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The Global Insight

How do I become a successful actuary?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on April 02, 2026

Here’s how to get your start as an actuary.

  1. Get Relevant Education in High School and College.
  2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities.
  3. Develop Technical Computer Skills.
  4. Take and Pass 2 Actuarial Exams Prior to Graduating.
  5. Get an Actuarial Internship.
  6. Get Your First Entry-Level Actuarial Job.
  7. Choose Between SOA and CAS.

Which type of actuary gets paid the most?

The highest-paid actuaries are:

  • Chief Actuaries.
  • Principal Actuaries.
  • Partner Actuaries.
  • Lead Consultants.
  • Investment Actuaries.

What should I major in to become an actuary?

Entry-level positions in the actuarial profession typically require a bachelor’s degree in an analytical subject such as math, statistics or actuarial science, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which notes that high-level actuarial jobs often require formal certification or licensure.

How do I do well in actuary exams?

Taking advantage of available study materials like study manuals and practice exams is key to passing your exams.

  1. Don’t Underestimate the Necessary Amount of Time and Study Preparation.
  2. Start Prepping Early.
  3. Take One Exam at a Time.
  4. Take Advantage of Available Resources.
  5. Obtain the right study materials.

Are actuary exams hard?

The real challenge begins with the actuarial exams. These exams are difficult because it requires an in-depth understanding of the various concepts and materials at hand. They are definitely more difficult than your typical math exams in school.

Why are actuary exams so hard?

How to become an actuary in the United States?

In this post I’m going to go through the 8-step process that you’ll need to follow to become a fully qualified actuary in Canada or the United States. Step # 1: Get your degree. Step # 2: Pass 2 actuarial exams. Step # 3: Improve your technical skills. Step # 4: Find an actuarial internship. Step # 5: Get your first actuarial job.

Do you have to take actuarial exams under CAS?

You can take your actuarial exams under any of the two bodies – the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Your decision on the body to go with depends on the type of actuary you wish to become. As a life actuary, you’ll have to write your exams under SOA and CAS if you go the non-life route.

What happens if you pass the first actuarial exam?

The first professional examination will open immense opportunities – in terms of getting hired and earning. Besides that, once you land a job with one actuarial exam passed, your employer is likely to foot the bill for your subsequent ones – either in part or full. Most employers, also, offer paid study time.

Why do you want to do an actuarial internship?

After all, an actuarial internship will significantly improve your chances of being successful in the actuarial field. Not only does an actuarial internship help you get experience for your resume but it will also help you determine whether or not you really like actuarial work. You want to know that early on!