Actuaries in the U.S. achieve professional status through examinations. This section of the website provides information about those exams.
Students proposing to become actuaries should try to complete the first two preliminary exams while still in college, as these examinations cover subjects which are covered in regular courses. Additionally, they may also help students in determining prior to graduation whether or not they will enter the actuarial profession.
Most achieve Associateship in three to five years and pursue either the SOA or CAS career path depending on personal interest, set of skills, and their entry-level job. While most continue to take their exams and they work –earning while they learn– most employers prefer to hire people who have completed some exams. Many receive on-the job-training and receive support (such as study time, paid exam fees, raises for each exam passed) from their employers.
