Announcement: SOA releases February 2024 Exam FM passing candidate numbers.

Edition

Examination Services Frequently Asked Questions

Updated February 21, 2024

Educational Pathways:

What Exam should I be taking first?

Candidates have flexibility about the order in which requirements can be completed. A suggested order can be seen here. Click on any exam/requirement below to go to its home page and learn about any specific eligibility requirements.

Why don’t I see my progress of completed requirements in MySOA like some of my peers and colleagues?

Candidates had to have passed SOA examinations on July 1, 2013, or later to have their requirements shown on the educational pathway graphic in MySOA.

Contacting the SOA:

When you have a question for Customer Service, Exams, Education, VEE or the Registrar we ask that you send only one email per topic/question. Multiple follow-up emails with the same question create an additional backlog in our queue and slow down our efficiency in responding to everyone. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Exam Delivery Methods:

How are the exams administered?

The exams are offered as Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and at “Selected Sites” as paper and pencil. Please see the individual exam’s home page for details.

Registration Process:

The preferred registration method is online.

We accept Visa, American Express or Master Card.

All exams have online registration during their specific registration window. (See exam calendars.) Registration is specific to a particular exam administration. Example: Candidates that register for an exam in the January administration are to take the exam in that exam window. If January is not the exam administration that you want to attend, then you must wait and register for the correct exam administration when that registration window is available.

Candidates must register using their first and last name as it is written on their valid/non-expired government issued ID.

Note:  Before you register, make sure you have a Primary mailing address, email, and phone number on your record and that they are current. Your address should match where you plan to take your exam.

How do I change my address?  

Go to www.soa.org, My SOA, Login, Locate SOA Profile, select “Edit Contact Info” which brings you to My Addresses; click on Edit, update information as needed.  Please indicate "Primary" next to you phone, email, and mailing address.

Contact SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900 if you need assistance.

I have registered, but when I go to my record, I see question marks (???) in place of my name. Why?

Our database accepts all information from various keyboards (U.S. and International) however; it only recognizes the U.S./English Alpha-Numeric characters and spaces.

I need a paper application, are they available?

If you need to use a paper application, you can find them on the exam home page. They can be faxed back to us at +1-847-273-8529 with credit card information. Payments made by Check or Money Order must be in U.S. funds or equivalent mailed with the application to reach us by the registration deadline to:

Society of Actuaries
P.O. Box 95600  
Chicago, IL 60694-5600

How do I know if I have registered successfully? 

Online: An order confirmation page should appear onscreen upon successful registration and within the hour receipt of an emailed acknowledgement/receipt. If the onscreen confirmation does not appear and you have not received the emailed confirmation, your order has not been accepted and you will need to contact SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900.

Mailed Application: Once your registration has been processed you will receive an emailed order acknowledgement/receipt.

I'm having a technical problem with online registration, what do I do?

Contact SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900.

Exam Registration Opening and Deadlines:

When does the exam registration window open?

Exam registration windows are typically open for six weeks. To calculate when a particular exam will open registrations please go to the Examination Calendars, select CBT schedule/calendar find the exam and the month of administration, then locate the registration deadline and count back six weeks. Exams P and FM are currently offered as continuous registrations.

When is the exam registration deadline?

Registration deadline dates are listed in the Examination Calendar. No late exam registrations are accepted for the preliminary exams.

When does the exam registration close?

Online: Registration closes at midnight U.S. Central Time on the deadline date.

Paper Applications:  Must be received in the office by midnight U.S. Central Time on the deadline date. Applications received after the deadline will NOT be accepted. You will be contacted by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) if your application is denied due to a late delivery. We encourage you to register online, by fax, or use an overnight delivery service. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Once your registration is processed, you will receive an emailed acknowledgement/receipt.

Why are late registrations not accepted for Exams P, FM, FAM, FAML, FAMS, and SRM?

Deadline dates are predetermined by Prometric and the SOA. Each exam window is at least six weeks in length; allowing sufficient time for candidates to register for an exam. There needs to be a definitive cut-off time to allow for candidate information uploads. These uploads are what allow candidates to schedule appointments at the Prometric exam center of their choice, and they allow Prometric to set-up the various exam related processes for their exam centers. To be consistent for all exam candidates, once registration is closed for these exams, there are no exceptions.

