The Society of Actuaries (SOA) e-Learning program was launched in February 2006 with the release of Module 1 of the Fundamentals of Actuarial Practice (FAP) course. The course is one among several requirements for individuals who desire to be admitted as Associates of the Society of Actuaries (ASA). The FAP course may also be appropriate for any individual engaged in actuarial work. Some current course participants are college or university students while other course participants are working for employers in part- or full-time positions. Course participants come from a wide array of educational and career backgrounds.
Expected Trial Account Audiences
Trial account audiences include, but are not limited to:
- High school students interested in pursuing actuarial science.
- Parents assisting their children with college/university selections and/or career planning.
- College and university students enrolled in mathematics or other quantitative programs.
- College and university professors.
- High school, college and university guidance counselors.
- Actuaries who are interested in the SOA’s approach to e-Learning or the FAP course, in particular.
- Managers working with and coaching actuarial students.
- Interested business professionals.
FAP Course
FAP is comprised of eight modules (each requiring a participant level of effort of approximately 40 hours) and two performance-based assessments. Participants have two years to complete the entire FAP course. There are no prerequisites required to enroll in the FAP course. FAP encompasses real-world applications and uses examples to demonstrate actuarial principles and practices. Practical techniques are presented to assist participants in their day-to-day work. Participants also have opportunities to apply these principles and techniques in traditional and non-traditional actuarial practice areas. With familiarity to the fundamentals, candidates for the ASA are better prepared to apply their learning to new areas of practice that may emerge during the course of their actuarial career.
Trial Account Content
A trial account gives you access to portions of the SOA’s e-Learning platform and Module 1 of the FAP course for 30 days. The trial account provides access to FAP Module 1: Introduction/Role of the Professional Actuary, excluding the offline textbook readings, discussion forum, end-of-module exercise and evaluation form. Trial account participants are, therefore, able to view Module 1 and e-Learning system content as if they were candidates completing the course. From a practical standpoint, your experience should be very similar to that of an actual candidate completing Module 1. After completing Module 1, candidates are able to:
- Explain what actuaries are.
- Describe what actuaries do.
- Explain how actuaries practice.
- Explain how actuaries work in the real world.
- Explain how the Control Cycle facilitates actuarial work.
Trial Account Agreement
Parties interested in accessing the trial account to learn more about SOA’s e-Learning program and the FAP course must agree to the SOA’s terms and conditions of use. By registering for and accessing a trial account, you agree to the SOA’s general Terms and Conditions of Use and to the following specific terms and conditions (collectively, the “Trial Account Agreement”):
Use of Course Materials
The components of the SOA’s FAP Module 1 made available on a trial basis, including all materials and references used, are the property of the SOA or of third parties and used under permission granted to the SOA and may only be used in the manner detailed in this Trial Account Agreement. Permission to use the material in any other way must be obtained in writing from the SOA and/or the publisher or author of the material. These materials are for the sole use of individuals registered for the course, or others as approved by the SOA, such as Trial Account users. You may view and read all materials that are part of the e-Learning trial account facility. You may also print any or all screen and PDF pages for your personal use in reviewing the accessible course content and materials. You may not share, communicate, publish or in any manner distribute to other parties the content and material, login and password, readings, references, links or any other materials. These terms regarding use of materials apply upon registering for the trial account, while accessing the trial account, and upon and after completing the use of the trial account.
Responsibility for Loss
You are responsible for and will indemnify and hold the SOA harmless from and against any and all liability, claims, and losses relating to your actions in connection with accessing a trial account and your breach of any terms and conditions of the Trial Account Agreement.
General Disclaimer and SOA Rights
Reference materials and links provided in the FAP trial account are provided by the SOA. The SOA does not assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of content contained in reference materials or links. The SOA does not endorse any product, service or organization referenced. The opinions expressed in pieces such as “Ask the Expert” or “Ask an Actuary” and “Thought Questions” included in the FAP trial account are solely the opinions of the contributors and do not represent the opinions of the SOA, its officers, directors, staff, representatives and/or its affiliates.
Access and Termination
The SOA will deny access to this course to any individual who does not agree to these terms and conditions. Further, the SOA reserves the right to terminate access to any individual who does not abide by these terms and conditions, as determined by the SOA in its sole discretion. The SOA reserves the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time.
Registering for a Trial Account
There are a limited number of trial accounts available. Your registration will be queued if there are currently no accounts available and will be activated as soon as there is an available slot.