Preparing for CM1 and CS1 actuarial exams requires more than just hard work—it demands strategy, discipline, and consistency. A well-planned weekly study timetable can boost your chances of success by helping you cover the syllabus methodically while also leaving room for revision, practice, and self-assessment.
Whether you're juggling college, work, or other commitments, this timetable will ensure you stay on track without burnout.
Your Ideal Weekly Study Timetable for CM1 & CS1:
Monday to Friday:
- 2 hours daily dedicated to learning new concepts (both theory + Excel/R programming)
- 30 minutes daily to revise the previous day's content (flashcards, notes, or summary sheets)
- Focus on 1 major topic per day to avoid overlap and confusion
Midweek Focus Areas (Tuesday to Thursday):
- CM1: Prioritize Chapters 7–12 (Contingent payments, annuities, and profit testing)
- CS1: Target Chapters 6–10 (Probability distributions, estimation, and hypothesis testing)
Saturday:
- Solve 2 past exam questions (1 from Paper A and 1 from Paper B)
- Watch 1 recorded doubt-solving session to reinforce learning and tackle tricky problems
- Take notes on mistakes or difficult areas for review on Sunday
Sunday:
- Attempt a timed mock paper or partial section under exam conditions
-
Spend 45–60 mins on performance analysis:
- Identify weak areas
- Track accuracy & speed
- Update your study plan based on results
Bonus Tips for Success:
- Use Excel or Notion to track daily goals and weekly progress
- Schedule buffer time for unexpected delays or mental rest
- Don’t skip Paper B practice—Excel/R fluency is critical!
- Keep one rest/reward session in your weekly plan to avoid burnout
Why This Works:
- Consistency builds retention
- Active recall & spaced repetition improve memory
- Mock-based learning helps simulate exam mindset early on
SMONK Advantage:
At SMONK, we provide:
- Structured weekly planners
- Personal accountability checks
- Live mentorship support
- All tailored for CM1 & CS1 aspirants aiming for IAI or IFoA success.