Which Actuarial Exam Should I Take First?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

While still an undergraduate, one should pass at least the first exam, also called

the Probability Exam

. This is a three-hour multiple-choice examination. It is called Exam P by the Society of Actuaries and Exam 1 by the Casualty Actuarial Society.

When should you take the first actuarial exam?

In summary,

if you’ve taken calculus courses that taught double integration then take Exam

P first. If you’ve learned about the time value of money, take Exam FM first. If you’ve learned both or neither, start with FM because it’s probably going to be easier of the two.

What are the first 3 actuary exams?

The exams are split into 3 levels: first level (

essentials of insurance and economy, mathematics, statistics and probability, financial mathematics

); second level (accounting and financial reporting, insurance mathematics (life and non-life), risk analysis, actuarial modeling); and third level (investment and risk …

What are the 7 actuary exams?

  • Exam 1 – Probability.
  • Exam 2 – Financial Mathematics.
  • Exam 3F – Models for Financial Economics.
  • Exam S – Statistics and Probabilistic Models.
  • Exam 5 – Basic Techniques for Ratemaking and Estimating Claim Liabilities.
  • Exam 6 – Regulation & Financial Reporting.

How long does it take to study for the first actuarial exam?

The general rule of thumb for actuary exams is to study

100 hours for each hour of the exam

. The first two exams you take are both three hours long, which means you’d need to study 300 hours for each one.

What level of math is actuary?

Actuaries must be proficient in

advanced mathematics areas

, including calculus, statistics, and probability. Professionals also benefit from knowledge of college-level algebra, trigonometry, and linear algebra. Actuaries use math skills to design financially sound insurance, pension, and financial plans.

Is it hard to pass actuary exams?

But unlike doctors or lawyers, actuaries need to, in order to become fully credentialed, pass a series of difficult tests called Actuarial Exams. …

Very very hard

. The preliminary exams are 3 hours long, consisting of 30-35 multiple choice problems, and the pass rate is typically only 30-40%.

What is the easiest actuarial exam?

But,

Exam P and FM

tend to be the easiest for most people, so you should start by passing those two first. IFM should be third. After that, order should be determined based on your schooling and experience.

What is the highest level of actuary?

Among actuaries employed in the field of casualty insurance, salaries range from $85,000 to $360,000 or more upon attaining associate-level certification. Actuaries who achieved the highest level of certification,

fellowship

, saw wages that went from $114,000 to more than $556,000.

How many hours should you study for an actuarial exam?

Preparation is key.

While everyone studies differently, the typical candidate studies about

100 hours for every hour of the exam

. For example, exam P/1 is a three hour exam. That means you will be hitting the books for 300 hours to fully master the concepts tested on that exam.

How many exams are there to be an actuary?

Exams can be retaken as often as every two months. In addition to passing the

seven exams

, there are Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) courses in economics, accounting and finance, and mathematical statistics that are required to become an associate level actuary.

Can I call myself an actuary?

You can call

yourself an actuary having qualified as an Associate

and you are entitled to use the letters “AIA” or “AFA”. However, you cannot do anything where there is a legal requirement to be a Fellow. … More generally, you should be aware that all members are bound by the Actuaries’ Code.

How many levels of actuary are there?

On clearing all

4 stages

, and acquiring 3 years of experience, you become a Fellow. As a fellow, you can pursue further studies and research in the field. However, clearing 5 papers is enough to fetch you a job as an Actuary. There is no defined timeframe to clear the exams, and you can complete them at your own pace.

Do actuary exams expire?

Fortunately,

actuarial exams do not expire

. If you passed one several years ago, it still counts as being passed and you do not have to rewrite the exam. There isn’t a specific time frame in which you have to pass all the actuarial exams.

How do I do well in actuary exams?

  1. Don’t Underestimate the Necessary Amount of Time and Study Preparation. …
  2. Start Prepping Early. …
  3. Take One Exam at a Time. …
  4. Take Advantage of Available Resources. …
  5. Obtain the right study materials.

What are the 10 actuary exams?

  • EXAM P: PROBABILITY.
  • EXAM FM: FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS.
  • EXAM IFM: INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL MARKETS.
  • EXAM SRM: STATISTICS FOR RISK MODELLING.
  • EXAM STAM: SHORT TERM ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS.
  • EXAM LTAM: LONG TERM ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS.
  • EXAM PA: PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.