Exam Registration

How do I register for a CBT exam?

Registration for CBT (Computer Based Testing) exams is a multi-step process:

1. Register and pay the exam fee with the Society of Actuaries
   1. Within approximately 15-30 minutes you will receive your acknowledgement/receipt by email that includes your Candidate ID/Eligibility ID
2. Wait approximately 60-90 minutes for the Eligibility/Candidate ID to activate
3. Schedule a test appointment at a Prometric Exam Center

For detailed instructions visit the Register and Schedule An Appointment for Computer Based Exams (CBT) page.

Where can I find my Candidate ID/Eligibility ID?

Your Candidate ID/Eligibility ID can be found on your order confirmation email or in your Order History. It will be labeled as the “Candidate ID”.

I haven’t received my order confirmation, what should I do?

If you have waited approximately 15-30 minutes and have not received your email confirmation, please contact customerservice@soa.org.  

I tried registering with Prometric but it says my Candidate ID/Eligibility ID does not exist.

If you have waited approximately 60-90 minutes since you received your order confirmation and you receive an error message when trying to schedule, please contact soaexams@soa.org for further assistance.

How do I find a Prometric test center near me?

To browse test centers in your area, go to the Prometric website and click the Locate button on the left-hand side of the screen under Actions to search for centers. You can also contact Prometric directly by scrolling down to Contacts by Location.

Why do I see available appointment dates outside of the SOA testing window?

Once you register to take your exam and receive your Candidate ID, only appointments within the SOA testing window will be available to select.

Any dates outside of the SOA testing window are for other clients of Prometric. Only appointments within the SOA’s testing window are available for SOA candidates.

I missed the exam registration deadline, what can I do?

The SOA is unable to accept exam registrations after the deadline has passed. If you have missed the deadline you will need to register for the next available session.

How do I get a student discount on my examination fees?

Student fees are available only to candidates currently enrolled in full-time university study programs for preliminary exams  FAM, ALTAM, ASTAM, and SRM. No student rates are provided for exams P, FM, or PA.

In order to receive the discount, you must have your education information saved in your SOA profile. Then during checkout you will need to check the box labeled “Apply student discount to this registration. I attest that I am currently a full-time student.”.

For more information please see the Discounts and Reimbursements page.

How do I receive the International Discount?

In order to receive the International Discount:

1. The candidate must currently reside in a qualified country. Residents of the U.S. and Canada are not eligible. As an example, residents of China who study in the U.S. or Canada are not eligible to apply or utilize the discount program.
2. If the candidate leaves the qualified country, the candidate will lose eligibility for the discount program.
3. Candidates must write their examinations within a qualified country. If a candidate sits for an examination at an examination center in the U.S., Canada, or any other ineligible country, additional fees will be assessed to bring the amount paid to full fee.
4. The candidate must adhere to all stated requirements for the examination.
5. If examination discipline penalties are imposed, the candidate will permanently lose eligibility for the discount program.

Eligible candidates will see applicable discounted rates when registering for an exam or module via our online registration system.

Can I receive a refund on my exam?

Typically, the SOA Exams are non-refundable. We recognize that events may occur that are outside of your control. In those cases, there are two options that may be available:

• Rescheduling Options for CBT. Because computer-based exams may be administered over several days, candidates may have the option to reschedule their test appointment within the same testing window provided the request is made by noon of the second business day before the scheduled appointment, and also provided there is a seat available. To reschedule a CBT appointment candidates must follow the directions posted here. All rescheduling needs to be done at Prometric. Prometric may charge a rescheduling fee.
• Emergency Situations. The SOA recognizes that unforeseen emergencies may occur that directly influence a candidate’s ability to take an exam on an appointed day. We will consider these situations on a case-by-case basis. Candidates finding themselves in such a situation should contact SOA Customer Service at customerservice@soa.org.