Coaching Actuaries gives you the tools to study smarter and pass CAS Exam 5.
Meet our team of expert coaches who will guide you through
Exam 5.
![]()
Mike Carmody, FSA, CFA
Exam 5 Video CoachI’ve been teaching actuaries how to pass exams for over 25 years, and have been a close friend with Dave Kester for even longer. During my actuarial career, I have worked on projects ranging from product development to asset-liability management to valuation. I also love to start companies, my latest venture being a portable concrete mixer (MudMixer.com). I coach a running team and hang out with my family in my spare time. You’ll also find me a regular on the pickle ball court.
![]()
Kong Foo Pang, ASA
Exam 5 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!
5 Different Exam Item Types, Computer-Based Testing Administered by Pearson VUE
Early April, 2024 (exact date TBD)
4 Hours + One 15-min Break
Late April/Early May, 2024 (exact date TBD)
Exams P and FM. Exam 5 assumes prior knowledge of these 2 exams. While you could technically take Exam 5 before P and/or FM, but it's a good idea to pass all jointly-administered exams before committing to the CAS track.
Exam 5 doesn't require that you pass MAS-I and MAS-II first, but we do recommend it because your knowledge of P and FM will come in handy for those exams.
Additionally, Exam 5 is likely the first exam where you'll see constructed response and spreadsheet-style questions. Be sure to practice answering these question types thoroughly.
Exam 5 is offered 2 times per year, once in the Spring (late April/early May) and once in the Fall (late October/early November).
Subject to change as CAS transitions to computer-based testing
“Depending on how fast you naturally work, the exam can be kind of a time-crunch. Focus on tackling problems that you're sure you can answer quickly and correctly first before moving on to more time-consuming problems.”
"Focus on solving problems using Excel or Google sheets. The exam is administered using an Excel-like environment, and you'll want to be familiar with it. Proper utilization of the spreadsheet can cut the time you use performing basic calculations and improve the accuracy of your answers as well."
"The exam is highly focused on understanding relationships between different concepts. There are very few questions that will only require you to know a formula or process. Generally, you'll have to synthesize information from multiple different topics at once in order to solve problems."
"There are many problems that ask you to make some kind of subjective decision. In these cases, there is rarely a singular correct decision. Make a decision, and explain your reasoning using concepts from the syllabus to support your decision."
"Don't be afraid to skip questions. If a question is turning out to be move involved than you expected, you may want to jot down your thoughts and move on. Come back to it after you've attempted all the questions, if you have time."
You’ll receive your official final score approximately 8 weeks after your exam.
Passing candidate numbers will be emailed out between 2 PM to 3 PM Eastern Time on the day that they become available.
Several days after the email is distributed to candidates, a link to the list of passing candidates will be posted on the CAS website and candidates will receive the result in mail.
Exam 6 is the next suggested exam after passing Exam 5. You will also need to complete 3 CAS Data and Insurance Series Courses (DISCs) (previously Online Courses) if you have not already. If you have passed IFM, you are exempted from CAS DISC DA (Introduction to Data Analytics).