IFoA Actuarial Exams: Final Preparation & Exam-Day Checklist

With the IFoA exams starting from 14 September, these final days are important. Don't try to study everything again. Focus on revision, practice, time management and staying calm.

📚 1. What to Do Before the Exam

Revise Smart

Focus on:

• Key concepts and formulas
• Topics you frequently make mistakes in
• Important definitions and methods
• Questions you have already practised

Practise Exam-Style Questions

Solve past questions or mock papers under a time limit. This helps you improve speed, accuracy and confidence.

Review Your Mistakes

Don't just count how many questions you got wrong. Understand why you made the mistake and avoid repeating it.

📝 2. One Day Before the Exam

☑ Do a light final revision

☑ Review formulas and difficult concepts

☑ Check your exam time and instructions

☑ Keep your calculator and permitted stationery ready

☑ Check your exam venue or online setup

☑ Plan your travel if attending in person

☑ Sleep properly

Avoid all-night studying. A fresh mind is more useful than a few extra hours of revision.

⏱️ 3. During the Exam

Read Before You Solve

Read the complete question carefully. Identify what is being asked before starting calculations.

Manage Your Time

Don't spend too much time on one difficult question.

Stuck? → Move on → Collect easier marks → Come back later.

Show Your Working

Where appropriate, write your calculation steps clearly. Don't rely only on the final answer.

Keep an Eye on the Clock

Check your progress during the exam so you have enough time to attempt the remaining questions.

❌ 4. What NOT to Do

❌ Don't start several completely new topics at the last minute

❌ Don't spend excessive time on one question

❌ Don't panic after seeing a difficult question

❌ Don't compare your preparation with other students

❌ Don't ignore questions because they look unfamiliar

❌ Don't forget to leave time for checking your work

✅ 5. Quick Exam-Day Checklist

Before leaving:

☐ Calculator/equipment ready

☐ Required documents ready

☐ Exam details checked

☐ Travel/online setup confirmed

☐ Water and essentials ready

☐ Enough travel time planned

☐ Good night's sleep

Most importantly: Stay calm and trust your preparation.

🎯 Final Reminder

An actuarial exam is not just about knowing the syllabus. Accuracy + application + time management + exam technique can make a big difference.

Revise smart. Practise under time pressure. Stay calm. Give your best.

All the best for your IFoA exams! 💙

S MONK — Learn. Practise. Perform.