Payments:

How can I tell if I have registered successfully/paid for my exam?

An email will be sent to the primary email address on your record approximately an hour after a successful registration and it will show a zero-balance due. If you do not receive an emailed exam receipt, then you should verify that your order was successfully processed.

Go to www.soa.org, My SOA, Login, scroll down to Locate Orders and Dues, select the order date in question, click on View beneath Receipt. If there is no order, then your online registration was unsuccessful, and you must try again. If your order is there, you can review it and check to see if there is a balance due.

Contact  SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900 should you have any difficulties.

Refund Policy:

The SOA does not offer refunds for its examinations since January 2011. Please review this policy.

Acknowledgement Letter/Ticket of Admission:

When can I expect my Acknowledgement/Ticket of Admission/Receipt? 

CBT Exams

  • After your registration has been processed successfully with the SOA, you will receive an acknowledgement/receipt to your primary email that includes your unique candidate number for this administration.

    candidate-receipt.png
  • The candidate number is included in the body of the acknowledgement/receipt and will be uploaded to Prometric approximately 1-hour after receiving the email. The upload time frame is an approximation and can take longer. Please check multiple times at Prometric and if after a few hours the information is not at Prometric, then you can email soaexams@soa.org to ask for a review of why your candidate number has not been uploaded to Prometric. Candidate numbers that are not uploaded automatically may have missing contact information on their record. Record requirements that may cause upload issues are the following: A missing or invalid primary phone number, primary email address or primary mailing address.
  • NOTE: Appointment Strategies! Candidates are asked to try and make their Prometric appointments the sooner the better after receiving their emailed acknowledgement of a confirmed exam registration so that they can secure an appointment at their preferred Prometric testing location and exam date. Occasionally, upon the initial attempt to secure an appointment an exam candidate may find their local Prometric CBT center is filled on the days when the exam is offered. Prometric appointments are very fluid, and we suggest attempting to secure an appointment several times over the course of a week or two. If you cannot secure an appointment within a reasonable time frame, please (a) complete the online capacity form, found within your emailed confirmation or on every exam homepage, (b) reach out to Customer Service.
  • The latest a candidate can schedule a CBT appointment for Exams P, FM, FAM, FAML, FAMS, and SRM is 48-hours prior to the start time of the exam on the final day of the testing window. No appointments or changes will be made after that time.
  • NEW Appointment Scheduling Closes: Due to the nature of the Spring/Fall FSA, ERM, EA and PA Exams, and Prometric’s need for preparing and testing machines prior to the exam window, appointment scheduling will close. Please see your confirmation receipt for the last day to schedule an appointment for your exam.
  • If you do not receive an appointment confirmation email from Prometric within 24-hours of scheduling your exam appointment, please contact Prometric directly to make sure the exam appointment was recorded properly.

How and when do I schedule my exam appointment at Prometric?

Schedule Online with Prometric (Preferred Choice)

After approximately 1-hour or longer of receiving your acknowledgement/receipt email, you may schedule your exam appointment by going to: Prometric.com/SOA and using your candidate number found in the receipt area of your exam email. (See above sample acknowledgement/receipt.)

Step by Step Guide to Appointment Scheduling at Prometric.com/SOA

  • Go to www.prometric.com/soa
  • Locate “ACTIONS”, Click on, “Schedule”.
  • Choose the location where you want to take your exam
  • Read through Information Review, click on Next.
  • Read through Privacy Policy Review, Confirm and Consent, click on Next.
  • Information you will need your candidate number (minimum of three digits and a maximum 5 digits) that is located on the receipt area of your email. Plus up to the first four letters of your last name. Click on Next.
  • Test Center Selection, put into the Search box name of the city you want to take the exam in, click on search, select from the list of available Prometric Test Centers, click on Schedule Appointment.
  • Date and Time Selection, click on Next.
  • Select the appointment date and available time, click on Next.
  • Additional Information
    • Fill in your Email address, then Validate your email address, click on Next.
  • Appointment Verification
    • Verify your appointment information, your name’s spelling, date, time, and exam name.
    • Finish by clicking on Complete Appointment.
  • After scheduling is completed successfully, please print the confirmation page from Prometric for your reference.

