Communications (Subject CA3)

The practical exam aims to test your skills at effective communication to both technical and non-technical audiences. It is based on the concepts in the Core technical subjects and in CA1 Actuarial risk management, and questions are set within a financial framework.

All the application forms and other information that you will need are available via the links on the right. Application forms are only available during the booking periods.

You can get further information on all practical exams by emailing practicalexams@actuaries.org.uk

Past exam papers
Past exam papers are being added to this page for practice.

Guidance on how CA3 is marked - the presentation question
Guidance on how CA3 is marked - the written question
These new guides show you the general format of the marking schedule which is used by markers in assessing your exam submission.

The format of CA3

The format of the CA3 exam has changed from July 2013 - read about these changes.

All CA3 exams will now be run the same and will be called 'CA3 Communications exam'. There is no longer any reference to a 'full programme' or a 'retaker exam', but the exam still takes place over two days

Before the exam you will download the CA3 Online application to your computer, and from this you can work through a number of modules, which are delivered by video via the application, and released over a four week period. This will give you time to revise the principles of communications and share your experiences by participating in group discussions using the online bulletin board.

There are two parts to the formal part of this exam, which take place over two days.

• You will prepare slides for a short presentation. You will then make the presentation, which will be filmed.
• You will also do a written paper involving the communication of actuarial issues to a non-actuarial audience.

If you have chosen to attend one of our venues you will prepare the slides on Day One using the online application, and do your filmed presentation and written paper on Day Two at the venue.

If you have chosen to do the exam wholly online you will do the written paper and slide preparation on Day One using the online application, and on Day Two will make the presentation which will be filmed using your own webcam.

Applying for CA3

Please read the exam policies and instructions before you apply. The application form will also give you full details of the entry criteria for the exam.

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 exam dates and locations
• Download and complete an application form from the right of this page, and return it to us.

To take this exam you must have passed or been exempted by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries from all the CT subjects and from CA1. You must also have one year's work experience.

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

Waiting list

Students who already have a confirmed place on a practical exam can register on a waiting list for earlier places. You will need to complete and return the form available on the right, indicating your preferences for time and location, though we can not guarantee to meet these.

Further information on the CA3 exam

In the past the examiners have been concerned at the low pass rate for CA3. It appears that students may have been entering the exam without full preparation. It is important that this subject is taken seriously during the study period and that adequate time is given to the preparation. We recommend that you spend around 50 hours preparing for this exam, and one of the best forms of preparation is to practise answering exam style questions.

Where will the CA3 exams take place?

Practical exams are being scheduled to be held at the following venues:

For those unable to attend a face-to-face exam an online version of CA3 is available.

New venues are being investigated and details of future exam dates will be advertised on the application form.

Email communications

We correspond with students via email, and all pre-exam work will be emailed to your preferred email address.

We have experienced an increased volume of reports of the non-receipt of emails sent to Hotmail accounts. It is your responsibility to check your inbox regularly (including the 'Junk email') and inform us if you have not received the necessary information or material. Alternatively, please login to your membership account and provide an alternative preferred email address.

Results

Pass lists are published on the website, and we will notify you by letter, according to a fixed schedule of dates. These are on the Friday, twelve weeks following the exam.