As announced earlier this year, the CAS has launched the Actuarial Professional Analysis (APA), a comprehensive evaluation that will allow the CAS to validate or redefine the importance of content areas to current and future actuaries. But what does this mean for candidates? Read along for three important points you need to know. 

1. You can participate!

All CAS members and candidates will have an opportunity to provide input to the evaluation, with the results used to determine the appropriate weights and cognitive levels for various content areas within the CAS’s credentialing pathway. Right now, candidates can provide input at various events, like the CAS Courses on Professionalism, and through brief surveys. The most prominent way we will be collecting feedback is a wide-reaching survey that will be delivered to all CAS members and candidates, tentatively scheduled for late 2024. Your responses to this survey are critical to ensure that the CAS has the latest information for the analysis.

2. You will benefit from the APA results.

As mentioned above, the CAS will use the results of the comprehensive evaluation to determine the appropriate weights and cognitive levels for various content areas within our credentialing pathway. As a result, the value of CAS credentials will increase by becoming more relevant to employers and clients. The skills and knowledge that credentialed actuaries learn through the exam process will equip them with a unique skillset. By incorporating future skills and modern methods, credentialed P&C actuaries will be forward-thinking experts in evaluating risk and be able to communicate effectively to business leaders. 

The results of the Actuarial Professional Analysis will also be leveraged in the development of the CAS’s professional education offerings, ensuring the current and future relevancy of our programming and further enabling the CAS to help actuaries build skills for the future and advance in their careers. 

3. The APA will be an ongoing process. 

The APA is an ongoing process that will occur every few years to ensure our data is up to date. While the evaluation is customized for the P&C actuarial profession, the concept of the analysis is typical of periodic industry-wide evaluations seen in other professions requiring certification. The CAS is therefore adopting industry best practices that will enable us to more swiftly respond to market needs so that CAS credentials remain the gold standard for P&C actuaries.

“It’s important to have broad input from across the P&C actuarial profession to ensure that the results of the APA reflect the current and future skill-building needs of actuaries and those who rely on our expertise,” said CAS President Frank Chang. “I encourage all members and candidates to take advantage of the opportunities to make your voice heard throughout this process.” 

Candidates should know that all impacts to our stakeholders are being carefully considered, with particular focus on the candidate experience and credential value to employers. The APA will continue to focus on the candidate experience, making enhancements to the credentialing pathway through the results of the information gathered. 

To learn more about the APA, visit casact.org/APA.