How do I become an actuary?
A Career and a Community are Just a First Step Away
To become an actuary, you’ll take a set of exams. Getting started is as simple as creating your SOA Affiliate Member account and selecting your first exam. Our website is your source for support and community along the path to your actuarial career.
Let the SOA be your guide
You’ll work toward your Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) designation by taking a series of scheduled exams, online modules, take-home assessments, and an ethics seminar.
The resources for becoming an actuary are found here on our website, where you can plan, study and register for every step along the way.
We’ll help make the process clear, connecting you with a community of fellow candidates.
Past exams & solutions
Tips for studying
Additional resources
Peer support
Choose your educational pathway to become an actuary
Your path toward an ASA designation includes a set of exams taken in a flexible sequence.
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.
Now is the right time to start!
How can I help others get started?
Influencer kits
Are you an educator looking for information to share with your students about the actuarial profession and how to get started?
View our influencer kits, with materials such as brochures and videos grouped together by audience.
Ready to get a first look at the exam process?
Fundamentals of Actuarial Practice (FAP) course trial
This e-learning program is available to prospective ASA candidates on a trial basis. It’s ideal for anyone interested in exploring what it takes to complete the exam, including high school students and their parents.
Start your actuarial journey
As a valued strategic thinker, an actuary’s career path often leads to upper management and executive positions. Opportunities for an actuary can be found worldwide in a global marketplace.
