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 exam schedules 2025
Exam Schedules
January 13-24, 2025 (CBT) January 13, 2025 (P/P) | Closed | |
February 6-17, 2025 (CBT) February 6, 2025 (P/P) | Closed | |
March 4-10, 2025 (CBT) March 4, 2025 (P/P) | January 28, 2025 11:59 PM | |
March 14-25, 2025 (CBT) | February 12, 2025 10:00 AM | |
April 3-14, 2025 (CBT) | March 5, 2025 10:00 AM | |
April 15-18, 2025 (CBT) | March 11, 2025 11:59 PM | |
April 22, 2025 (CBT) | March 24, 2025 11:59 PM | |
April 23, 2025 (CBT) | March 24, 2025 11:59 PM | |
May 9-20, 2025 (CBT) May 9, 2025 (P/P) | April 9, 2025 10:00 AM | |
May 23-29, 2025 (CBT) May 23, 2025 (P/P) | April 22, 2025 11:59 PM | |
June 16-27, 2025 (CBT) June 16, 2025 (P/P) | May 7, 2025 10:00 AM | |
July 9-15, 2025 (CBT) July 9, 2025 (P/P) | June 10, 2025 11:59 PM | |
July 18-29, 2025 (CBT) | June 18, 2025 10:00 AM | |
August 6-17, 2025 (CBT) | July 9, 2025 10:00 AM | |
September 2-8, 2025 (CBT) September 2, 2025 (P/P) | August 5, 2025 11:59 PM | |
September 11-22, 2025 (CBT) September 11, 2025 (P/P) | August 13, 2025 10:00 AM | |
October 2-13, 2025 (CBT) October 2, 2025 (P/P) | September 3, 2025 10:00 AM | |
October 14-17, 2025 (CBT) | September 9, 2025 11:59 PM | |
October 21, 2025 (CBT) | September 22, 2025 11:59 PM | |
October 22, 2025 (CBT) | September 22, 2025 11:59 PM | |
October 24-30, 2025 (CBT) October 24, 2025 (P/P) | September 23, 2025 11:59 PM | |
November 3-14, 2025 (CBT) | October 8, 2025 10:00 AM | |
December 1-12, 2025 (CBT) | November 5, 2025 10:00 AM |
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, FAM, SRM, ALTAM, and ASTAM) 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 Approved Courses/Experiences
Requesting VEE Course/Option Evaluation
Applying for VEE Credit
Eligibility Requirements
VEE Candidate Credit applications for partial credit will not be accepted. 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 has implemented VEE requirements for the following subjects:
- Economics
- Accounting and Finance
- Mathematical Statistics
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.