Exam ASTAM
Exam ASTAM
Everything You Need To Pass
Coaching Actuaries gives you the tools to study smarter and pass the Advanced Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics Exam.
Your Coaches
Here To Help
Meet our team of expert coaches who will guide you through ASTAM.
Dave Kester, FSA, MAAA
Exam ASTAM Video CoachAttained FSA via the ILA TrackI’ve been helping aspiring actuaries for more than 20 years. When I’m not teaching, I like to read, run, and listen to good math stories. When I was preparing for the actuarial exams, there was nothing like Coaching Actuaries. Now, we combine teaching and technology to guide the next generation of actuarial students.
Product Team
Kong Foo Pang, ASA
Exam ASTAM Product ManagerI have been with Coaching Actuaries since graduated from Drake University in 2013. I like sharing with students the tips for solving different kinds of problems. When I'm not glued to the computer, you can find me in the gym playing all kind of sports! My favorite food is bacon!
Exam ASTAM Overview
What To Expect
Exam Details
Written-Answer Questions, Administered by Prometric
- Questions and formula sheet shown on computer
- Answers written in paper booklet
- Scratchpad will be provided
- Excel workbook available but not submitted for grading
Registration Deadline
September 25, 2023 (Midnight CST)
Exam Duration
3 Hours
Next Available Sitting
October 25, 2023
Before the Exam
Exam ASTAM Offerings
ASTAM is offered twice per year, once in April or May, and once in October or November.
How Do I Register?
- Register online at www.soa.org before the registration deadline.
- Wait 3-5 business days to receive an email confirmation letter.
- Schedule a seat at a Prometric Center.
Learn more about how to register for official SOA exams on their website.
Highest-Weighted Concepts
Questions related to these concepts will appear the most on the exam.
- Severity Models
- Aggregate Models
- Credibility
- Reserving for Short-Term Coverages
Note that written-answer exams are often challenging for actuarial candidates used to the multiple-choice format used for other exams.
Tip from Coach Tong, FSA, CFA
"It is very important that you know how to solve problems using basic principles. You should always view basic principles as the core of your learning, and shortcuts as a supplement, not the other way around. Students who memorize shortcuts without understanding them will struggle on the actual exam."
Day of Exam
What To Bring:
- A government-issued photo ID that includes a signature
- Recommended Calculator: TI-30XS MultiView
(See Other Options) - A reference to your five-digit candidate number (for exam submission)
Tip from Coach Terence, ASA
"A big part of passing a written-answer exam is to accumulate as many partial credit points as possible. Even if you can't fully answer a question, clearly communicate your thought process as much as possible. Be sure to show your work. Include all important steps or formulas."
Tip from Coach Terence, ASA
“Time management is key. Try your best to spend no more than 3 minutes per point. If you think you know how to answer a question but you're pressed for time, at least write a list of steps you'd take and/or formulas you'd use to arrive at the final answer. You may get partial credit.”
Tip from Coach Larry
"You'll have access to an Excel workbook during the exam (note that it won't be submitted for grading). Utilize the workbook to your advantage to expedite/verify calculations."
After the Exam
Getting Your Exam Results
After approximately 8 to 11 weeks, the SOA will release the list of passing candidate ID numbers. A few days after that, you will get your exam score in your official SOA transcript when you log into the SOA website.
Next Steps
