RAI October 2026 Registration Guide: How to Register, Key Deadlines and What to Prepare

Standard registration for the RAI October 2026 exam is open right now. If you have been thinking about pursuing the RAI certificate and want to sit in October, this is your window. The exam runs from October 3 to 11 and standard registration closes September 30. This guide covers every deadline, fee, and step you need to complete your RAI October 2026 registration correctly.

RAI October 2026 Key Dates at a Glance

All deadlines are at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. These dates are taken directly from GARP’s official RAI exam logistics page.

Milestone	Date
Standard Registration Open	August 1 to September 30, 2026
Early Registration	Closed
Exam Scheduling Deadline	October 9, 2026
RAI October 2026 Exam Window	October 3 to 11, 2026
Results Expected	4 to 6 weeks after exam window closes
Next Window (April 2027) Early Registration	Opens December 1, 2026

The RAI exam is only offered twice a year, in April and October. If you miss the September 30 standard registration deadline, the next opportunity is April 2027 with early registration opening December 1, 2026.

RAI October 2026 Fees

All RAI fees are charged in USD. Taxes including GST apply for Indian candidates and will be calculated and added during payment based on your location.

Candidate Type	October 2026 Standard Registration Fee
Non-Member	USD 750
GARP Individual Member	USD 650
FRM, SCR, or ERP Holder	USD 625

Important fee notes:

First-time RAI candidates who have not previously received complimentary GARP membership from any other GARP program are eligible for a six-month complimentary GARP membership. This is automatically applied to your cart when you register. This effectively makes you a GARP member at no extra cost, so if you are new to GARP, your effective fee after the complimentary membership is applied will reflect the member rate rather than the non-member rate.

If you hold an FRM, SCR, or ERP, make sure this is reflected in your GARP account before completing payment so the lowest fee of USD 625 is applied correctly.

Wire and ACH payments carry an additional USD 50 processing fee. Credit card payments (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Discover) do not. Payment must be received by GARP by 11:59 pm EST on September 30 for registration to be considered complete.

Always confirm current fees directly on the official GARP RAI fees and payments page before registering since fees are subject to change and GST amounts vary.

Step by Step: How to Register for RAI October 2026

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your GARP Account

Go to garp.org and log in to your GARP account. If you are registering for a GARP program for the first time, create a new account using a valid email address. Your GARP account manages all your registration history, scheduling, and study material access.

Step 2: Go to the RAI Registration Page

Once logged in, navigate to the RAI section on garp.org and select Register Now, or go directly to my.garp.org to access the RAI registration page. Select the October 2026 exam window.

Step 3: Confirm Your Membership Status

If you hold an FRM, SCR, or ERP certificate, confirm it is reflected in your account before proceeding to payment. If you are a first-time GARP candidate, the six-month complimentary membership will be automatically added to your cart.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee

Complete payment by credit card or wire and ACH transfer. Your registration is not considered complete until GARP receives payment. If you are paying by wire or ACH, factor in processing time and the additional USD 50 fee. Do not wait until September 29 to pay if using wire since processing delays can result in a missed deadline.

Step 5: Access Your Study Materials

Once registered, log in to GARP Learning to access the full RAI curriculum, the RAI Candidate Guide, the Study Guide and Learning Objectives, and the practice exam. All of these are included with your registration at no extra cost. Download the Study Guide and Learning Objectives first since it shows the exact weight of each knowledge area on the exam.

Step 6: Schedule Your Exam Appointment

After completing registration, go to the Pearson VUE scheduling website to choose your exam format, date, and location if applicable. You can choose between in-person Computer-Based Testing (CBT) at a Pearson VUE test centre or online proctoring through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE system from a location of your choice. You must schedule at least 48 hours before your desired exam start time. The exam scheduling deadline is October 9, 2026. All exam slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis so schedule as early as possible after completing your registration.

Step 7: Confirm Your Name and ID Details

Before finalising your registration, check that the name on your GARP account exactly matches the name on the government-issued photo ID you will bring to the exam. This includes first name, last name, and any middle name or initial. Any mismatch on exam day can result in being denied entry.

Choosing Between CBT and Online Proctoring

The RAI exam offers two format options.

Format	Details
Computer-Based Testing (CBT)	In-person at a Pearson VUE test centre. Available at multiple locations across India including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai
Online Proctoring (OnVUE)	Take the exam remotely from a location of your choice through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring system

Both formats are available for the October 2026 window. If you choose online proctoring, make sure your device, internet connection, and testing environment meet Pearson VUE’s technical requirements before exam day. GARP does not refund fees for unsuccessful online proctoring experiences caused by technical issues on the candidate’s end.

Deferral and Retake Policy

If you register but cannot sit for the October exam, here is what to know.

Deferral: RAI candidates may defer once to the next exam window. The deferral fee is USD 150 and the request must be submitted and paid before the deferral deadline. Candidates deferring into the next calendar year will receive access to the updated curriculum via GARP Learning at no additional cost.

Retake: If you do not pass the exam or do not sit for it, you can register for the next available window at a reduced retake fee of USD 350. This retake fee applies for the next cycle only. If you skip that window, full fees apply again.

What to Prepare After Registering

Once your registration is confirmed, you have approximately 6 to 7 weeks before the exam opens on October 3. GARP recommends 100 to 130 hours of preparation. At 6 to 7 weeks that is roughly 15 to 20 hours per week.

The RAI curriculum covers five modules: AI and Risk Introduction and Overview, Tools and Techniques, Risks and Risk Factors, Responsible and Ethical AI, and Data and AI Model Governance. Module 2 on Tools and Techniques is the highest-weighted area on the exam and should get the most preparation time.

For a full week by week preparation plan built around the October window, RAI October 2026 Study Plan: How to Prepare in 8 Weeks From Registration to Exam Day covers the complete plan.

For candidates still comparing the RAI with the FRM before deciding which to pursue, RAI Certificate vs FRM: Which GARP Certification Should Risk Professionals Pursue First in 2026? covers the comparison directly.

Enrolling in the Risk and AI certification coaching program at Fintelligents gives you structured preparation for the RAI October 2026 exam with faculty-led sessions and mock practice built around the actual curriculum.

Conclusion

Standard registration for RAI October 2026 is open now and closes September 30. The exam window is October 3 to 11. Schedule your Pearson VUE appointment as early as possible after registering since slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure your name matches your ID exactly. Access GARP Learning as soon as you register and start with the Study Guide and Learning Objectives. With 6 to 7 weeks between now and the exam opening, starting preparation immediately after registration gives you the right amount of time to prepare properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the RAI October 2026 registration deadline?

Standard registration for the RAI October 2026 exam closes on September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Early registration for October 2026 is already closed. The RAI exam is only offered twice a year so missing this deadline means waiting until April 2027.

Q. How much does the RAI October 2026 exam cost?

Standard registration fees are USD 750 for non-members, USD 650 for GARP Individual Members, and USD 625 for FRM, SCR, or ERP holders. First-time RAI candidates receive a six-month complimentary GARP membership automatically applied during registration. Indian candidates should note that GST will be added to the fee during payment. Wire and ACH payments carry an additional USD 50 processing fee.

Q. Can I take the RAI October 2026 exam online from home?

Yes. GARP offers online proctoring through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE system as an alternative to in-person testing at a Pearson VUE centre. You choose your preferred format when scheduling your exam appointment after completing registration. Make sure your device and internet connection meet Pearson VUE’s technical requirements before exam day if you choose online proctoring.