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.

Choose your educational pathway to become an actuary

Your path toward an ASA designation includes a set of exams taken in a flexible sequence. 

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Foundations:

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).

Actuarial I:

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.

Actuarial II:

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.