The Ultimate Guide to the Society
of Actuaries (SOA)
"Before we talk about exams, what does an actuary actually do? Actuaries use math, statistics, and financial theory to measure and manage risk they are essentially the 'fortune tellers' of the financial world, helping companies prepare for the future.
Welcome to your counsellor-guided resource for the SOA. If you want to specialise in life insurance, health insurance, or investments, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the globally recognised governing body you need to join."
ASA Pathway
"The Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) is your foundational tier. It proves you have mastered fundamental math, statistics, and business concepts."
FSA Pathway
"The Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) is your expert tier. Earning your Fellowship means you are a specialized master in your chosen practice area."
VEEs & Modules
"Alongside exams, candidates must complete Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credits and elearning modules to build practical skills."
The preliminary exams are the critical first step toward earning your ASA (Associate of the Society of Actuaries) designation. These rigorous, computer based tests ensure you have mastered foundational actuarial mathematics, statistics, and business concepts. Core preliminary exams include Probability (P), Financial Mathematics (FM), Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM), Advanced Topics (ASTAM/ALTAM), and Predictive Analytics (PA).
"After completing your core preliminary exams, you will need to take an Advanced Math exam. Here, you get to choose your path based on your career interests! You will pick either ALTAM (Advanced Long Term Actuarial Mathematics, which focuses on things like Life Insurance and Pensions) OR ASTAM (Advanced Short Term Actuarial Mathematics, which focuses on Health and General Insurance)."
"You don't just take written exams to become an actuary! The SOA also requires practical business knowledge.
VEEs (Validation by Educational Experience): These are credits you can claim for subjects like Economics, Accounting, and Finance. The best part? You can often get these credits just by taking specific classes at your university!
FAP Modules: These are online, self paced e learning courses (Fundamentals of Actuarial Practice) that teach you how to apply your math skills to real-world business problems."