Are there language options?

CBT Language Options – Please select carefully.

C.B.T. Preliminary Exams P, FM, FAM, FAML, FAMS, SRM
English or French. Please select carefully.

  • English is the only language option outside of Canada.
  • Candidates taking their exam in Canada will have the bilingual options of English or French language.

If English is selected the entire testing experience is in the English language.
If French is selected, the candidate sees a split screen (English on the left‐hand side/French on the right‐hand side). The Tutorial and the Final Score Report are entirely in French. The examination portion is completely in English with the navigation ability to select a French translation of the exam question by clicking on a button titled "French".

C.B.T. Spring/Fall Exam PA
The PA exam is primarily in English with the ability to see the tutorial, and project statement in French by clicking on a button labeled “French” or "Exhibit".

C.B.T. Spring/Fall Exams FSA and ERM
The FSA, ERM and EA Exams, when you access the exam, it will be in English. There will be a button on the screen titled “French” or "Exhibit" to view the same page in French. The ability to see and use the “French” or "Exhibit" button to see the exam question in French is offered globally for the Spring/Fall exams, except for the exams that are U.S. nation specific.

C.B.T. Spring/Fall EA Exams are only offered in English.

Paper/Pencil Exams (Multiple-Choice)

You will receive an emailed Receipt/Acknowledgement Letter/Ticket of Admission upon successful online registration or after paper application has been processed. This letter will include your candidate number and selected exam center number. (See above the sample acknowledgement/receipt.) The Acknowledgement Letter/Ticket of Admission also serves as your receipt. If you receive an Acknowledgement/Ticket of Admission/Receipt that contains incorrect information, contact  SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900.

How can I receive another Acknowledgement/Ticket of Admission/Exam Receipt?
CBT Exams and Paper/Pencil Exams

If you have not received or have misplaced your Acknowledgement/Ticket of Admission/Receipt, you can reprint one.

Go to www.soa.org, My SOA, Login, scroll down to Locate Orders and Dues, select the exam and order date in question, click on View beneath Receipt. Print off this document which contains your Name, Candidate ID Number, Exam Location, and the name of the Exam.

E-mailed Acknowledgement Letters/Tickets of Admission/Receipts should be printed and used for admittance into the paper/pencil SOA exam locations. You may use your smart phone to show the emailed ticket of admission to the exam supervisor; however, it is the candidate’s responsibility to recall their candidate number or to have it written on a piece of paper to be able to bring it into the testing room so you can put it on the examination, since cell phones are not allowed in the Prometric Testing Room and to be turned off in the SOA exam testing room.

Contact SOA Customer Service or at +1-888-697-3900 if you need assistance.

Calculators:

What are the approved calculators and how can I obtain one?

Only the following models of Texas Instruments calculators are approved:

  • BA-35
  • BA II Plus
  • BA II Plus Professional
  • TI – 30Xa or TI – 30XA, same model just different casing, both approved.
  • TI-30X II (IIS solar or IIB battery)
  • TI-30XS MultiView (or XB battery)

Candidates may bring more than one calculator into the examination room along with extra batteries, provided each calculator is on the approved list.

Calculator covers and instructions will not be permitted in the examination room. Please note that upon entrance to the exam room, candidates using the BA II Plus, BA II Plus Professional Edition, TI-30X IIS, TI-30XB (solar or battery), or TI-30XS MultiView (or XB battery) must show the supervisor that the memory has been cleared.

NOTE: BA II Plus and the BA II Plus Professional Edition, clearing the calculator will reset the calculator to the factory default settings.

No other calculators will be provided for those who fail to bring an approved model.

Please see the exam home page for specific Rules and Regulations regarding calculators.

You can purchase calculators at any office supply store or directly from: Texas Instruments at Epsstore.ti.com.

Enrolled Actuaries (EA) Examinations:

Candidates may use any model that meets the specifications of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries as follows: "Candidates for the EA exams are permitted to use calculators which (1) have self-contained power sources; (2) are noiseless; and (3) do not have the capability to retain text."

