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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