Predictive Analytics Certificate Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do modules in the Predictive Analytics/ Advanced Predictive Analytics Certificate look like?
   Each module is a self-paced, online, e-learning course. All the work is done online. Each module contains approximately 30 hours of content.
2. Do I need a Predictive Analytics Certificate to be able to register for the Advanced Predictive Analytics Certificate?
   No. The Predictive Analytics Certificate is not a pre-requisite for the Advanced Predictive Analytics Certificate. You can register for the Advanced Predictive Analytics Certificate separately but should have some previous knowledge of predictive analytics to be successful.
3. I lost access to the Predictive Analytics/ Advanced Predictive Analytics Certificate Bundle. How can I gain my access back?
   If it has been more than 18 months since you purchased the Bundle, your access has ended. You need to re-purchase the bundle to continue.
4. I started working on Predictive Analytics/ Advanced Predictive Analytics modules/Bundle but have not finished and need more time. It has been almost 18 months since I started the program. Can I get an extension?
   It is strongly advised that you pace your study to finish 18 months from the date of purchase. To extend your access beyond the 18 months, you’d need to re-purchase the module(s)/bundle.
5. Can I register for the Regular/ Advanced PA Certificate Assessment if I have not taken the Regular/ Advanced PA Certificate modules with the SOA?
   No. You need to take all modules in the specific Certificate to be eligible for its Assessment.
6. How often is there an opportunity to do the Regular/ Advanced PA Certificate Assessment?
   Both Regular and Advanced PA Certificate Assessments are offered three times per year: in March, July, and November.
7. The Regular/ Advanced PA Certificate Assessment includes a seminar. What does the seminar look like?
   This is a live, instructor-led seminar that covers the content and format of the Assessment. You will also be able to interact with the instructor and ask questions about the analytics content of the modules.
8. What does the Regular/ Advanced PA Certificate Assessment look like?
   The Assessment requires you to complete a predictive analytics project. The project will be graded based on the written report, code used to run the model, as well as the analysis. It is estimated that the Assessment will take 10-15 hours of work to be completed. You will have 96 hours to complete the assessment from the moment the assessment files are downloaded.
9. What happens during the Regular/ Advanced PA Assessment window?
   The Assessment is made available over the course of 5 days (120-hour window) beginning at 12:01am (CST, Central Time-USA Chicago) on the start date listed on the website. It will end at 11:59pm (CST, Central Time-USA Chicago) on the end date listed on the website. Once the assessment is downloaded, you will have 96 hours to complete it. However, if the download is less than 96 hours from the window’s closing time, submission must be made by the closing time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
10. I registered for the Regular/ Advanced PA Certificate Assessment but cannot take it during this time. What are my options?
    Should you wish to move the assessment to the next available date, you will need to pay a retake fee of $500. E-mail certificates@soa.org to start the re-take registration process. Assessments are offered three times a year in March, July, and November.
11. Are there any discounts for those residing outside of the US and Canada?
    Yes, a discount of 10% is offered to registrants who reside in eligible countries. Consult the list of Eligible Qualified Countries.
12. The question I have was not answered here. Who do I contact?
    E-mail certificates@soa.org with your question and we’ll get back to you.