FAP Overview
Updated April 12, 2019
PLEASE NOTE: The current FAP Modules will discontinue March 31, 2020. Candidates can use the information about the FAP Transition Deadlines and Credits to make an informed decision depending on their circumstances. Candidates can also visit the FAP Course Changes page for more information and future updates.
What is FAP?
The Fundamentals of Actuarial Practice (FAP) course is a self-paced, e-Learning course where candidates acquire and apply knowledge that is distributed and facilitated by electronic means. This course teaches candidates about the business environment and exposes them to real-world situations before reaching the ASA level by using the Control Cycle as a framework. Simply stated, the Control Cycle is a practical problem-solving framework that an actuary uses to perform work.
FAP is a body of knowledge (concepts and problems) in an actuarial context – blending actuarial areas of practice and functional areas. FAP includes online and offline readings and activities, practical examples, case studies, embedded activities, search functions, a glossary, resource library, an online Community, end-of-module tests, and end-of-module exercises. The online environment presents the FAP material in an engaging and interactive manner for candidates.
FAP also includes a computer-based Interim Assessment at the end of Module 5 covering Modules 1-5, and a computer-based Final Assessment at the end of Module 8 covering Modules 6-8.
Who is FAP for?
Individuals who desire to be admitted as Associates of the Society of Actuaries represent the primary FAP target audience. However, the FAP course is appropriate for any individual engaged in the actuarial profession at some level. Individuals seeking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit can register for the FAP modules by visiting the Professional Development e-Courses page of the SOA Web site.
What are the prerequisites?
Candidates enrolling in the FAP course may have credit for one or more of the associateship examinations (P, FM, IFM, LTAM, STAM, SRM, PA), but this is not a requirement. Many candidates will have passed the four Preliminary Education exams prior to beginning FAP Module 5.
What are the eight FAP modules?
FAP is comprised of eight modules completed in sequence as content in later modules builds upon the content of earlier modules.
Module 1: Introduction/Role of the Professional Actuary
Module 2: Core External Forces
Module 3: Risk in Actuarial Problems
Module 4: Actuarial Solutions
Module 5: Design and Pricing of an Actuarial Solution
Module 6: Model Selection and Solution Design
Module 7: Selection of Initial Assumptions
Module 8: Monitoring Results
Module 1: Introduction/The Role of the Professional Actuary
The focus of this module is to provide an overview of the basic framework for actuarial work and functions using the Control Cycle as the model. Additionally, the module provides candidates with an overview of the actuarial profession, the major areas of practice and the skills required of actuaries.
Module 2: Core External Forces
The focus of this module is to describe and demonstrate how external forces (outside of the actuarial sphere) effect and integrate into actuarial work; how they interrelate and change.
Module 3: Risk in Actuarial Problems
The focus of this module is to enable candidates to learn how to identify and define problems in various practice areas. This module creates the foundation for understanding and managing risk in actuarial problems and the commonalities that exist among problems so that they can be effectively addressed regardless of area of actuarial practice.
Module 4: Actuarial Solutions
This module builds upon Module 3. The primary goal of the module is to create a foundation for candidates to understand actuarial problems across practice areas and demonstrate how the entire Control Cycle is applied. Candidates will gain practical experience with key concepts related to traditional actuarial solutions and understand how actuaries provide value to their employers and/or clients.
Module 5: Design and Pricing of an Actuarial Solution
The focus of this module is to introduce fundamental concepts behind the tools used to solve common actuarial problems. Using various models, the module introduces candidates to coverages and benefit/policy design components of several actuarial solutions.
Module 6: Model Selection and Solution Design
The focus of Module 6 is to provide candidates with an overview of model selection and model building and how these processes fit within the context of the Control Cycle. The module creates the foundation for candidates to understand how to select an appropriate model for a given problem and design a solution.
Module 7: Selection of Initial Assumptions
This module builds upon previous modules focused on helping candidates identify and define problems and design solutions. The goal of this module is to introduce the methods and tools actuaries use to identify, select and quantify assumptions. Candidates will understand how the identification, selection and quantification of assumptions finalizes the “design solution” element of the Control Cycle and transitions actuarial work to that of monitoring results.
Module 8: Monitoring Results
The final module of the FAP course focuses on the purposes of monitoring experience and the techniques used by actuaries. The “monitor experience” element of the Control Cycle is dependent upon the objectives and definition of the problem addressed and the solution designed by the actuary. Candidates learn how monitoring results provides feedback to the other Control Cycle elements and how the feedback loop, in context with the work of the actuary, completes the Control Cycle.
How long will it take to complete a module?
The estimate is that each module will require approximately 30-50 hours to complete. Many candidates will maintain a pace to complete approximately one module per month. Candidates are encouraged to progress through the modules and complete the course within a timely basis, as the FAP course must be completed in 24 months. Up to two one-year extensions are available to eligible candidates unable to complete the course in the stated timeframe.
If a candidate does not receive a passing grade on all module exercises and both assessments within the total 48 month timeframe, all credit is forfeited and the candidate must begin again from module 1.
How much does the FAP course cost?
FAP includes Modules 1-8, the Interim Assessment and the Final Assessment.
FAP course fees are as follows:
How much does the FAP course cost?
FAP includes Modules 1-8, the Interim Assessment and the Final Assessment.
