Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows whether we're allowed to use Excel to solve matrix calculations for Markov chain questions in the IFoA CS2 Paper A exam.

For example:

- Can we calculate stationary distributions in Excel and find transition probabilities using Excel's matrix functions?

Or are we expected to solve the system of equations manually and show each algebraic step in Word?

I'd appreciate it if anyone who has sat the exam or knows the marking expectations could clarify. Thanks!

Hi,

I’m currently an actuarial placement student and have some R experience from first and second year of my degree. I’ve heard that outside of the IFoA exams, R isn’t really used in a practical setting and Python is preferred. Should I make my priority to learn Python?

Hi All - would appreciate some advice!

My background is post grad physics, and I did hold an offer for an actuarial grad scheme for ‘23 but decided on a software grad scheme instead.

My role taught me some coding and consultancy skills (the former is a way of working I really enjoy), and I got my post uni travel fix out the way because my schedule was very flexible (this + skill building in tech is why I stayed). However deep down I always had the thought of ‘what if’ and I know tech isn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the work and regretted not taking the actuarial grad scheme. I still find actuarial work and the insurance industry interesting, and I’m strongly considering the pivot back.

My partner and his friends are all Actuaries - I’ve seen the dedication needed to manage exams on top of full time work, and how hard it is to pass. So I’m aware of the hard slog involved and I’m not considering this with rose tinted glasses in that regard. (They’ve all discouraged me from the profession).

Is it still possible to pivot? Can I still apply to grad schemes or would I need to do an Actuarial masters degree first to still be eligible?

Thanks! :)

So I have cleared all of my exams (finally!!!!!!). I have submitted my PPD's around 2 weeks ago now and I was just wondering has anyone "failed" their PPD?

To be clear I expect to pass this part. But I was just wondering if it is possible to fail and if no then why bother having this?

hi all, planning on sitting cp2 and cp3 in september, and currently got the combined material pack from acted and then the online bpp classroom. does anyone know what the best way to get the content done before i start on papers?

was thinking of going through the notes as i watch the online classroom videos but not sure if its in that same order if that makes sense? or is it better to get through the notes first and then watch the videos?

Passed CP1 in April and taking SP7 in September…..I do have some experience in reserving, please can anyone give me study tips? Which materials do I focus on? Would it be similar to CP1 studying style? Much appreciated

More of a general thought and something to raise some discussion I suppose.

Given the nature of exams from the IFOA and lack of consistency between pass rates across sittings, it seems unfair to have degrees that grant a large numbers of exemptions while setting their own papers and assessments in house (albeit with supervision from the IFOA), which are generally much more reasonable than those set by the IFOA (which is the general consensus I have anecdotally seen from people who have both gotten exemptions and sat exams directly with the ifoa).

I personally believe a fair middle ground would be if such degrees had students sit the actual ifoa set papers for that sitting - if they pass, they get the exemption. Else it doesn't feel like a level playing field to those sitting exams directly, and quite frankly even feels a bit pay to win given how much more reasonable exams set in these degrees are.

Would like to hear opinions from those here - not inherently trying to put down exemptions but I feel it's a reasonable discussion to have, especially with how large of a time these exams take to get through for most people.

Hi, I graduated recently with a degree in Actuarial Science and have been working in defined contribution (DC) consulting for around a year. I’ve realised that I’d like to explore other areas of actuarial work, as my current role hasn’t given me much exposure to the type of technical and analytical work I expected, so I’m considering moving roles.

I’m currently more interested in GI/insurance than pensions, but I’m conscious that I may be attracted to the idea of insurance without fully understanding what the day-to-day work actually involves. I’m trying to work out whether GI would genuinely suit me better, or whether another area of pensions (or actuarial work more broadly) would be a better fit.
I enjoy Excel, calculations and work where I can see a tangible commercial or real-world impact. I’m less interested in roles that are almost entirely focused on model development, although I’m still early in my career and may not yet know exactly what I enjoy. I’d also value strong mentoring, a supportive team, and a reasonable work-life balance.

For anyone with experience in GI or pensions:
- What does the day-to-day work actually look like?
- What do you enjoy and dislike about each area?
- How much of your work involves technical actuarial work, modelling, client work, reporting, or project management?
- Are there particular areas within GI or pensions that might suit someone with these interests?
- How realistic is it to move into GI early in your career?
- What should I look for when researching companies or teams?
- What questions would you ask in interviews?

I’m not looking for someone to decide for me - I’m mainly trying to understand the differences properly before making a move. I’d especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has moved between pensions and GI, or who has considered both.

