Exam PCPA Details
Below we’ll lay out everything you need to know for the PCPA requirement from registration details to the exam portion to the project portion, as well as what to do after you receive your results.
Exam Offerings
The exam portion is offered on a continuous basis, year-round.
The project portion is offered four times a year, in March, June, September, and December (see upcoming windows below).
Candidates will be eligible to participate in the next project administration once they pass the exam portion. Candidates must pass the exam portion at least 3 weeks prior to the beginning of the project window.
Exam Format
The exam portion is a computer-based test administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 40 questions of the following types: multiple choice, multiple selection, matching, fill in the blank.
The project portion is an offline, independent activity where candidates will create a predictive analytics models to address a business problem and submit a technical report (<=1,000 words).
Exam Duration
Exam portion: 2 hours + 15-min scheduled break
Project portion: 15 calendar days
Registration Info
- 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.
Upcoming exam windows and registration deadlines
Sep 15, 2026
Register by Sep 8, 2026Dec 16, 2026
Register by Dec 9, 2026Mar 16, 2027
Register by Mar 9, 2027
Exam Day and Results: Things To Keep In Mind
Don't forget your must-haves for exam day! Know what to bring and what to do after you pass the exam
What to Bring
- A government-issued photo ID that includes a signature
- Recommended Calculator: TI-30XS MultiView
(See Other Options)
Exam Results
You’ll receive the result for the exam portion 2 weeks after your exam.
You’ll receive the result for the project portion 2 calendar months after the project submission deadline.
Passing the Exam
Exam 6 is the next suggested exam after passing PCPA. You will also need to complete 3 CAS Data and Insurance Series Courses (DISCs) (previously Online Courses) if you have not already.
Expert Tips: Helpful insights from our coaches
Our coaches know this exam inside and out. Check out their expert tips for achieving a passing score.
Don’t feel like you have to be able to visualize the whole solution from the start. Begin writing down what you know. Read the question carefully so that you understand what exactly the question is asking you and, equally important, what it is not asking you. Solving the wrong problem can lead to unnecessary computations and lost time.
Lendie Follett Content Coach
While working on the project, there might be an urge to analyze and model the data to the minutest detail. Nothing really stops you from doing that, but remember that you ultimately have to report your work. The more things you investigate, the more challenging it will be to fit them in your report.
Jon Lai Product Manager
Course Offerings: Topics and weights
Curriculum for Exam PCPA will be posted soon.
PCPA Is Coming Soon
PCPA launches on Coaching Actuaries in early September, with video lessons, manuals, practice exams, and a question bank to help you achieve a passing score. Check back soon to get started!