The FDP Charter examination is comprised of 80 multiple choice questions weighted as 75 percent of the total points and two to three constructed response questions (multi-part essay type questions) weighted as 25 percent of the total points. The FDP exam does not contain any Python programming questions.
The examination is based on itsstudy guide, which is organized to facilitate quick learning and easy retention. Each topic is structured around learning objectives and keywords that define the content to be tested on the exam.
The university faculty and industry practitioners who created the FDP Charter program bring years of experience in the financial services industry. Consequently, the curriculum is consistent with recent advances in the applications of data science to the financial industry.
All exam questions directly address the nine curriculum topics:
Topics
Approximate
Weight %
1. Introduction to Data Science & Alternative Data
4-10
2. Machine Learning: Introduction to Algorithms
4-10
3. Machine Learning: Regression, Support Vector Machine & Time Series Models
4-10
4. Machine Learning: Regularization, Regression Trees, Random Forest & Overfitting
7. Data Mining & Machine Learning: Naïve Bayes & Text Mining
4-10
8. Big Data & Machine Learning: Ethical & Privacy Issues
4-10
9. Big Data & Machine Learning in the Financial Industry
25-50
Each topic has required readings.
Each required reading has keywords and learning objectives
The questions on the exam will pertain to the keywords and learning objectives.
A candidate who is able to meet all learning objectives in the study guide should be well prepared for the exam. Candidates should anticipate approximately 200+ hours of study in preparation for the FDP exam.
The study guide is organized to facilitate quick learning and easy retention. Each topic is structured around learning objectives that define the content to be tested on the exam. Candidates should be aware that the study guide is exam specific, is regularly revised, and pertains only to a particular exam cycle.
SCORING AND RESULTS There are no penalties for wrong answers. Passing scores are determined by the FDP Exam Committee. Exam results are pass/fail and are emailed approximately five weeks after the exam.