FAP course fees are as follows:
| Modules 1–8 | $300 |
| Interim Assessment | $600 |
| Final Assessment | $1200 |
| Retake of the Interim Assessment | $500 |
| or the Final Assessment | |
| FAP Extension* | $100 |
*Last day for candidates to purchase an extension is July 31, 2019. The FAP Modules will discontinue March 31, 2020.
Note to candidates with credit for previous Course 5 or Course 7: Candidates with credit for Course 5 will receive credit for Modules 1 through 5 and the Interim Assessment. Candidates with credit for Course 7 will receive credit for Modules 6 through 8, the FAP Final Assessment and the FSA capstone module (DMAC). Conversion candidates pay $300 for Modules 1-5 or 6-8, but will receive access to all 8 modules.
Textbook Information
The SOA does not provide the required textbooks. Candidates are responsible for purchasing the books required for FAP. Read the FAP Book List for complete details. The SOA also provides a list of FAP book distributors.
System Requirements
Y = Supported
N= Not Supported
Operating System/Web Browser Requirements
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (11+)
- Mozilla Firefox (52+)
- Google Chrome (57)
- Safari (9+, on macOS only)
Software Requirements for Interim and Final Assessments
| Windows | Mac | ||
| 2013 | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Microsoft Word | Y | Y | Y |
| Microsoft Excel | Y | Y | Y |
Other Requirements:
- Minimum screen resolution of 1366 x 786
- Browser Pop-up Blocker settings set to allow
- Learning.soa.org
- elearn.soa.org
- Adobe Reader DC (15+)
- Javascript and Cookies enabled on browser
FAP Course Completion Process
Candidates follow the process below for Modules 1-4 and Modules 6-7:
- Candidate completes a module (readings, activities)
- Candidate takes an end-of-module test to determine readiness to proceed to the end-of-module exercise
- Candidate completes end-of-module exercise (or series of exercises) and submits it to the SOA
- Candidate receives an illustrative solution to the exercise
- Candidate completes the module exercise self-assessment and submits it to the SOA
- Candidates should allow approximately seven weeks for formal grading of their exercises.
What is the format of the Interim Assessment?
The FAP Interim Assessment is in the format of a comprehensive exercise available at the end of Module 5 to candidates who complete all required modules. The assessment covers material in Modules 1-5. Candidates will have access to the Interim Assessment once they complete Module 5 and download the assessment to their computer.
The Interim Assessment will assess candidates understanding of content, achievement of learning outcomes and ability to apply key concepts presented in Modules 1-5. The Interim Assessment builds upon the Modules 1-4 End-of-Module exercises and helps candidates prepare for the Final Assessment.
Candidates complete the Interim Assessment under controlled conditions with formal grading (i.e., every Interim Assessment will be formally graded). Candidates have one month to complete the Interim Assessment. The assessment clock will start when candidates download the Interim Assessment. Candidates must submit (upload) assessment files before the clock expires. If the assessment is not uploaded before time expires, the assessment will receive an automatic grade of “does not meet minimum requirements” and the SOA will be unable to reverse the decision. NO exceptions will be made.
The Interim Assessment is a part of the overall course, and candidates must have course access to upload the Interim Assessment. Candidates who download the Interim Assessment less than 30 days before the course expires will not have the full 30 days to complete the Interim Assessment.
Grading will be completed in approximately seven weeks of submission. Grade notifications are sent via email. If a candidate does not meet minimum requirements on the Interim Assessment, the candidate will receive feedback in the result email. Such candidates will need to reregister to take the Interim Assessment.
What is the format of the Final Assessment?
The FAP Final Assessment is in the format of a comprehensive exercise available at the end of Module 8 to candidates who complete all required modules. The assessment covers material in Modules 6-8. Candidates will have access to the Final Assessment once they complete Module 8 and download the assessment to their computer.
The Final Assessment is available on-demand. There is no registration deadline; candidates may take it at their own discretion once qualifications have been met. Candidates will have access to the assessment after completing the required modules and exercises.
Candidate registering for the Final Assessment must secure his/her own supervisor. Preferably, the supervisor must be an FSA (in good standing). If an FSA is not available, other acceptable designations would be: FCAS, FCIA, FFA, FIA, FIAA, FSPA. Submit supervisor change requests to customerservice@soa.org. If no Fellow is available, a high-ranking member of management who is not able to sit for exams, such as Vice President of Human Resources, or a university professor may also serve.
Candidates have 96 hours to complete and submit their assessment. The 96-hour timeframe will begin upon download of the Final Assessment materials. Candidates may read the instructions and FAQs without starting their assessment clock. The assessment clock will not begin until a candidate reaches the download page and candidates will be warned several times in advance of this happening. The Final Assessment is designed for a level of candidate effort of approximately 25 hours.
Each assessment is formally graded against predefined grading criteria for "meets minimum expectations" and "does not meet minimum expectations." All submissions graded as not meeting minimum requirements have been assessed as such by two independent graders.
Candidates may take the Final Assessment before passing the Interim Assessment. Modules 1-8 must be completed prior to accessing the Final Assessment.
The Final Assessment is a part of the overall course, and candidates must have course access to upload the Final Assessment. Candidates who download the Final Assessment less than 96 hours before the course expires will not have the full 96 hours to complete the Final Assessment.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the FAP course?
Contact elearn@soa.org