Actuarial exams are different from traditional written examinations. For CM and CS papers, candidates need to be comfortable with online typing, mathematical equations, Excel, R programming, formulae, calculators and time management.
Knowing the syllabus is important, but knowing how to use these tools efficiently during the exam is equally important.
1. Practise Online Typing
Do not wait until the final week to practise typing.
Aim for 20–30 minutes of typing practice regularly, especially during the final weeks before the exam. Practise typing complete actuarial solutions, explanations and calculations rather than ordinary text.
The goal is to improve both typing speed and accuracy.
2. Get Comfortable with the Equation Editor
Actuarial solutions often contain mathematical expressions, formulas, symbols, powers and fractions.
Practise using the equation editor before the exam so that you can type mathematical solutions quickly without wasting valuable examination time.
A good practice method is:
Solve → Type → Check → Repeat
3. Practise Excel and R Programming
For papers involving Excel or R programming, reading notes is not enough. You need hands-on practice.
For Excel, practise solving complete actuarial problems using formulas and functions.
For R, practise writing, running and correcting code and interpreting the output.
The objective is to make these tools familiar enough that basic operations do not slow you down during the examination.
4. Learn to Use the Formula and Tables Book
Do not simply keep the formula and tables book beside you while studying. Practise finding commonly used formulas and tables quickly.
You should understand when a formula is required and where to find it.
This can save valuable time during the exam.
5. Practise with Your Calculator
Become familiar with your calculator before the examination.
Practise powers, logarithms, exponentials, fractions and other calculations that you frequently use.
Speed is useful, but accuracy is more important. Always check that your calculator settings are correct.
6. Practise Under Time Pressure
As the exam approaches, move from normal practice to timed practice.
Attempt past papers and mock exams using the same computer-based approach you will use in the actual examination.
Practise the complete process:
Read → Plan → Calculate → Type → Check → Submit
Final Exam Strategy
Actuarial exam preparation is not only about knowing the concepts. You must also be able to apply them accurately and efficiently using the required computer-based tools.
Start practising typing, equations, Excel/R, formula tables and calculator usage well before exam day.
Don't just practise solving actuarial questions. Practise solving them the way you will solve them in the actual examination.
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