial Modeling Institute (FMI) has three certification levels. These are: Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM); Chartered Financial Modeler (CFM); and Master Financial Modeler (MFM).
