All 2020 CAS Exams Moving to Computer-Based Testing

All CAS exams administered in fall 2020 will be delivered via computer-based testing (CBT). While we previously announced that the CAS’s multiple-choice exams, MAS-I and MAS-II, would be the only exams transitioning to CBT in the fall, uncertainties about the effects of the novel coronavirus on the fall exam sitting necessitate also shifting CAS Exams 5-9 to CBT at this time.

The CAS is partnering with Pearson VUE, a computer-based testing company that delivers over 16 million exams per year and has more than 30 years of experience in the assessment industry. CAS exams will be delivered through Pearson VUE’s network of Pearson Professional Centers at more than 300 locations globally. Built specifically for high-stakes test delivery, Pearson Professional Centers will provide candidates with a secure and consistent testing experience in an atmosphere designed to contribute to an optimal test day experience.

When we announced the cancellation of spring exams and began looking ahead to the fall exams, we immediately began working on a back-up plan for our traditional pencil and paper administration in which candidates sat for exams at sites such as employers’ offices and hotel meeting rooms. As health and safety concerns continue to be foremost in the minds of the CAS, employers, volunteer proctors, and candidates over the coming months, we decided to execute on our back-up plan now and move all exams to CBT. We are pleased that our partnership with Pearson VUE that began with administration of exams MAS -I and MAS-II allowed us to pivot quickly to moving all exams to their testing centers.

The CAS has thoroughly discussed our plans with Pearson VUE and is confident that candidates will be testing in a safe environment at Pearson Professional Centers. The centers follow all local health guidelines and regulations and will provide a consistent testing experience, which was not possible with traditional CAS exam sites.

Key Similarities and Differences in the Fall Administration

Beyond how candidates actually write their exams, the key difference in the fall 2020 sitting will be that all exams, except for MAS-I and MAS-II, will be administered over a three-week testing window as opposed to as a one-day event. The exam window for CAS Exams 5-9 spans November 19 to December 9, while MAS exams will remain on the announced testing dates of November 10 for MAS-I and November 13 for MAS-II. Due to the later exam dates, exam results are expected to be released in the first quarter of 2021.

Administering exams over a three-week window was necessary to accommodate the large numbers of CAS candidates sitting for exams, along with the many other credentialing organizations who are moving their exams to CBT with Pearson VUE. With this change, we remind all candidates of the Code of Professional Ethics for Candidates and Examination Discipline policy that reflect the high standards of conduct, practice, and qualifications of the actuarial profession. In addition, prior to taking their exam, all candidates will be required to commit to a statement that clearly outlines the expectation that candidates will not disclose anything about the exam questions, content, or difficulty until the testing period is over.

Key similarities and differences between the most recent paper-based exam versus the computer-based exam for Exams 5-9 are outlined in the following table:

Scheduling the Exam

Candidates registered for the spring 2020 exam sitting were automatically registered for the fall sitting. All registered candidates will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE with instructions on how to schedule their exams; candidates may begin scheduling their exams with Pearson VUE on July 8. Candidates registered for Exams MAS-I and MAS-II should have already received their ATT email from Pearson VUE and could begin scheduling their exams on June 26.

We encourage candidates to schedule their exams as soon as possible in order to have the widest selection of exam times and testing centers. Candidates may reschedule their exam up to 48 hours prior to their appointment if necessary. As CAS exam registration is required to schedule exams with Pearson VUE, we would advise candidates who plan to sit for a fall exam and are not already registered to do so now so they may schedule their exam appointment.

Additional Details

Complete details on scheduling exams and the exam day experience will be provided through the CAS portal on the Pearson VUE website.

For more information on the fall exam sitting, please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and responses. We recognize that these are big changes and that candidates will have questions and concerns, and we are committed to answering candidate questions as soon as possible. We will release additional details related to the fall administration as soon as they are available, so candidates should refer to the FAQ periodically for the latest information.

Finally, the CAS is holding a webinar about the transition to CBT on July 27 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET for candidates and other interested parties. Registration will open later this week.

Please contact the Administrative and Customer Support Department at acs@casact.org with any questions.