Faster Grading and More Frequent Courses

The implementation of the FSA enhancements will begin November 2025 with all twenty-three course exams offered in both November 2025 and March 2026. Beginning in 2026, high-demand courses will have three exams offered per year.

The SOA will offer all exams in March 2026. More information is to come in 2026 for high-demand courses offered up to three times per year.

Exams will include two hours and 30 minutes of content covered over a three-hour period. Unlike previous exams, all course exams will have the same amount of time.

We will be implementing multiple changes in the exam grading operations process, which will result in a faster turnaround time. Part of the process improvements will include working with a combination of volunteer and compensated graders.

The SOA expedited the grading process beginning with the fall 2023 Predictive Analytics Exam. The turnaround time was reduced significantly, and the SOA maintained a rigorous adherence to accuracy. The success of this pilot program demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the overall examination experience without compromising the high standards of precision and integrity of the process.

We will continue to work with and rely on volunteers for education projects and programs. Part of the process improvements for faster grading will include working with a combination of volunteer and compensated graders. Additionally, we are actively researching the evolving landscape of volunteering and will explore opportunities for those looking to diversify their volunteer experience. Stay tuned for future updates on volunteer opportunities.

The grading timeframe will be reduced from eleven weeks to four weeks from the end of the testing period, in nearly all cases. There are a few exceptions, including INV 201, which uses pen and paper for part of the exam, and in some cases where candidates sit for an exam at a later date.