r/actuary 2d ago

Exams Bi-weekly Common Questions / Exams / Entering the Field Thread

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Are you completely new to the actuarial world? No idea why everyone keeps talking about studying? Wondering why multiple-choice questions are so hard? Ask here. There are no stupid questions in this thread!

Note that you may be able to get an answer quickly through the wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/actuary/wiki/index

This is an automatic post. It will stay up for two weeks until the next one is posted. Please check back here frequently, and consider sorting by "new"!


r/actuary 11h ago

What to switch out to?

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I don't think this career is for me. It is okay. I just find it boring that I just stare at Excel and not talk to anyone all day long. Just wondering what can I switch into. It seems that I probably would enjoy more of the financial route then the math route.


r/actuary 7h ago

Exams Grading

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I'm an FSA interested in volunteering to grade exams, but I can hardly find anything on the SOA website. Is the SOA still accepting new graders and how?


r/actuary 12h ago

Exams How to study for Exam PA?

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I know there a plenty of people who do the quick turn around of taking SRM in September and doing PA in October. But I have so many questions since PA is the a completely different format.

I have been reading ACTEX but I feel I am not really learning anything since it seems like a rewording of the SRM. I find it so boring and unmotivating to read since it isn't really new.

Since this exam is written, I am not sure how to study for this. It seems like there is no math and all it is that I have to write about R output.

What is a good study plan for this exam? Just skimming through the book? And then doing the practice exam ASAP and get those results?

I guess those who passed what is your advice for this exam?


r/actuary 14h ago

KPMG - canada/toronto

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Has anyone worked on Life and P&C side in KPMG?

I wanted to know what the work looks like, actuarial modelling, consulting, etc.

Whats the work life balance?
Study days?
Work culture and socials after work?
Career growth?


r/actuary 1d ago

Job / Resume Actuarial job opportunities in health

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Looking for a new actuarial role in the health space and have some experience with pharmacy, specifically. Just over 3 years into my career with my ASA and 1 FSA exam passed. Does anyone know of any remote opportunities that fit this level of candidacy? Located in Colorado if anyone knows of hybrid opportunities as well. Thanks!


r/actuary 1d ago

Value of CERA, masters, and certifications

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Beyond an FSA and MAAA, is there anything else employers care about in terms of credentials? I’ve heard over and over that experience is way more valuable than basic credentials, but do employers ever screen people out or filter on things like the CERA or masters in stats/data science/MBA’s. Maybe this only applies to certain specialized roles, but are any of these additional credentials high ROI and worthwhile pursuits that could pay dividends in the long term. I think it could be valuable to open doors but not if experience completely outweighs credentials (or if just having an FSA is enough to put you on an even playing field with other candidates regardless of the extra credentials they obtained).


r/actuary 1d ago

Job / Resume Resume Critique

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Any suggestions? I've gotten one HR screening interview because my dad's friend works at the company, but nothing else so far. Have applied to ~30-40 positions so far.


r/actuary 1d ago

Battleacts 6U down?

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Site isn’t loading for me


r/actuary 1d ago

Exams Actuarial Science students from India!!

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Let's connect, there is a discord server that I know, y'all can join from this link https://discord.gg/kXKagegGG (People who from other countries are also welcome here)


r/actuary 1d ago

Exams PA study partner

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Taking PA in October. Would love to connect with other exam takers and discuss questions together


r/actuary 2d ago

Shoutout to The Actuarial Nexus!

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I just wanted to shout out The Actuarial Nexus real quick for anyone looking for free/cheap exam prep or extra practice questions.

I am a die hard TIA person but when studying for SRM, I just couldn’t get it and felt like they put a lot of focus on topics that most likely would not even be tested. (Still love you TIA)

I switched to The Actuarial Nexus only last week and completed all their available practice problems. I didn’t do their learn portion so I can’t speak on that portion. But the questions are worded so similarly to the exam and they completely follow the syllabus. They also give fun analytics. The explanations behind answers were so helpful and I was able to pass SRM being completely lost just 7 days ago.

So thank you, you saved me!


r/actuary 2d ago

2026 SOA Election

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I haven’t see anything on this yet. With the SOA elections this month, does anyone have any insights on candidates? Like who is for and against UEC, direction of SOA, other policies etc.


r/actuary 2d ago

Exams SRM study partner?

