Start Your Education in Actuarial Science
The path to a rewarding career as an actuary begins here, with SOA as your guide.
The exam process
How to get started
All the resources for the SOA exam process are here on our website. This is where you can view dates, register, and prepare for all of your exams.
It’s also where you can easily track your educational progress, with next steps clearly laid out, and view options to customize your path.
Ready for the first step? Join SOA today and register for the exam that gets you started.
Register for your first exam
Study for the exam
Take the exam
Let’s get started
Register for your first exam
Decided on your first exam? Now it’s time to register. Here’s how:
Confirm your SOA profile. Log in and confirm your contact information, which will be used for all exam communications. (Haven’t joined SOA? Now’s the time!)
Choose your exam date. Each exam is administered multiple times throughout the year. Find the next available date for your first exam and the deadline to register.
Register for your exam through the SOA.We’ll send you a confirmation and receipt with your registration details. Use these details to reserve your exam appointment as soon as possible (see below).
Reserve your exam appointment through Prometric. In most cases, you’ll take the exam at a Prometric computer-based testing (CBT) location near you. Make your appointment as soon as you receive your registration details, in order to reserve the optimal time and location for you.
Not sure where to start?
Choose your educational pathway to become an actuary
If you haven’t identified your first exam, there are multiple paths toward an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation. Find the ideal path that fits your goals and interests.
The Probability (P) Exam provides a comprehensive assessement of probability concepts and how these are applied in actuarial science. Topics include probability theory, random variables, and distributions.
The Financial Mathematics (FM) Exam assesses candidates' understanding of fundamental financial mathematics concepts. Candidates apply those concepts to calculate values for various cash flow streams to use with valuing loans and bonds, asset/liability management, and investment income.
Economics is one of three Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) topics to complete on the pathway to an ASA / CERA designation or Actuarial Foundations Micro-credential.
Accounting and Finance is one of three Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) topics to complete on the pathway to an ASA / CERA designation or Actuarial Foundations Micro-credential.
With the Pre-Actuarial Foundations (PAF) Module, candidates learn and apply knowledge about the actuary’s role and skills involving emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability (AQ).
The Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) Exam provides an assessment of candidates' actuarial methods in modeling, both short-term and long-term.
Mathematical Statistics is one of three Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) topics to complete on the pathway to an ASA / CERA designation or Actuarial Foundations Micro-credential.
The Statistics for Risk Modeling Exam (SRM) Exam provides an assessment of methods and models to analyze data. Candidates will apply regression and time series models, principal components analysis, decision trees, and cluster analysis.
The Actuarial Science Foundations (ASF) Module emphasizes basic pricing techniques and how to manage ambiguity.
One of the following exams is required to complete the ASA pathway.
Advanced Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ASTAM) Exam
The Advanced Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ASTAM) Exam provides an assessment of candidates' knowledge of actuarial methods useful in modeling, as well as ratemaking and reserving for short-term coverages.
Advanced Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ALTAM) Exam
The Advanced Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ALTAM) Exam provides an assessment of candidates' knowledge of contingent payment models and how they apply to insurance and other financial risk.
The PA Exam provides an assessment of candidates' knowledge with analytic techniques to solve business problems. The exam has two components: e-Learning modules and an exam.
The Fundamentals of Actuarial Practice (FAP) Course uses real-world applications and examples to demonstrate actuarial principles and practices. Candidates learn how to apply principals and practical techniques in actuarial practice areas.
The Advanced Topics in Predictive Analytics (ATPA) Modules and Assessment provides candidates with the ability to employ selected data science and predictive analytics techniques to solve business problems and effectively communicate the solution.
The Associateship Professionalism Course (APC) is the final requirement for the ASA designation and CERA credential. The APC covers professionalism, ethics and legal liability and makes extensive use of the case study method.
Getting ready for exam day
Prepare with these resources
Once your exam is scheduled, everything you need to study can be found here.
Prepare with online resources like study guides, exam overviews and sample exams, and browse for additional study notes or books available to buy in the SOA store.
When you join SOA, you’ll also have company among an online community of candidates working toward the same goal.
Take the first step
Rewarding work. Excellent prospects. Real impact.
Take the first step on your path to an actuarial career.
