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Model documentation, analysis and reporting (Subject CA2)

This exam aims to ensure you understand how to model data, document the work, including maintaining an audit trail, analyse the methods used and results generated, and communicate these along with your conclusions. You'll need a working knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing - the test centres use Word and Excel.

All the application forms and other information that you will need are available via the links on the right.

You can get further information on all courses by emailing courses@actuaries.org.uk.

 

The format of CA2

The practical exam comprises two days. The first day is to help you revise for the exam on the second day. Guidance on knowledge you will be assumed to have is available via the link on the right.

Eight weeks prior to the exam date you will receive a workbook via email. You are required to thoroughly work through this in preparation for the exam. We also strongly recommend working through the past papers below.

Day One

You'll get feedback on planning and checking a model. You'll also work on good spreadsheet design and audit trails, and cover good summaries and how our marking schedule works.

Day Two

You work on an individually assessed assignment. We will ask you to build some simple models with an audit trail, and hand in a spreadsheet with appropriate documentation for audit and a summary outlining: description, approach, results and conclusions. This will not be presented to an audience. You can ask the assessor for help to progress, but we will note this and take it into account in the assessment.

Your instructions will indicate which core reading is relevant, and include relevant extracts, and you can bring in reference books. Copies of core reading for subjects CT1-8 and Formulae and Tables will be available in electronic format. You will get refreshment breaks and a compulsory lunch break, though you are not allowed to speak to other students about the assignment.

 

Applying for CA2

Please read the policies and instructions before you apply. The application form will also give you full details of the entry criteria for the module. Distance learning courses are available for overseas students where there are no local arrangements available.

There are various ways that you can enter:

  • Enter online by logging into your personal account if you are paying by card. This will give you greater access to the current dates and locations
  • Download and complete an application form from the right of this page, and return it to us.

At the moment we can not take online bookings for the online exam version, and you will need to complete and return the application form.

You will receive joining instructions six weeks prior to the course date, which will include venue details, attendance instructions and exam regulations.

To take this module you must have passed or been exempted by the Actuarial Profession from all the CT subjects or their earlier equivalents. You may also wish to tackle CA3 or CA1 before this module, for the experience of communicating technical material to peer and senior colleagues. More details on these requirements are available here.

There have been instances of unprofessional behaviour from students at this course. Poor conduct may result in dismissal from the module and exam, which we will treat as a disciplinary offence.

Where will the CA2 exams take place?

Exams in 2010/2011 are being scheduled to be held at the following venues:

  • Edinburgh Training Centre, Edinburgh
  • New Technology Institute in Birmingham
  • Regus, Dublin
  • Regus, London
  • Regus, Reading
  • St Catherine’s College, Oxford
  • University of Surrey

Results

Pass lists are published on the website, and we will notify you by letter, according to a fixed schedule of dates. If you need to retake, you can attend a further two-day module, an 'exam only' day, or take a distance learning exam.

Past papers

You can work through some past papers. The solutions demonstrate the standard required for a good pass, though they are not perfect and other approaches are acceptable. As new past papers are added for practice we will be providing a corresponding examoners' report.

These projects are intended to show the broad scope of this module.

SB01 - AccountMobile

L6 - Greyhound racing

L3 - Assurance premiums