Actuarial Examinations and University of Iowa Courses

Actuarial Examinations and University of Iowa Courses

“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).