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Hello,

I recently failed SRM in my first sitting. Im guessing I got a 5. I only had a couple of months to study, and I figured it was worth a shot. Oh well. That said, Im curious if anyone is taking srm in January and would be interested in studying. Im a 25M and I usually use coaching actuaries. Let me know.


r/actuary 2d ago

Exams Fam study partner!

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Hi, starting fam and I’m looking for a study partner. If anyone is in EST time please feel free to contact me!


r/actuary 2d ago

Anyone here working in Europe for a US-based company?

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I’m curious to hear from people who live and work in Europe but are employed by a US-based company.
How did you get the job, and are you working remotely from Europe or through a European entity/EOR?


r/actuary 2d ago

CA Design and Pricing Material

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Has anyone used Coaching actuaries Design and Pricing course? Would you recommend it?


r/actuary 3d ago

Job / Resume RESUME REVIEW

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Hi everyone!!

I’m an international student currently pursuing a Master’s in Actuarial Science, and I’ve recently started preparing for Summer 2027 actuarial internships.

I’d really appreciate some honest feedback from people in the actuarial field:

  • Is my resume competitive enough for a Summer 2027 actuarial internship?
  • Are there any major weaknesses or areas I should improve?
  • Am I starting my internship search too late?
  • For international students who may need visa sponsorship in the future, is there anything I should approach differently?

I know the job market can be challenging, especially for international students, but I believe where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’m not looking for reasons why it’s impossible, I’m looking for constructive advice on what I can actually do to improve my chances.

I’d especially appreciate feedback from actuaries, hiring managers, recruiters, or other international students who have gone through the actuarial internship recruiting process.

I’m hoping to make my resume as strong as possible and, hopefully, land an internship for Summer 2027.

Any honest feedback, advice, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

God bless you. Thank you! 🙏


r/actuary 2d ago

IFoA QUITS EUROPE—members discover the news from the Swiss actuarial association

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r/actuary 3d ago

Actuaries who are terrible at their jobs - what are they doing exactly?

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Saw people complain about FSAs who do bad jobs in the young FSA thread - what exactly are these people doing? I rarely see a bad ASA or FSA.


r/actuary 2d ago

Exams SOA Exam SRM

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Hi I will be sitting for an exam SRM on 8/9. This is my second attempt. Can I get tips on how to pass this exam please? I really hope I will pass this time.


r/actuary 3d ago

From Risk Data Science to Actuary

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Hi everyone!

I currently work in oil & gas risk management, where I do probabilistic modeling, Bayesian statistics, and risk analysis. I’m also doing a Master’s in Analytics (Georgia Tech OMSA).

I’m interested in eventually getting an actuarial designation in Canada. While completing my master’s, my plan is to take the Probabilistic Models course, then prepare for and take Exam P, followed by Exam FM after completing the relevant financial modeling coursework.

Is this a realistic path, and would this be a good way to transition into actuarial work while finishing my master’s?

Thanks!


r/actuary 3d ago

Question on the usage of vehicle history scores.

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I work for an insurance agency and recently learned about the usage of Vehicle history scores when a quote went absolutely bonkers on one vehicle versus the other four I was quoting for a customer.

I’m interested in learning more just for my general knowledge, I found a webinar put out by Verisk that I am going to watch, but any other info would be great.


r/actuary 3d ago

SOA ASA E learnings order

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Hello, I am making my way through the ASA track and have a question regarding E-learnings.

Left I have the following: PA & ALTAM/ASTAM and then 3 E-Learnings: ASF, FAP, & ATIPA

I plan on taking PA in April, but want to do at-least one if not two E-learnings this fall/winter.

Is there a correct order to take these in? Not seeing any discourse or recommendations. Also is there even enough time from now to say January to do two? How long do they each take?

Thank you so much!!


r/actuary 3d ago

Job / Resume How long did it take you to get a verbal offer

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I recently interviewed for a Big 4 company.

I was wondering how long it took you to get a verbal offer after the interview process.
I’m not sure if i made it because the interview was early this week and i haven’t heard anything yet.

Am i cooked??

Any advice would be appreciated.