Fifth CAS Student Central Summer Program Completed!

The CAS is excited to announce the completion of the fifth Student Central Summer Program, with students from over 32 countries participating worldwide across three different summer program models. This year, we are thrilled to award certificates to a record number of graduates, totaling 473 graduates between the Mentor-led, Independent, and East Asia Summer Programs.  

Mentor-led & Independent Summer Programs 

The CAS Student Central Summer Program was established at the start of the global pandemic in 2020, to help bridge the experience gap for students whose internships were abruptly canceled. As the program has developed over the past several years, it has evolved into one that seeks to expand a diverse pool of students’ knowledge of the Property and Casualty actuarial profession. The activities students participated in over the past couple months include:   

  • Weekly modules that consisted of webinars and exercises on P&C actuarial topics, including pricing, reserving, data visualization, and more 
  • Connecting and networking with practicing actuaries serving as mentors to a cohort of students, helping them navigate the program content while providing real-world insights and examples. 
  • Working with their cohort members on a homeowners’ insurance pricing case study and presenting their research to professionals in a case competition. 

As part of the Mentor-led program, 24 student cohorts competed against one another in the end of program case competition. Congratulations again cohorts 2, 5, 12, 16, and 18 for winning their panels based on their presentation skills, technical analysis, and business knowledge.  

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that over 40 outstanding students from the Mentor-led Summer Program have been accepted into the CAS Student Central Scholars Program. This program provides high-achieving students from the summer program with the opportunity to continue their engagement with the CAS throughout the next academic year, offering networking events, access to actuarial study resources, extended mentorship, and more. We look forward to welcoming the upcoming class of CAS Student Central Scholars.  

The CAS also hosts an Independent Summer Program, providing participants the opportunity to learn the same actuarial subjects over the course of six weeks at their own pace. This summer, we offered a Discord server as a medium for students to connect and network with one another. This was also our largest program of the summer, with over 250 graduates worldwide at its completion. 

East Asia Summer Program 

Last summer, the CAS launched our newest summer program iteration with the East Asia Summer Program. With nearly 400 students from nine different countries applying to participate in this summer’s program, word has spread quickly about the benefits of participating in this unique educational opportunity. This program brings together actuarial science students in East Asia with successful CAS members working in their region to share about the general insurance profession in the local context.  

Students participated in the five-week course, which consisted of a combination of live sessions involving lectures and office hours with CAS members, as well as a team-based data analytics case competition. This year 86 students successfully fulfilled the program requirements to earn a certificate for their participation in the 2024 East Asia Summer Program. 

We would like to congratulate all participants of the Mentor-led, Independent, and East Asia Summer Programs for earning their badges of completion! We commend you for the hard work and dedication you have all demonstrated over the past several weeks.  

To our Dedicated Volunteers 

We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to the over 50 dedicated members who volunteered their time and expertise throughout the 2024 Summer Program. These practicing actuaries served as mentors, speakers, case competition judges, and more, providing invaluable support to ensure the success of this year’s program. 

Their commitment to guiding the next generation of actuaries goes beyond enriching our students’ experience, sustaining the program’s initiative each year. Without our hardworking community of practicing members and volunteers, the CAS Student Central Summer Program would not be the robust learning experience that it is today. We are incredibly thankful for their ongoing support and tireless efforts in making a lasting impact on future actuaries.  


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Apply for the 2024 Midwestern Actuarial Forum (MAF) Scholarship

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the scholarship is to further students’ interest in the property/casualty actuarial profession and to encourage the pursuit of CAS designations.

AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP:

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of individual merit. The MAF Scholarship Program will award up to three scholarships to deserving students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Award winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Eligibility – You must meet all requirements to be considered

  • Must submit all sections of the MAF Scholarship application by September 6, 2024.
  • Currently attending a U.S. college or university as a full-time student.
  • Applicants must have sat for at least one actuarial exam by July of 2024.
  • Must be a member of CAS Student Central.
    • Join here for free: CASStudentCentral.org
  • Preference will be given to residents or those attending schools in one of the Midwest States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin).
  • Applicants should demonstrate high scholastic achievement and strong interest in the casualty actuarial profession, mathematical aptitude, and communications skills.

You must submit:

The four-page MAF Scholarship application and attached essay.

Letter of Recommendation – OPTIONAL

One letter of recommendation may be included along with this application, preferably completed by internship supervisors, instructors, and/or advisers at your educational institution who know you well. However, this is not required.

*Incomplete applications will be disqualified without any consideration to partial information received.

Completed applications are due to MidwesternActuarialForum@gmail.com by September 6, 2024. You will be notified of award decisions by September 13, 2024.


