Exam Fee Discount Programs

General Information

The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) Board of Directors are pleased to offer an updated measure designed to provide financial relief from the cost of CAS exam fees and exam preparation materials to qualified candidates and eligible candidates in qualified countries.

Please review the stipulations and if you have any questions please inquire at casexams@casact.org.

Actuarial Exam Support Program

The Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS)  jointly administer  the Actuarial Exam Support Program (AESP), to provide assistance to actuarial exam candidates who are most in need of support paying for exam registration fees and study materials, aiding and encouraging them in their actuarial journey. This reimbursement program is currently limited to candidates living in the United States or Canada, including asylum seekers and university students on an educational visa, and came into effect as of May 1, 2024, for exams taken January 1, 2024 or later.

The AESP will cover reimbursement of registration fees for up to four preliminary actuarial exams, and candidates may request a study material stipend for use on their next exam when they apply for exam fee reimbursement. To receive the reimbursement, candidates must meet the score requirements and at least one of the eligibility criteria detailed on the Actuarial Exam Support Program website.

The AESP aims to extend support to a broad range of candidates, ensuring equitable access to actuarial education and opportunities. This program reflects a commitment to inclusivity, with eligibility criteria to address various forms of need, including provisions for students and career-changers. This program replaces the Needs-Based Exam Reimbursement Program, which was sunset at the end of April 2024.

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CAS Discounts for Candidates in Assistance Qualified Countries

We are committed to providing opportunities for actuaries around the world to earn the CAS credentials. To accommodate for varying economic factors, the CAS provides a 75% discount on exam registration fees and free shipping on study materials for candidates who are full-time residents and plan to test in countries included on this list of assistance qualified countries. These discounts apply to Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, Exams 5-9, and the PCPA.

Candidates are able to register for this discount during the CAS exam registration periods. They must complete the following steps for each exam session in order to verify their eligibility.

To secure this discount, candidates must:

  1. Confirm that their country is included on our list of assistance qualified countries and that exams are being offered in their country of residence. To view current available test centers, please visit the Pearson Vue website and click on “Find a test center.”
  2. Submit an application to participate in the Assistance Qualified Countries Discount Program by submitting this online form.
  3. You will receive an email once the discount request has been approved, and you may then complete the exam registration on the CAS website using your authorized coupon code. 

Assistance Qualified Countries Discount - FAQs

  • What is the cost of the discounted exams?
  • What study materials are available through this program? 
    • Complete online text references for Exams MAS-I, MAS-II and 5-9 are available electronically at no cost to the candidate. Please visit the specific exam page for access. Study Kits for CAS Exams 5-9 will be available to approved candidates without shipping charges. Approved candidates may purchase only one copy of a particular textbook or study note package under the discount program.
  • Why do I need to re-apply for these exam discounts?
    • For each exam session, candidates will need to re-apply to ensure that they still meet the eligibility requirements. Countries included in the program are subject to change. The previous policy requiring a one-time application is no longer in effect.
  • What are the criteria for Assistance Qualified Countries? 
    • The list of assistance qualified countries is based on the average per capita GDP. The list of countries is reassessed annually. If a country drops off the list due to an increase in GDP, they will be labeled as “under review” and will be phased out of the discount program after a three-year period. Additionally, countries that have current U.S. sanctions are ineligible during the time that sanctions are enacted. 
  • What do I do if there are no test centers in my country?
    • The CAS works closely with Pearson Vue to open test centers in response to the demand for exam slots. Please contact international@casact.org if you wish to discuss the availability of test centers in your region. 
  • What are the residency requirements?
    • Full-time residency is defined as residing in a country for twelve months prior to the time of the exam. For example, residents of China who study in the United States or Canada are not eligible to apply for or utilize the discount program.