The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
Role of Assistant Examiner for Online CA2 exams (PDR)
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is seeking to hear from qualified Fellows who would like
to be considered for the role of Assistant Examiner for subject CA2 Model Documentation Analysis
and Reporting. We require six new members to join our existing team.
This opportunity is suitable for all Fellows, regardless of their location. We are interested to hear from
suitably qualified members from around the globe. The CA2 exam takes place over two sessions
which will take place during May and September 2016.
Assistant Examiners are appointed by the IFoA to help maintain the standards of the qualification
process.
“Task” and “Person” Specification:
“Task” Specification
The key tasks, specific to the CA2 Assistant Examiner per exam are:
1)
Exam Marking
The Assistant Examiner’s role is to:
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prepare thoroughly for the exam ensuring that they are familiar with the exam material and know
the exam assignment
mark the assigned exam papers through the markers area of a web based platform used for the
examinations
complete an electronic marking spreadsheet (Excel based)
work within fixed deadlines to ensure that the exam results are delivered on time
be available to discuss the marking, particularly any borderline cases, with the Examiners or
Principal Examiner, as necessary
attend the marking meeting either in person or by conference call.
2)
Test Batch Exercise
Within five to seven days of the examination, the test batch marking exercise will take place. This
involves the entire marking team. Assistant Examiners will have to:
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mark 10 sample scripts and provide marks and comments to a fixed deadline
actively participate in the test batch marking meeting with the examining team to discuss
marking consistency.
This process will occur approximately two to three times a year, or as appropriate to exam sessions.
Support
Administrative support for the role will be provided by the IFoA admin teams, and a handbook will be
provided containing full details of the role and responsibilities. Full support will be given in accessing
the electronic marking platform.
Tenure
The Assistant Examiner role duration is normally for one “exam year”, renewable at the discretion of
the Principal Examiner.
Time Commitment
Item 1, Test Batch Marking: – Up to two to three times a year (as appropriate), as a CA2 Assistant
Examiner you will mark 10 test student submissions and attend the test batch marking meetings.
Allow marking time before the meeting as all marks and comments must be sent to the Principal
Examiner in advance of the meeting. Allow three hours for attendance at each test batch marking
meeting.
The September 2016 test batch marking meeting will be held on either 29 or 30 September. Dates for
future exams will be advised in advance. You must be available to participate in the test batch
marking exercise in order to undertake the first and second marking of the main exam.
Item 2, Exam marking - Each exam consists of two Papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2): – Marking a
minimum load of 40 student submissions (40 Paper 1 + 40 Paper 2). We estimate that each paper
will take up to 45 minutes. The September exam marking will take place from the last week in
September until the first week in November 2016.
“Person” Specification
The IFoA is seeking to appoint members who are suitably qualified and experienced Fellows.
Geographic location is not an issue due to the online nature of the exam and a web based marking
facility being available.
Fellows should ideally have:
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a thorough knowledge of the current CA2 Syllabus
knowledge of spreadsheet modelling
good communication skills
good time management skills and be able to work to tight deadlines
the ability to review and comment on documentation
excellent knowledge of Excel
experience of being able to work as part of a team
access to IT equipment (laptop or similar)
previous exam marking experience would be desirable.
All applicants will be asked to complete a sample marking exercise and to take part in a call to
discuss the role.
In return the volunteers:
 have the opportunity to receive CPD if applicable in terms of the current CPD Scheme
 gain skills and experience in the examination area as part of the team and
 in partnership with the IFoA’s Executive staff uphold the standards of the IFoA exam
qualification process.
This is a PDR role and a fee will be paid - Professional Development and Responsibility (PDR): In
addition to the traditional volunteer roles and tasks which our members undertake each year, there
are also a number of other opportunities whereby members can offer to provide “paid” support for a
fixed service. These opportunities are not by definition, “volunteering” roles. However, we recognise
that the fee paid is nominal and we, as a profession, are therefore extremely grateful to, and reliant
on, those members who provide this service to enhance and develop our profession.
April 2016