About Exam FM
Get essential information, tips, and strategies to help you on your Exam FM journey in our guide below.
Exam Overview
35 Questions
Computer-Based, Multiple-Choice Test
3 Hours
Exam Duration
February 15-26, 2019
Next Available Sitting
January 8, 2019
Registration Deadline (Register by Midnight US Central Time)
Before the Exam
Exams You Should Pass First
None. FM is an ideal first exam for aspiring actuaries.
Exam FM Offerings
FM is offered 6 times per year in the even months (February, April, etc.).
How Do I Register?
- Register online at www.soa.org before the registration deadline.
- Wait 3-5 business days to receive an email confirmation letter.
- Schedule a seat at a Prometric Center.
Learn more about how to register for official SOA exams on their website.
Highest-Weighted Topics
Questions related to these topics will appear the most on the exam.
- Annuities
- Loans
- Bonds
Tip from Coach Baron
“Be friends with your BA II Plus calculator. Know how to use the TVM keys.”
Exam Day
What to Bring:
- A government-issued photo ID that includes a signature
- Recommended Calculator: TI-30XS MultiView AND BA II Plus (See Other Options)
Tip from Coach K, FSA, MAAA
“Once you understand the basic principles and business terms, it’s a pretty “straight-forward” exam.”
Coach Baron's Story
“Two hours into the exam, I was struggling to recall formulas. I thought I was going to fail. But then I decided to just start writing down formulas as they came to me for each question, then solving them to see if my answer matched one of the possible choices. I got a 9.”
After the Exam
Getting Your Exam Results
After you complete your exam, you will receive a preliminary Pass-Fail result. This is not your official final result.
After approximately 8 to 11 weeks, the SOA will release the list of passing candidates' ID numbers. A few days after this list has been published, you will be able to see your final score in your official SOA transcript when you log into the SOA website.
