What qualifications do I need to be an actuary?

To become an actuary, you typically need to have a strong background in mathematics and statistics, and a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science or a related field is highly recommended. Additionally, most actuaries are required to pass a series of professional exams to become fully credentialed. These exams are administered by professional organizations such as the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). These exams cover a wide range of topics including probability, statistics, finance, and economics.

After completing the necessary education and passing the professional exams, you may also be required to gain work experience in the field, typically a few years, to meet the requirements for full accreditation. And also to maintain accreditation, many actuaries must complete continuing education courses to stay current with new developments and changes in the field. In addition to the above qualifications, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to think critically are also important qualities for an actuary to possess.