New two-day course for 2009

The CA3 (Communications) examination has been revised and, from 2009, will be offered as a two-day course, including pre-course study, training and assessment. During 2009 both the current written examination and the new two day course will be offered with a view to discontinuing the written exam from 2010.

The current version of Subject CA3 is based on the concepts in the Core Technical subjects. However, as the questions are set within a financial framework, some students may prefer to delay this subject until after studying CA1 Actuarial Risk Management.

In the past the Examiners expressed concern at the high numbers of students entering for this exam and the low pass rate. It appears that students may be entering the communications examination without thorough preparation, which in turn is leading to the low success rate. 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 examination. One of the best forms of preparation is to practise answering examination style questions.

Can I attend the revised CA3 course?

To attend the revised CA3 course you will need to have:

• Passed or have been granted an exemption by the Profession for all CT subjects and CA1
• At least one year’s work experience with an actuarial employer
• Approval from your employer to apply for and attend the course

How do I apply to attend the two-day course?

Two pilot courses for CA3 will run in late 2008 and students are invited to apply to take part in these pilot courses.

• Draft syllabus. Subject to change in the light of on-going developments
• Please note:
  Both CA3 pilot courses are now FULLY BOOKED.

Further information is available from courses@actuaries.org.uk

Where will the revised CA3 course take place?

• The pilot courses will be held at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. This is the venue used for the CA2 modules.
• Other venues are being investigated and we hope to offer a choice of venues from 2009.

What is covered in the revised CA3 course?

• Pre-course work: students will be sent a pre-course workbook containing a number of communication exercises, many of which will relate to the office environment.
• Day One: this will include preparation for the assessment, led by external communication specialists. The course leaders will draw on material provided by students in the pre-course workbooks.
• Day Two: students will be individually assessed, by an actuary and a non-actuary, in a 5-10 minute oral presentation, which will be filmed. Students will also complete a written assessment, involving the communication of actuarial issues to a non-actuarial audience. This assessment will be in the same format as the current examination.

What do I need to do before attending the two-day course?

• Individuals may choose to attend ActEd or other external tutorials prior to attending the course.
• The workbook must be completed to the minimum standard and returned prior to the course. Students will be able to complete the workbook at home.

Can I see any examples of assessment questions?

• Example assessment questions will be published on this page shortly.

Will there be a distance learning version?

• Yes - this will be developed once the UK courses are up and running.

Current written exam

The CA3 Communications has two questions, each testing a different type of written communication. The paper is of three hours duration.

Will I be able to sit the current CA3 examination?

• You will be able to sit the current CA3 examination during 2009.
• You can enter for either exam version, however, if you withdraw from one because you have passed the other you will not be entitled to a refund of the fee paid.

Further information is available from courses@actuaries.org.uk