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Exams required to earn your designation

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Understand how to become an actuary by passing exams administered by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).

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The actuary exam process: everything you need to know

You've learned what actuarial science is and why it's a great career choice. Now you're wondering: how do I become an actuary? The answer is simple: You’ll need to pass a series of exams that test your knowledge and skills in math, statistics, finance, and risk management.

These exams aren’t as scary as they sound. In fact, they can actually (we swear!) be fun and rewarding if you enjoy a good challenge. Here’s the process you’ll need to follow to become an actuary:

  1. Know the landscape: There are two main actuarial organizations in the U.S.: the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Depending on where you specialize, you will take different exams.
  2. Choose your pathway: If you want to work in life insurance, health insurance, retirement benefits, and investments, you should choose the SOA. If you want to work in property and casualty insurance (e.g., auto, home, liability) choose the CAS or the SOA’s General Insurance track.
  3. Complete preliminary exams: Both the SOA and CAS have a common set of preliminary exams that cover basic topics, such as probability and financial mathematics. These exams are multiple-choice and computer-based, and there are multiple exam windows in a year in which you can take the exam.
  4. Move on to more advanced exams: After passing the preliminary exams, you will need to take more advanced exams specific to your chosen track. These exams may include written-answer questions, case studies, projects, or modules. Our resources and coaches can help you through this process!
  5. Enjoy the rewards: As you pass each exam, you will earn credentials that demonstrate your expertise and increase your value in the market. You could also (though, of course, we cannot guarantee it) receive salary increases and bonuses from your employer.

To succeed in the exam process, you will need to study hard, practice, and manage your time well. You will also need to balance your work, study, and personal life. But don't worry, with Coaching Actuaries, you're not alone in this journey.