What do actuaries do?

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The future is full of uncertainty. Some of the events that can happen are undesirable. "Risk" is the possibility that an undesirable event will occur. Actuaries are experts in:

*evaluating the likelihood of future events
*designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events
*decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur

Actuaries are the analytical backbone of our society's financial security programs. They are the brains behind the financial safeguards we have implemented in our personal lives, so we can go about our daily lives without worrying too much about what the future may hold for us. These are the safeguards that protect us from life's catastrophes. The insight into risk that actuaries have also helps to ensure that our savings are working hard for us, so that everything we love and cherish can grow and flourish. The work of actuaries benefits all of us.

Actuaries in the U.S. and Canada achieve professional status by passing a set of examinations prescribed by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or Society of Actuaries (SOA). Examinations are held twice each year in the Spring and Fall at various cities in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world. Exams 1, 2, and 4 are jointly administered by the CAS and SOA.