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Attention Candidates in Canada: CAS Exam Waivers Approved for Pathway 1

For a French version of this announcement, select French from the drop-down list of language options at the top of the webpage, beside the search icon.

The CAS is pleased to announce that, following an extensive review and approval by our Executive Council, exam waivers are now available for Canadian Institute of Actuaries candidates pursuing Pathway 1 (University Pathway) toward the Associate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (ACIA) designation. This decision underscores our commitment to recognizing the rigor and relevance of the Canadian university education and supporting Canadian candidates’ professional growth and actuarial journey.

What Has Changed?

Candidates who have completed the ACIA requirements for Pathway 1—including a qualifying university degree and the Capstone exam with the Short-Term section—are now eligible for waivers for several key CAS Exam requirements: Exam 1, Exam 2, MAS I, and MAS II.

Under this new approach, eligible candidates will need to complete the following in order to also earn their Associate of the CAS designation:

  1. PCPA Exam and Project
  2. Exam 5 and Exam 6
  3. Professionalism Requirement: Candidates may fulfill their professionalism component by passing the CIA Professionalism Workshop, which will count toward this requirement, or by completing the CAS Course on Professionalism.

How Does This Benefit You?

  • Accelerated Progress: By granting exam waivers, we aim to streamline the path to the ACAS credential, recognizing the depth and quality of accredited universities’ actuarial curriculum.
  • International Relevance: With the strong foundation of the CIA education paired with the additional ACAS requirements, candidates will be well-positioned for a dynamic career in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
  • Strengthened Canadian Pipeline: These changes reaffirm our support for Canadian actuarial candidates, ensuring that existing academic achievements are valued as candidates advance in the profession.

Next Steps for Eligible Candidates:

  1. Confirm Your Eligibility: The Waivers section of the CAS Website will be updated shortly with these new waivers. Once updated, candidates can confirm their eligibility and submit an application for the waivers.
  2. Plan Your Exam Strategy: With waivers now in place, candidates can focus on meeting the remaining requirements more efficiently.

We understand the dedication it takes to achieve actuarial credentials and are excited to support Canadian candidates as they continue to grow into actuarial professionals. The waivers are a direct reflection of our commitment to ensuring that the credentialing process remains fair, forward-looking, and supportive of our Canadian candidates.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact Laura Izzo at lizzo@casact.org. We look forward to helping you navigate your journey to ACAS and beyond.