Identification:

REQUIRED: All candidates must present a non-expired valid government-issued identification with:

  • Name (English/Latin alphabet)
  • Photograph
  • Signature

Digital ID’s are not accepted at this time at any Prometric Testing Location or at any Paper/Pencil SOA Testing Location. Only hard copy non-expired valid government issued ID’s are accepted.

A secondary form of identification is required if the name on your government-issued identification is not in English/Latin alphabet or lacks either a photo or a signature (but should not lack both.)

Primary Forms of Identification

If you are testing in your Country of Citizenship, acceptable types of identification include:

  • Passport
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Military ID

A secondary form of identification is required if the name on your identification is not in English/Latin alphabet or lacks either a photo or a signature (but should not lack both.)

If you are testing outside your Country of Citizenship, you must present a passport as your primary form of identification. If the name on your passport is not in English/Latin alphabet, or lacks either a photo or a signature, a secondary form of identification is required.

IMPORTANT: If you are testing outside your Country of Citizenship and you cannot present a non-expired valid passport, you will not be allowed to test.

Secondary Forms of Identification
Secondary forms of identification must be non-expired, include the same name used on the primary government-issued ID, and include the missing signature or photo.

  • Alien registration card
  • National ID card
  • Employee ID
  • Student ID
  • Major credit card
  • Bank card

Primary Forms of Identification

The following are helpful reminders:

  • All forms of identification being presented at the testing center must match your name exactly as it appears on the scheduling notification. You will not be allowed to test if the name on your identification does not exactly match the name on your scheduling notification.
  • Your identification must be in good condition, and cannot be bent, frayed, taped, cracked, or otherwise damaged in any way.
  • The identification must be the original and cannot be photocopies. Neither SOA or Prometric will make any exceptions to this policy.
  • If you need to contact Prometric for any assistance, use the same form of your name that is on your exam application form and your government issued photo ID. Do not change the spelling and do not change the order of your name.
  • Including your middle name is optional, and not required.
  • When you arrive at the test center, you will be required to present your valid non-expired government-issued identification with both a signature and a photograph as describe above.
  • If you have questions or are uncertain about what constitutes valid identification, contact the SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900 prior to the exam administration.
  • Without the required ID, a candidate will not be permitted to test, and the exam fee will be forfeited.

Name Change

If your name has legally changed between the time you registered for your exam, and the date of your exam (such as getting married, divorced) make sure your ID has been updated and send the name change information to the SOA Customer Service Center as soon as possible.

The SOA is unable to guarantee that any updates can be made to the name within five business days of a scheduled exam.

No photocopies of identification or of name change documentation will be accepted at the testing center.

Water Bottles:

Can I bring a water bottle into the testing room? Do I need an accommodation?

Exam Candidates are now permitted to bring water into the Testing Room in a clear container without having to get an accommodation. The container must be completely transparent, regardless of container color. If the container includes a lid, that may be a solid color. All labeling on the container must be removed prior to entry. Candidates may not bring in more than one container at a time. The water bottle will be inspected by the Prometric TCA’s so that it meets the specified requirements and that there is nothing on the container.

Candidate Number:

Where can I locate my candidate number?

Your Acknowledgment Letter/Ticket of Admission/Exam Receipt contains the assigned candidate number for the exam that you have registered for and the candidate number is different for each exam registration. (See above a sample acknowledgment/receipt and the location of the candidate number.) 

Go to www.soa.org, My SOA, Login, scroll down to Locate Orders and Dues, select the order date in question, click on View beneath Receipt. View or print as needed.

CBT exams – candidate numbers are used at the Prometric website to schedule your seat for the exam.

Paper/Pencil Exams (Multiple-Choice and Written Essay) – candidate numbers are used for identification purposes and need to be written on both scantron answer sheets and the front cover of the exam book that you are using.

Retain your candidate number to confirm results on the SOA Website.

Contact SOA Customer Service or + 1-888-697-3900 if you need assistance.

Exam Times:

What time do the exams start and how long are they?

Exact dates, times and length of the exams can be found on the specific exam’s home page. To avoid scheduling conflicts, please allow yourself enough time “before” and “after”  the exam in the event of an unexpected occurrence.

CBT Exams – Exam date and time are dependent on what exam appointment you selected.

Recommended arrival time is at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your examination to allow for check-in.

