2.4.3
Preparing for exams
Tuition
The Actuarial Education Company (ActEd) is contracted to provide actuarial tuition
for students, both by correspondence courses and in person. Their website offers a
brochure with information on tuition materials and fees.
The Actuarial Education Company
31 Bath Street
ABINGDON
OX14 3FF
Tel: +44 (0)1235 550005
Fax: +44 (0)1235 550085
Website: www.acted.co.uk
email: ActEd@bpp.com
University courses
There is a list of universities offering accredited degree programmes, and other
degree programmes for which we have exemption agreements. City University,
London and Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, also offer short revision courses.
Past exam papers
Exam papers and examiners' reports from April 1997 to date are available here.
Specimen exam papers
We have issued specimen exam papers and solutions for the new subjects ST7,
ST8, ST9 and CT7, and for the revised subject SA3:
CT7 specimen exam paper | CT7 specimen exam solutions
ST7 specimen exam paper | ST7 specimen exam solutions
ST8 specimen exam paper | ST8 specimen exam solutions
ST9 specimen exam paper | ST9 specimen exam solutions
SA3 specimen exam paper | SA3 specimen exam solutions
Formulae and tables
The second edition of Formulae and tables is available from
publications@actuaries.org.uk
The first edition is available as a pdf. {WHERE?}
Level of mathematics needed for actuarial studies
Core Technical subjects require a high level of mathematics knowledge. It is
important you ensure you are familiar with the techniques covered at this level and
are competent in their use.
Guidance by subject
You can also find further guidance on mathematics, with a detailed breakdown of the
skills required for each of the Core Technical subjects.
Suggested study hours and pattern
The time you need to spend on a particular subject will vary. It's different for every
student. The quality of study time is far more important than the quantity. However,
we would suggest the following as a guide:

Core Technical subjects (CT1-CT8) - between 125 and 150 hours depending
on the subject and your past educational background in it.

Business Awareness Module (CT9) -30 hours plus two-day course

Actuarial Risk Management (CA1) - 400 hours

Model Documentation, Analysis and Reporting (CA2) - 20 hours (assuming
some of the preparation for this module forms part of Work-based skills) plus
two-day course

Communications (CA3) course based exam - 50 hours plus two-day course

Specialist Technical subjects - 200 hours

Specialist Applications subjects - 300 hours

Specialist Applications subjects taken with UK Practice Modules - 320 hour
So a reasonable workload for any one study session from September to April might
be:

Three Core Technical subjects

Core Applications Concepts

Two Specialist Technical subjects

One Specialist Technical subject and the chosen Specialist Applications
subject with the relevant UK Practice Module

Some other comparable combination
The study session from May to September is shorter and so may be difficult for you
to study at the same rate. If you study every session with no failures, you might
expect to attain Associateship within two years, or Fellowship within three years.
Right hand side
Associated documents
Guidance on mathematics
Suggested study hours and pattern
Related pages
University courses
Past exam papers 2010
Past exam papers 2005-2009
Past exam papers 1997-2004
Formulae and tables