Question

Online course 1

Answer 1

Lemme just say that it is definitely NOT too early to start studying for MAS 1. Big big syllabus compared to the first three tests. Just get the ~5500 page Mahler manual and start chipping away, there’s enough to keep you busy

Answer 2

Yes, but the online course exams are on the Institutes schedule. The exams are open for I believe two months with a 1 month gap in between. The current window closes June 15th and the next one opens July 15th.

If you want to get OC1 finished before starting MAS, my recommendation would be to start on OC1 very soon so that you can take the exam on July 15th or shortly after.

Answer 3

I asked this while I was a co-op student and all the analysts recommended waiting until you're a full time employee before doing OC1/2 because they cost about $1000 to register (full time employees get reimbursed for OCs but co-ops don't). Also, at least at my company, the raise for OCs is around 1% whereas exams around 5% or higher, so focusing on exams might be your best best.