CBT Appointment Duration vs. Exam Time – The appointment duration includes the time for you to review a pre-exam tutorial as well as a brief post-exam survey, in addition to the exam time. The exam time varies by exam and that information can be found on the exam’s home page and the first paragraph of the specific exam’s syllabus.

CBT Appointment Duration for all SOA Exams
Pre-exam Tutorial 12 minutes
Exam Time Varies by exam. It can be found on the exam’s home page
and the first paragraph of the specific exam’s syllabus.
Post-exam Survey 15 minutes

An unofficial pass/fail test result will appear onscreen after the post-exam survey for preliminary exams P and FM and starting with the May 2024 administration of the SRM exam. Any exams that are new or have had recent syllabus changes (like FAM, FAML, FAMS) and the Spring/Fall PA, FSA, ERM, and EA exams will not receive an onscreen unofficial pass/fail, because of their grading methodology.

A diagnostic representation is provided for the preliminary exams with unofficial instant results (noted above) if the result shows you were unsuccessful in achieving the passing score.

CBT Exams P and FM and starting with the May 2024 administration of the SRM exam will now receive their unofficial pass/fail report and diagnostic representation (if unsuccessful) via an email to your primary email address on file directly from Prometric approximately an hour after the exam. 

If you did not receive your score report from Prometric, you can use the Prometric Report Validation Portal to get a pdf copy of it. You will need to enter your exam confirmation number and your last name and then complete the captcha code, then click "Validate Score Report".

An example of what to expect on the Prometric Report Validation Portal

Paper/Pencil Exams(Multiple-Choice) – A predetermined exam date for each exam offered.  Check exam home page for specifics or the exam schedule web page.

Paper/Pencil Exam Day
Check In Supervisors are asked to open the exam room 30 minutes before the
scheduled start time to allow for admission procedures.
Pre-Exam Process Supervisor reading of instructions, distribution of exam materials.
Exams Begins Supervisor will "reset" the exam clock to the scheduled start time and candidates
will be instructed to begin work. Candidates will be given the full amount of exam time
according to the "reset" clock to complete the exam.
End of Exam Time is called, all exam materials are collected and then candidates are dismissed.

 

Exam Locations:

Where can I find out the address of the exam center?

All CBT Exams – Go to the Prometric site, locate ACTIONS, use “Locate”.

Paper/Pencil Exams (Multiple-Choice) – Go to the Exam page, scroll down until you locate, Exam Center Location (PDF document).

Do SOA exam locations that administer Paper/Pencil exams ever change/close prior to exam day?

Exam locations can change from the time they are confirmed up until exam day. The candidate is responsible for checking for any changes up until exam day. If changes are last minute an effort will be made to send out an email to the affected exam candidates.

Do CBT testing centers ever change or close prior to or on exam day?

When a Prometric test center is closed due to weather-related issues or events outside of the test administrator’s control, you will be contacted by the Prometric Candidate Care Team within 48-72 hours via recorded phone message and/or email. For this reason, it is very important that you provide an accurate email address and verify that your phone number is correct when scheduling an exam appointment online.

Prometric may automatically schedule a new appointment. Please pay special attention to the new appointment location, as it is subject to change from your original appointment.

Please call Prometric Customer Service Center and inquire about rescheduling if:

  • the test center is closed, and you are not contacted by the Prometric Candidate Care Team within 48-72 hours via recorded phone message and/or email.
  • the new appointment date, new time or new location is inconvenient.

The $70 rescheduling fee is waived for above circumstances.

If you need further assistance, please email soaexams@soa.org as soon as possible.

Change of Exam Center & Appointment Date:

How do I request a change of exam center & appointment date?

The quickest and easiest way to reschedule your exam is to do it online, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Rescheduling is available for all CBT Exams, however the rules around rescheduling are dependent on which exam you want to reschedule.

CBT Exams P, FM, FAM, FAML, FAMS, and SRM may reschedule until noon of the second business day prior to the scheduled exam, if there is an open appointment and may include a Prometric rescheduling fee, see fee schedule below. For example, to reschedule an exam for Tuesday, you must notify the test center by noon on the Friday before the Tuesday appointment. Candidates may only reschedule an appointment within the same testing window. For example, if you are registered for exam P in January, you must reschedule an appointment within the January testing window. You will not be able to reschedule for the next exam P administration in a different month.

