Joint Board Examination Program
Structure of the Examinations
In general, candidates for enrollment are required to pass two Joint Board examinations: the basic EA-1 examination and the pension EA-2 examination. The pension examination is given in two parts: EA-2A and EA-2B.
The EA-1 and the EA-2B examinations are given each May; the EA-2A examination is given each November.
Waiver of the EA-1 Examination
The Joint Board will grant a waiver of the EA-1 examination to individuals who have successfully completed:
- An academic program involving courses in actuarial mathematics. See the Educational Requirement Newsletter.
Or,
- Examinations FM and MLC of the Society of Actuaries Education and Examination Program.
All waiver requests must be submitted in writing to the Joint Board prior to applying for enrollment. An official college transcript must be included for educational waiver requests.
Transition Credit for Examinations taken Prior to January 2001
The Joint Board examination program was restructured effective January 2001. The Joint Board will grant credit for exams taken before 2001 according to the following table.
|
Examinations Credited Prior to January 1, 2001 |
Examinations Credited As of January 1, 2001 |
Examinations Remaining as of January 1, 2001 |
| None | None | All |
| EA(1)-A | EA(1) | EA(2)-A, EA(2)-B |
| EA(1)-B | None | All |
| EA(2) | EA(2)-B | EA(1), EA(2)-A |
| EA(1)-A, EA(1)-B | EA(1) | EA(2)-A, EA(2)-B |
| EA(1)-A, EA(2) | EA(1), EA(2)-B | EA(2)-A |
| EA(1)-B, EA(2) | EA(2)-A, EA(2)-B | EA(1) |
| All | All | None |
How to Study for the Examination
You can download a copy of the current examination program booklet, which provides general information and suggested readings.
Prior Joint Board Examinations
You can download the following copies of prior examinations and official answers:
-
May 2008 EA-2B Examination (answer key updated 02/2009)
-
November 2008 EA-2A Examination (question 15 modified 06/2009)
-
May 2010 EA-2B Examination (answer key revised 08/2010)
-
November 2010 EA-2A Examination (answer key revised 02/2011)
-
November 2011 EA-2A Examination (answer key revised 01/2012)
-
May 2012 EA-2B Examination (answer key revised 06/2012)
- November 2012 EA-2A Examination
Exam Sheets
Exam sheets are available upon request from ACT. Requests must be submitted to ACT within 6 months after the date of the exam. To request a copy of your answer sheet, please send an e-mail to servicep@act.org. Be sure to include:
- In the subject heading of the e-mail, the reason for the e-mail, for example, "SOA Enrolled Actuaries Answer Sheet Request."
- In the body of the e-mail, (a) candidate's name, (b) candidate number, (c) exam name, (d) date of exam, (e) exam location, and (f) mailing address used for regular USPS mail delivery. Please note that ACT will mail a copy of the answer sheet to the mailing address indicated in the e-mail request. Requests for e-mail or fax delivery cannot be honored.