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CAS Virtual Case Competition

Have you had limited exposure to property and casualty actuarial topics and never competed in a case competition before? Sign up to participate in the Virtual CAS Case Competition exclusively for university students! By participating in this event students will: 

  • Gain practical actuarial experience  
  • Hone their analytical, leadership, and presentation skills 
  • Cultivate teamwork and camaraderie 
  • Obtain relevant experience to highlight on your resume and during interviews  
  • Compete for cash prizes for winners and runners-up

The event would be held over the span of two weeks, with a kickoff session to introduce the case to the teams, followed by two weeks for students to collaborate on their solution on their own time (with access to office hours and mentorship from a CAS actuary), and concluding with a presentation day where the teams’ submissions will be judged and prizes awarded.

The topic will focus on pricing a homeowner’s warranty. Students will be assigned to teams to ensure balance in experience levels. Below please find the tentative timeline for the event: 

  • Deadline Sign-Up: January 29, 2024 
  • Team Formation and Introductions: February 5, 2024 
  • Case Competition Kick-Off: February 9, 2024 
  • Case Competition Town Hall: February 16, 2024 
  • Case Competition Presentations: February 23, 2024 

Eligibility 

We encourage university students who attend an actuarial program but have had limited exposure to property and casualty topics, limited access to actuarial internships and have not participated in a case competition before to participate. This event is also well suited for university students at schools without actuarial programs, as well as those who recently learned about the actuarial career 

Register Now!  

Questions? Please email CASStudentCentral@casact.org. 


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CAS and SOA Exploring Adjustments to Diversity Exam Reimbursement Program

The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and Society of Actuaries (SOA) are working together to explore modifications to their jointly-sponsored Diversity Exam Reimbursement Program. A revised program is expected to be announced in 2024 as soon as the review can be completed; in the interim, the current program has been sunset. The Needs-Based Exam Reimbursement Program will remain available to actuarial candidates who demonstrate financial need.

Candidates who sat for CAS or SOA credentialing requirements through December 31, 2023, will still be eligible to apply for a reimbursement through the Diversity Exam Reimbursement Program, with applications due by March 31, 2024

The CAS and SOA remain jointly committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the actuarial profession. The two organizations are considering statistics on the Diversity Exam Reimbursement Program’s usage, existing barriers to entry into the actuarial profession, and the current legal environment to determine a revised program that can best facilitate this enhancement.


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Apply for the 2022-2023 Central States Actuarial Forum (CSAF) Scholarship

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  April 1, 2023                                                            Academic Year:  2022-2023

Objective

The objective of the scholarship is to further students’ interest in the property/casualty actuarial profession and to encourage the pursuit of the CAS designations.

Amount of Scholarship

The CSAF Scholarship Program will award $1,500 scholarships to college students for the current or subsequent academic year to assist with exam costs. This scholarship will be awarded on the basis of individual merit.

Eligibility – To be considered all applicants must:

  • submit all sections of the CSAF Scholarship application by the application deadline,
  • reside or attend a college or university in one of the Central States,
    (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota)
  • currently attend a U.S. college or university as a full-time student and continue as a full-time student at a U.S. college or university throughout the current academic year,
  • have sat for at least one actuarial exam by the application deadline,
  • be a member of CAS Student Central, and
    (Join here for free: CASstudentcentral.org)
  • demonstrate high scholastic achievement and strong interest in the casualty actuarial profession, mathematical aptitude, and communication skills.

Additional Rules

You must submit the full CSAF Scholarship application and required short essay.

A current official transcript will also be required from the selected candidate, once the award decision has been made.

Incomplete applications will be disqualified without any consideration to partial information received.

Completed applications are due by April 1, 2023. The award decision will be made April 15, 2023.

Apply Now!


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RPM 2023

Save-the-Date: CAS Student Program at the Ratemaking, Product and Modeling Seminar in San Diego, CA!

RPM 2023The Casualty Actuarial Society is offering an in-person Student Program at this year’s Ratemaking, Product and Modeling Seminar in San Diego, CA on March 14, 2023.  Members of CAS Student Central are invited to participate in this FREE one-day program!

CAS Student Program Attendees Will:

  • Learn More About the CAS, Ratemaking, and the Property and Casualty Industry
  • Network and Connect with CAS Members
  • Attend Professional Concurrent Sessions and Student-Specific Sessions

Registration is open to members of CAS Student Central. Students who are not yet members can easily sign up online, and then register to attend the event. There are a limited number of spaces available, therefore any students that register after we have reached capacity will be placed on a waiting list.

There is no cost for students to register to attend the CAS Student Program, attendees are only responsible for transportation to/from the one-day event.