CBT Spring/Fall Exams FSA, ERM, PA and EA may reschedule until the appointment scheduling ability has closed at Prometric. Now in every receipt for the Spring/Fall CBT exams there is a disclaimer about when appointment scheduling closes. “Due to the nature of all the Spring/Fall Exams, and Prometric’s need for preparing and testing machines prior to the exam window, SCHEDULING will CLOSE on the following date -” See your receipt to find out the exact date scheduling will close for your exam.

  • Go to the Prometric site and use the reschedule function.
  • Or call the test center where you are scheduled to take the exam. Notification must be left directly with the administrator at the test center. Do NOT leave a message on the answering machine—this does not constitute official notification.

Rescheduling may result in a fee paid directly to Prometric. For further assistance, contact the Prometric Customer Service Center.

Cancellation/Reschedule Period Fee
Reschedule 30 or more days before appointment date None
Reschedule 2-29 days before appointment date $70.00
Cancellation or Failing to appear at appointment on time Forfeiture of exam fee

No correction can be made, and we are unable to provide authorization to reschedule once either the 48-hour window has passed for the preliminary exams, or the approximate two-week close of scheduling for the Spring/Fall exams.

Candidates with Testing Accommodations must contact the Testing Accommodations Advocates at Prometric +1-800-967-1139 to reschedule or cancel.

The rescheduling rules and associated fees are determined by and administered through Prometric.

Registration fees mandated by the SOA are separate and are detailed in the Exam Fees section.

Paper/Pencil Exams (Multiple-Choice) – Center changes are contingent on availability at the new location requested. After the registration deadline, there is a non-refundable fee of $60.00 due at the time of the approved request. Walk-in candidates without proper registration will not be allowed to test at the exam center.  

To request a center change, contact SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900.

Reporting of Technical Issues at Prometric Locations:

What do I do if I encounter a technical issue at a Prometric exam location?

Technical Difficulties

In the uncommon event that a candidate’s computer freezes momentarily during the exam, the exam timer will also freeze so that the candidate will not lose exam time or completed questions. If the computer freezes for a significant period, or if you experience any other technical difficulties, it is critical that you notify a test center administrator immediately for the purposes of both troubleshooting and documentation.

On the rare occasion that the administrator is unable to resolve the technical issue, register a complaint with Prometric. You will receive a reference number for the complaint, and a response within 48 business hours. If the issue can be resolved on a call, please proceed to call the Prometric Customer Service Center.

Reporting Spring/Fall FSA, ERM and EA exam technical difficulties

Please follow these steps to report any technical issue on the day of your exam.

  1. Raise your hand at the time the technical issue occurs at the Prometric testing center and ask the Prometric staff to trouble shoot the problem.
  2. If the problem cannot be resolved quickly to ask for and receive a Prometric Case Number for their issue.
  3. Subsequently fill out the technical issues Wufoo form - the link can be found on the exams home page once exam administration has started, or Customer Service can provide it. This way the issue can be documented, and we can reach out to Prometric for information and a resolution.
  4. Allow time for review and a reply.

Reporting April/October Exam PA exam technical difficulties

Please follow these steps to report any technical issue on the day of your exam.

  1. Raise your hand at the time the technical issue occurs at the Prometric testing center and ask the Prometric staff to trouble shoot the problem.
  2. If the problem cannot be resolved quickly to ask for and receive a Prometric Case Number for their issue.
  3. Subsequently, fill out this technical issues Wufoo form - the link can be found on the exams home page once exam administration has started, or Customer Service can provide it. This way the issue can be documented, and we can reach out to Prometric for information and a resolution.
  4. Allow time for review and a reply.

Testing Accommodations for Exam Candidates

Whom should I contact?   

To request testing accommodations for the SOA exams a candidate must submit a written request and medical documentation by the exam registration deadline.  
Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the situation for which the arrangements are requested.

Upon sending the email or Wufoo to the Accommodation Department, please allow 3 to 5 business days for an initial email reply.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not schedule an exam appointment with Prometric until you receive an email from Accommodations advising that you can schedule and the phone number to use. If you schedule your appointment prior to your accommodations are confirmed – they cannot be added onto an already existing appointment.

