Learn about actuarial exams and University of Iowa coursework

“In the forefront of actuarial folklore stands the belief that the actuarial examinations constitute a mystery impenetrable by mortal man.”
Charles A. Spoerl, Transactions of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 1 (1949)

“The primary unifying force of the actuarial profession in North America is the shared experience of the actuarial exams.  These difficult and competitive exams . . . yield a bond among actuaries that is stronger and longer lasting than that produced by the entry trials of other professions and careers.  Actuaries are unique in the extent to which they remember and discuss their qualifying process, contribute their time to the education and examinations of prospective actuaries, and share a sense of community with those who have traveled the same road.  The exams are sufficiently difficult to produce a sense of accomplishment best appreciated by other successful candidates.”
Society of Actuaries Task Force on the Actuary of the Future (1988).

SOA/CAS exam information

SOA ExamExam DateRegistration Deadline 
Financial Mathematics (FM) ExamApril 2-13, 2024 (CBT)March 5, 2024 
Predictive Analytics (PA) ExamApril 16-19, 2024 (CBT)March 12, 2024 
Advanced Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ALTAM) ExamApril 23, 2024 (CBT)March 25, 2024 
Advanced Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ASTAM) ExamApril 24, 2024 (CBT)March 25, 2024 
Probability (P) ExamMay 10-21, 2024 (CBT)May 10, 2024 (P/P)April 9, 2024 
Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM) ExamMay 23-29, 2024 (CBT)May 23, 2024 (P/P)April 25, 2024 
Financial Mathematics (FM) ExamJune 10-21, 2024 (CBT)June 10, 2024 (P/P)May 7, 2024 
Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics Short-Term (FAM-S) ExamJuly 10-16, 2024 (CBT)July 10, 2024 (P/P)June 11, 2024 
Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) ExamJuly 10-16, 2024 (CBT)July 10, 2024 (P/P)June 11, 2024 
Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics Long-Term (FAM-L) ExamJuly 10-16, 2024 (CBT)July 10, 2024 (P/P)June 11, 2024 
Probability (P) ExamJuly 19-30, 2024 (CBT)June 18, 2024 
Financial Mathematics (FM) ExamAugust 7-18, 2024 (CBT)July 9, 2024 
Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM) ExamSeptember 3-9, 2024 (CBT)September 3, 2024 (P/P)August 6, 2024 
Probability (P) ExamSeptember 12-23, 2024 (CBT)September 12, 2024 (P/P)August 13, 2024 
Financial Mathematics (FM) ExamOctober 1-12, 2024 (CBT)October 1, 2024 (P/P)September 3, 2024 
Predictive Analytics (PA) ExamOctober 15-18, 2024 (CBT)September 10, 2024 
Advanced Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ASTAM) ExamOctober 23, 2024 (CBT)September 23, 2024 
Advanced Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics (ALTAM) ExamOctober 22, 2024 (CBT)September 23, 2024 
Probability (P) ExamNovember 8-19, 2024 (CBT)October 8, 2024 
Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics (FAM) ExamNovember 20-26, 2024 (CBT)November 20, 2024 (P/P)October 22, 2024 
Financial Mathematics (FM) ExamDecember 2-13, 2024 (CBT)November 5, 2024 

  • The school code for The University of Iowa is 1615
  • The test center name is Iowa City, Iowa
  • The center code for Iowa City's paper-and-pencil tests (MLC) is 321
  • The center code for Iowa City's computer-based tests (P, FM, MFE, C) is 5005
  • VEE credit
  • UI Pass Rates (May 2000-May 2007)

Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) credit

Visit the SOA Validation by Educational Experience requirement homepage.

The VEE topics are not prerequisites for the preliminary exams (Exams P, FM, MLC, MFE and C) and may be fulfilled independently of the exam process. However, you must pass two SOA or CAS actuarial exams before applying to have your VEE credit added to your record.

The VEE Candidate Credit application process is now online. Please use the links below to complete your order. Only paper applications for check orders will still be accepted.

VEE credit

VEE Candidate Credit applications for partial credit will not be accepted (e.g., an already approved regression course may not be submitted alone, but must be accompanied on the same application by an approved time series course). Applications for VEE candidate credit can only be submitted after all requirements for that topic are completed

Three subjects require Validation by Educational Experience (VEE). Validation of these subjects is required in addition to the Preliminary Education examinations. The SOA, CIA, and CAS have implemented VEE requirements for the following subjects:

  • VEE-Applied Statistical Methods
  • VEE-Corporate Finance
  • VEE-Economics

Transferred courses may be used for VEE credit if the accepting university has applied for and received VEE approval for the equivalent course(s).

A candidate must show a grade of a B- or better on a transcript from the original school (which can be a community college) as well as a transcript from the accepting university showing credit for the equivalent course. If the transcript only lists a total number of transfer hours, it must be accompanied by a degree evaluation or similar document that details specific course equivalency.