Exam Info
Actuaries are expected to pass a series of exams throughout their career to achieve professional status. Unlike other professions, in actuarial science you’ll have the opportunity to work as an actuary while completing the examination process—employers often allow study time during working hours, pay exam fees, and even award raises for each exam passed. Many soon-to-be actuaries begin taking preliminary exams in college.
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) are the two American actuarial organizations that standardize and regulate actuaries in the U.S. Each has their own exam track, however the preliminary exams overlap. For this reason, many students do not decide their actuarial industry until after college.
- The SOA provides standards and regulations for actuaries that work in life, health, pensions and retirement.
- The CAS does the same for actuaries that work in property and casualty (P&C) insurance.
Study Resources
There are many different resources available for purchase to prepare for actuarial exams. Be sure to apply student discount codes to whatever method you choose. Listed below are some common study materials:
- Coaching Actuaries – You can purchase topical videos, practice exams, or both. The “Adapt” practice exams are a great way to study for exams as they get progressively harder the more you practice. Your “earned level” helps you see how prepared you are for the exam. Learn more at CoachingActuaries.com
- The Infinite Actuary (TIA) – You can purchase topical videos, practice exams, or both. This is another great resource for learning and mastering the material. Learn more at InfiniteActuary.com
- Actex Study Manuals – If you like textbook style learning, this may be the resource for you. We recommend purchasing up-to-date materials as the syllabus often slightly changes from exam to exam. Learn more at Actexmadriver.com