Do not schedule your exam appointment until your accommodations are approved. Accommodations cannot be added to an existing appointment.

Once your accommodations are approved you have the two options for scheduling your appointment:

Standard: You can call the Prometric Testing Accommodations staff and speak with a specialist to make your appointment. View Prometric global phone numbers.

Accommodation Scheduling Option: Once you receive your notification that your accommodation is approved, you can schedule your appointment. Many appointments with approved testing accommodations are available for scheduling through our online scheduling tool. Please note that certain accommodations will require direct action from our specialized Testing Accommodation team to ensure readiness for test day and the first available appointment date will reflect that readiness time period. The readiness time period is 14 business days.

For more information contact accommodations@soa.org

Grades:

When can I expect to receive my examination results? 

Preliminary CBT Exams

An unofficial pass/fail result will be displayed on the computer screen at the conclusion of the examination – please look for it. Preliminary exams P and FM and starting with the May 2024 Exam SRM administration will receive an emailed pass/fail document to their primary email address on their record. All other preliminary exams will continue to receive in most test centers, a printed copy of the candidate’s unofficial pass/fail result in the administrative area outside the Prometric testing room. *This excludes any exams that have had recent syllabus changes or are new (FAM, FAML, FAMS) and the PA, FSA, ERM, and EA exams.

Also, a diagnostic representation is provided for all candidates who are unsuccessful on the preliminary CBT exams. This performance feedback is provided on the same document that Prometric will provide with your unofficial pass/fail results either via email for exams P, FM and SRM or in printed form for the remaining preliminary exams. *This excludes any exams that have had recent syllabus changes or are new (FAM, FAML, FAMS) and the PA, FSA, ERM, and EA exams.

Passing candidate numbers for the preliminary exams will be posted on the exam results web page approximately 8 weeks after the CBT Exam Session. You will need your candidate number to verify this information.

To access your grade, go to www.soa.org, My SOA, Login, Click on My Education and Exams, then locate Education and Exams and at the bottom of the box click on Transcripts.

* When an exam is going through syllabus changes, instantaneous results and the diagnostic representation will no longer be available, at least for the next few sessions to allow for post-exam analysis which is required by the examination committee. Instead, results will be released on the SOA website about 8 weeks after each testing window ends.

Contact SOA Customer Service or +1-888-697-3900 if you need assistance.

CBT Exams – PA, FSA, ERM, and EA

Spring PA, EA, ERM and FSA Exam grades are released in July.

Fall PA, EA, ERM and FSA Exam grades are released in January of the following year.

All FSA Exams will have an “Analysis Breakdown” for all candidates who are unsuccessful on the exam on their transcripts approximately one week after the grades are posted.

Model Solutions are posted to the website approximately 3 weeks after the grades are released.

Paper/Pencil Exams (Multiple-Choice)  -- Passing candidate numbers will be posted on the exam results web page approximately 8 weeks after the Exam Session. You will need your candidate number to verify this information.

Transcripts/Grade Reports:

How do I obtain an Official Transcript or a specific grade slip?

To access your transcript/grade result, go to www.soa.org, My SOA, Login, Click on My Education and Exams, then locate Education and Exams and at the bottom of the box click on Transcripts. View or Print as needed. You can print off your entire transcript which only shows the exams that you have successfully completed or if you only require a specific grade slip, you can print an individual one.

If you need a transcript with a water mark, or any other assistance contact, SOA Customer Service or at +1-888-697-3900.

Hand Scoring:

What exactly is hand scoring?

I believe there may have been an error in the scoring of my scantron answer sheet for my paper/pencil, multiple-choice exam, how can I go about having it scored again?

Hand scoring is a verification that the scantron sheet that was received was scored correctly. It is not a verification of anything that was written in the exam book itself nor does this process transfer information from the exam book onto the scantron sheet. It is solely a process of confirming that the multiple-choice answer sheet was scored correctly. Applications for hand scoring must be received within 60 days after the exam results are released. See the hand scoring homepage for information and the application.

Do not request hand scoring services until you have checked your grade.

If you should have any other questions regarding this process, please contact soaexams@soa.org.