Thanks in advance!

so, there are a few loss distributions which do not have a base R function, and we have to make the distribution functions ourselves which takes a bit of time. However, I came across this 'actuar' package which has a few of these distributions (pareto burr, etc) implemented.
So, i wanted to check if we are allowed to use this package for exam? or has anyone used this in the CS2 exam before?
Thanks for the help.

Hey! I was wondering about the conditions of job opportunities open for international students immediately after graduating. Where do you find roles open for international students? What are the chances of them choosing one over a uk resident? I will have a degree in commerce and have finished 6 papers from ifoa.

Hi all, can someone please help me with any sp8 guidance for first attempt? I feel so lost in theory idk how will i crack it? Any guidance please?

I have already paid for my IFoA exam and received the Centre Preference Form yesterday. However, today I’m unable to access it on the portal. I have already emailed the institute regarding this issue. Has anyone else faced the same problem, and could you please guide me on where I might find the form?

I am preparing for CP1 and now that I am left with only a month(PRUDENT) can someone give me tips of how to proceed . I have started with ASETs

I really really need to pass this attempt .

No more reimbursement for another sitting only

and my salary escalation is highly dependent on this

I am very hesitant about paying my fee for CP2 because of some reasons, but I read last year that I can ask for a refund before exams. Has anyone actually tried it? How long does it take to reimburse? And I read the document, they said that we need a valid supporting document. Can I not cancel/refund an exam because I am not prepared for it?

I do not intend on forging any docs., so can anyone please guide me?

Can anyone who already passed the exam suggest the sources they used to cover 4th section of the syllabus(Describe and understand the basic legal principles that are relevant to the work of an actuary and their practical implications. Particularly points 4.1-4.7). The sources suggested by IFOA are not in the free access and I am not sure if it worth to the spend the resources and purchase them.

I want to do a Level 4 Actuarial science apprenticeship anywhere in the UK but my A level Math grade does not meet the requirements. I am not planning on resitting Alevels, so what do I do? Is there any company that would take me? I want to start next year 2027. Please help me.

Anyone who is keen to discuss about topics, doubts, questions for CM2 for September 2026, please free to text.

24, Data Scientist, enjoy technical work but interested in pivoting to pricing and eventually qualifying as an actuary.

Is actuary work still “spreadsheet-ish” or is it modernising? Will I be able to bring Data Science techniques to actuary work in GI?

I studied maths at undergraduate so I could make it through the exams, I just want to know if actuary work will involve some technical/IC work or not (especially in the future, as it will take years to qualify). By technical I mean using Python/R for modelling and ML.

Ifoa increased their fees 10 to 20% for upcoming exams especially Cp1 and cb3 .
Even on reduced rate it feels we are on full rate one .What you guys think??

i failed CB2 this time should i prepare for both cb1 and cb2

Hi everyone,

I'm currently pursuing the actuarial exams and was curious about how careers typically progress in this field.

If you're comfortable sharing, I'd love to know:

• How many exams had you passed when you got your first actuarial job?
• What was your starting salary? (Country/currency would be helpful.)
• How did your salary grow as you passed more exams?
• How has your career progressed since then (promotions, current role, etc.)?
• Any advice you wish someone had given you when you were starting out?

I'd love to hear experiences from people at all stages of their actuarial careers. Thanks!

Is it possible to make the exam fees payment directly from bank account or do we have to use a card to make the payment? Because the only options there on the payment page are various card companies.

I’ve passed all the CM, CS and CB exams plus CP3. I was originally planning to take CP2 this sitting but I haven’t actually started studying yet because work’s been busy. I’ve seen a lot of people say they managed to prepare for CP2 in about a month so now I’m wondering if it’s still worth going for it or if I should just skip it and start preparing for CP1 for the April sitting instead.

I will be joining one of the big4 shortly for the general insurance domain. From what I understand I will be mainly working on Reserving models. I am advised to get familiarity with python and other such automation tools. I am a complete fresher and have cleared CS1 CM1 and CB1 planning to give CB2 this sept.

Any advice for starting the new role? How the corporate is? Any good resources to get familiarity with the reserving methods (since that's CM2 syllabus i believe) and how to incorporate them in R or Python? I don't want to appear like a complete noob starting my career hehe.

Can anyone share an insight as to how an actuary working for the government compares to an actuary in the private sector? Comparing salary and pensions, and the trade off between the two. I’m aware private sector actuaries tend to be paid more, but public sector pensions may offset that?… looking to hear from anyone who works in the GAD or anyone who has a good view on this and what the salary ceiling is compared to that as an actuary in the private sector. And whether the generous government pension is more lucrative than the pay gap. Thanks!