Exam 5
Exam 5
Everything You Need To Pass
Coaching Actuaries gives you the tools to study smarter and pass CAS Exam 5.
Your Coaches
Here To Help
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.
Product Team
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!
Exam 5 Overview
What To Expect
Exam Details
5 Different Exam Item Types, Computer-Based Testing Administered by Pearson VUE
Registration Deadline
Early April, 2024 (exact date TBD)
Exam Duration
4 Hours + One 15-min Break
Next Available Sitting
Late April/Early May, 2024 (exact date TBD)
Before the Exam
Exams You Should Pass First
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 Offerings
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).
How Do I Register?
Subject to change as CAS transitions to computer-based testing
- Visit the CAS website's Exam Registration page.
- Register online before the registration deadline (you'll need to create a user account if you do not have one already).
- Alternatively, you can register by paper by filling out the form and mailing it to the CAS before the registration deadline.
- Choose your exam location. CAS examination centers are listed on the Exam Registration page of the CAS website.
Day of Exam
What To Bring:
- A government-issued photo ID that includes a signature
- Recommended Calculator: TI-30XS MultiView
(See Other Options)
Tip from Coach Austin
“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.”
Tip from Coach Austin
"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."
Tip from Coach Austin
"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."
Tip from Coach Austin
"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."
Tip from Coach Terence
"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."
After the Exam
Getting Your Exam Results
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.
Next Steps
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).
Testimonials
Others Who Have Passed Similar Exams
Study Plans
Finding the Right Answer
All subscriptions begin at the time of purchase.
HEADS UP! Because this course is currently under construction, we are condensing the subscription options and offering them at a reduced price for a limited time. As of 10/31/2023, 100% of the online manual has been published. The video lessons will be released in batches with a target completion of March 2024. If you purchase now, you will automatically gain access to new content as it becomes available.
- What do I get?
Your subscription contains all content items that typically comes with a Practice+Learn subscription, released in stages. These include an online manual, video lessons, practice questions, a formula sheet, a study schedule, and access to the discussion forums. - When will the course be completed?
The online manual has been completed. We aim to publish the video lessons by March 2024. Currently, a handful of past exams released by the CAS are available for practice on the CA platform. More past CAS exams, original practice exams written by CA, and Learn assignments will be added to the platform through March 2024.