How do you become an actuary?

To become an actuary, you must earn an undergraduate degree in mathematics, science or a related analytical field. After graduation, aspiring actuaries must pass a series of examinations to achieve certified status. It may take up to nine years to achieve fellowship status within this field.

1. Complete undergraduate education

   Enroll in a nationally accredited college or university with a concentration in actuarial science, mathematics or statistics. Coursework should cover topics such as corporate science, applied statistics, computer science, public speaking and economics. Strive to graduate with at least a 3.2 grade point average to maximize future job opportunities.

2. Gain work experience

   Upon graduation, aspiring actuaries gain work experience through entry-level positions. Enhance your appeal by passing at least one actuary examination offered by the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society before applying for jobs.

3. Achieve associate status

   Move forward in this career by obtaining an associate-level certification. Requirements for this certification vary based on the certifying body. For example, the Society of Actuaries requires a passing score on five exams, while the Casualty Actuarial Society requires a series of seven exams. It may take four to six years to achieve associate status as each exam requires hundreds of hours of experience and training.

4. Progress to fellowship status

   The highest level of certification for actuaries is fellowship certification. Along with passing the associate-level examinations, attaining fellowship typically requires two to three additional years of experience and passing fellowship-specific certification exams.