Finance

How to become an Actuarial Analyst

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$70k–$100k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–6 months

   Get strong in maths and Excel

   Probability and statistics, plus modelling discipline in a spreadsheet.

   Course that covers thisUltimate Microsoft Excel Bundle from Beginner to AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Pass your first two exams

   Exam P and FM. Passing before you apply is what gets an entry-level interview.

   ◆ SOA Exam P and FM

3. 3

   3–9 months

   Get an analyst role with exam support

   Employers pay for exams and give study time. That support is the real compensation early on.

4. 4

   3–6 years

   Work through to associateship

   ASA takes several years of exams alongside full-time work. Each pass is a raise.

   ◆ ASA (SOA)

5. ✓

   Destination

   Actuarial Analyst

   Browse jobs now →

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