Future Fellows - March 2009 - Volume 15, No. 1

Sep 27, 2026

March 2009 issue of Future Fellows (Volume 15, No. 1) discusses how CAS syllabus updates influence candidates’ exam preparation. It explains why new testing materials are added, how new questions may match the level and style of existing exams, and how to adapt study when historical question banks are unavailable. The issue also shares posted pass-mark information for fall 2008 Exams 6 and 9, key exam refund and registration deadlines, seminar and meeting dates, and a Part 2 article on insurance versus consulting myths.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Testing New Syllabus Material

Information Posted Online about Fall 2008 Pass Marks for Exams 6 and 9

Dates to Remember

March 2009 Exam Refund Deadline

May 2009 Exam Registration Deadline and Refund Deadlines

July 2009 Exam Registration and Refund Deadlines

CAS Seminars and Meetings

Insurance Versus Consulting: Myths—Part 2

March 2009, Volume 15, No. 1 | Testing New Syllabus Material
By Shira Jacobson, FCAS, Candidate Liaison Committee | | | --- | --- | | T he CAS syllabus evolves over time to
reflect ongoing changes in actuarial
knowledge and practice. Much research and discussion precedes changes to the syllabus – the Syllabus Committee understands that syllabus changes require corresponding changes in candidates’ exam preparation. When new material is added, it is because the material is deemed important to understanding an exam topic, or because it better addresses the learning objectives than a paper it replaces.
In some cases, the first exam questions to address new syllabus material have been broad or introductory. However, candidates should be prepared for questions on new syllabus material to be comparable in level and style to other exam questions. The Examination Committee views the syllabus as a whole and aims to develop exams that address the learning objectives. As a result, questions on new syllabus material may require as thorough | an understanding as that of materials with a longer history of testing.
New syllabus material may require candidates to vary their study habits, since thereis not a bank of historical exam questions available for study and reference. If you have questions about new syllabus material, a first step would be to examine what elements of the paper address the learning objectives and knowledge statements listed in the syllabus. Next, consider talking to other actuaries you work with. If there are any examples in the paper, make sure you can work through them independently. Look at the syllabus as a whole and try to relate the new material to other syllabus papers. Most of all, just remember that new papers or books are on the syllabus for areason, and while you may have to spend some extra time and effort to understand the material, you can reap the benefit on exam day. ff | Information Posted Online about Fall 2008 Pass Marks for Exams 6 and 9 E xamination Committee Chairperson Daniel Roth has posted an article under “Notes from the Examination Committee” in the “Admissions/Exams” section of the CAS Web Site that discusses the pass marks for Exams 6 and 9 for fall 2008. The article is also linked from the online version of this edition of Future Fellows. ff Dates to RemembeR March 2009 ExaMs rEfund dEadlinE Exam 1/P March 9, 2009 and cancellation of appointment by noon of the second business day before test appointment May 2009 ExaMs rEgistration dEadlinE There is only one deadline for each set of exams. Late registrations will not be accepted. March 25, 2009 Exams 2/FM, 3F/MFE, and 4/C April 2, 2009 Exams 1/P, 3L, 5, 7, and 8 May 2009 ExaMs rEfund dEadlinE Exams 3F/MFE and 4/C April 30, 2009 Exam 2/FM May 4, 2009 Exams 3L, 5, 7, and 8 May 7, 2009 Exam 1/P May 11, 2009 July 2009 ExaMs rEgistration dEadlinE There is only one deadline for each set of exams. Late registrations will not be accepted. May 28, 2009 Exam 1/P July 2009 ExaMs rEfund dEadlinE Exam 1/P July 6, 2009 and cancellation of appointment by noon of the second business day before test appointment Cas seminaRs anD meetings ratEMaking and Product ManagEMEnt (rPM) sEMinar March 9 – 11, 2009 The Mirage Las Vegas, Nevada ErM syMPosiuM April 29 – May 1, 2009 Sheraton Chicago Hotel Chicago, Illinois ] turn to page 7 Insurance Versus Consulting: Myths—Part 2 By Yvonne Palm and Fiona So, Candidate Representatives to the CAS Candidate Liaison Committee In the December 2008 issue of Future Fellows, we uncov ered three common myths about working in an insurance company versus working in a consulting firm and now will discuss three more. Once again our interviewees are Ms. Elaine Lajeunesse and Mr. Benny Yuen, actuaries who have worked in both environments. Myth 4: In consulting, you tend to gain exposure through a wider variety of experiences, but your experience l

FAQs

Why does the CAS syllabus change over time, and how does it affect exam preparation?

The syllabus evolves to reflect ongoing changes in actuarial knowledge and practice. Much research and discussion precede updates, and candidates must adjust preparation because new materials are treated as important to understanding exam topics and learning objectives.

How should candidates approach questions that are based on new syllabus material?

Candidates should expect questions to be comparable in level and style to other exam questions. Study should focus on the paper elements that address the syllabus’ learning objectives and knowledge statements, and candidates should independently work through any examples.

What guidance is given in the “Insurance Versus Consulting: Myths—Part 2” article about experience depth and the big picture?

The article argues that consulting may offer wider exposure but can lack depth, while insurance may develop expertise in a silo without the big picture. Both interviewees emphasize proactively seeking deeper knowledge and understanding how different pieces connect to the overall context of the company.

Sep 27, 2026

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