Actuaries

What the future looks like has more than a passing significance to Actuaries because, as the experts in risk, they need to calculate the probability of future events occurring. From the ups and downs in financial markets, to changes in technology or where and when hurricanes may strike, actuaries quantify the risks to business.

Welcome to our page dedicated to being and becoming an actuary. You can enjoy the page through:

Engaging:

Use the wall and post discussions to talk with actuaries, students and potential students whether it be to network, organise groups or just ask a question.

Sharing:

Post your thoughts and ideas on the wall or with the "Links" application, maybe upload a video that we may find interesting.

Watching:

View our video on what it means to be an actuary.

Playing:

Test your mathematical mind with Extinction Distinction, or link to other games such as Risk - an all time classic!

An expert in risk management

Actuaries are some of the brightest people in business today. They are experts in risk, problem solvers and strategic thinkers with a deep understanding of financial systems. Working in an ever-changing environment, across geographies and roles, an actuarial career is one of the most diverse, exciting and rewarding in the world.

Actuaries are highly respected and influential – understandably, since their decisions can affect thousands of people. The work they do influences the way governments think and how some of the world’s biggest investors do business.

Watch the video on "Being an Actuary", play the game and join the discussion.

Visit our careers page for more information about becoming an actuary

Actuaries are one of the highest earning group of professionals in the world, find out how much you could earn here.

Want to find out who you will be working for? Then download our brochure of actuarial employers.

Life as an actuary is interesting, varied, enjoyable and well-paid. It takes talent and a lot of hard work to get there (between 3-6 years to qualify), but the end result is well worth the effort.

The steps to getting there

Step 1 - Take an A-Level or Higher in Maths

The first thing you'll need is an A-level, Higher or equivalent in maths. Remember, taking maths will broaden your career options even if you change your mind.

Step 2 - Get a good degree

For the majority of actuarial employers, a good degree (2.1 or higher) is essential. Any subject is acceptable, but employers prefer candidates with numerate degrees such as actuarial science, maths, stats, economics, engineering, chemistry or physics.

Step 3 - Find a trainee position

Once you have completed your degree you join an actuarial firm and develop your actuarial and business skills whilst you qualify. Your careers adviser can help, as well as the Actuarial Profession, which provides a list of actuarial employers offering work experience and looking for trainees.

Step 4 - Get qualified

This usually takes 3-5 years, on passing, or gaining exemption from, the professional exams. Exams cover topics such as statistical modelling, economics and financial actuarial maths. You study by distance learning, taking the exams twice a year. Many employers offer support for study including, in some cases, paid study leave whilst you are training.

Step 5 - Enjoy a job anywhere in the world

Once you're qualified, actuarial skills can take you anywhere. There's a huge variety of exciting careers waiting for you.

Want to find out more? Then download our brochure for school students.

The Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries are the two chartered professional bodies for UK actuaries, working closely together across the UK as The Actuarial Profession.

Like most UK professional bodies, The Actuarial Profession has the twin roles of representing members to the outside world and regulating members for the benefit of the outside world.

Read more information