Agenda:

9:15-9:30am – Registration

9:30-10:15am- Welcome and Introduction to the CAS

10:15-10:30am- Break and Transition

10:30-11:45am- Basic Ratemaking Session

11:45-12pm- Break and Transition

12-1:20pm- Lunch and Speed Networking

1:20-1:30 pm – Break and Transition

1:30-2:45pm- Concurrent session

2:45-2:55 pm – Break and Transition

2:55-3:05 – Evaluation and Group Photo

Location:
Loews Coronado Bay

4000 Coronado Bay Road

Coronado, CA ,92118

Please contact CAS University Engagement Manager, Margaret Gaddy, at mgaddy@casact.org with questions about the event.


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New Content Outlines Available for MAS-I, MAS-II and Exam 5

The CAS is pleased to announce the publication of the new Content Outlines (formerly referred to as Syllabi) for Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, and 5, as outlined in the Admissions Transformation Plan (ATP). The new content outlines enable candidates to begin their preparations for the new exams, which are anticipated to launch in October/November of 2023. Candidates preparing for the May 2023 sitting of MAS-I, MAS-II and 5 should refer to the current May 2023 Syllabi.


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Apply for the 2023-2024 CAS Trust Scholarship!

The Casualty Actuarial Society is excited to announce that applications are officially being accepted for its scholarship program for college students pursuing a career in actuarial science! The CAS Trust Scholarship Program, funded by donations to the CAS Trust, will award scholarships in the amount of $5,000 and $2,500 to deserving students for the 2023-2024 academic year.


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Enhancing Our Exam Content

In the spirit of our on-going commitment to transparency as we announce key milestones of the Admissions Transformation Plan (ATP), the CAS is sharing details regarding the process for deciding changes to topics covered on CAS exams. Over the past two years, the CAS utilized three separate analyses to ensure that the content presented on the ACAS and FCAS exams accurately represents a holistic viewpoint of the profession, and evaluates the skills needed to ensure CAS candidates and members are prepared to meet future skill demands. The CAS conducted the three analyses in response to stakeholder and candidate feedback, and to take proactive steps ahead of potential changes in the actuarial field. CAS exams have historically proven to credential highly qualified actuaries, and the CAS took these actions to ensure that we remain the gold standard for credentialing property and casualty actuaries.

The three analyses included

  • a Job Task Analysis (JTA),
  • a second JTA specifically focused on a deep review of predictive analytics skills, and
  • a series of focus groups with employers and other stakeholders to evaluate soft skills and skills needed for the future of the profession.

The work of the ATP to identify changes to CAS exams began with the Job Task Analysis conducted in 2020. This foundational analysis will inform the enhancements to all CAS exams, beginning with the new exams MAS-I, MAS-II, and 5, which are planned to be administered in the Fall of 2023.

The CAS worked with Assessment, Education, and Research Experts (AERE) to conduct the Job Task Analysis of working CAS members. Actuaries from a variety of backgrounds and practice areas were surveyed to identify the domains, tasks, knowledge and skills performed by practicing actuaries. Next, the accuracy of these competencies was further validated by a representative sample of practitioners in relevant actuarial fields, who also rated the importance, criticality and frequency of performance for the previously identified domains and tasks.

Following the first JTA validation, the CAS conducted a second, condensed JTA focused only on predictive analytics. Psychometric and P&C experts worked together to determine what material CAS candidates should be tested on, including a breakdown of the domains that should be assessed on each exam. These recommendations were based on the analysis of the most critical and frequently used domains, tasks and knowledge areas utilized by practicing property and casualty actuaries.

After extensive review and stakeholder feedback, a separate CAS task force reviewed the results and made additional recommendations about adding predictive analytics to the exam pathway.

Finally, guided by the CAS’s psychometric partner, ACS Ventures, the CAS conducted focus groups to determine what technical and soft skills would be needed by Actuaries in the next 3-5 years as the profession evolves. The focus group work used the CAS Envisioned Future as a primary source for its recommendations. The evolution outlined in the ATP is inspired by the CAS Envisioned Future, as described in the CAS Strategic Plan, that sees CAS members as sought after globally for their insights and ability to apply analytics to solve insurance and risk management problems. We are enhancing our long-standing professional certification model by adopting certification industry best practices that will enable us to swiftly respond to market needs so that CAS credentials remain the gold standard for property and casualty actuaries.

The final decisions on enhancements to topics covered in the ACAS and FCAS exam pathway were made by CAS practicing actuaries from a variety of experience levels and backgrounds in the P&C industry.

Our focus on strengthening our professional certification model represents our commitment to a future state that incorporates certification industry best practices to ensure that our credential holders have the professional knowledge and expertise to meet market demands. This will ultimately strengthen the value of our members’ credentials and uphold our position as the leading organization for credentialing property and casualty actuaries.

Later this year, the CAS will publish the domain-level topics for updated versions of the CAS exams, including the new MAS exams and Exam 5, which plan to be administered in Fall 2023. More information about upcoming changes to CAS exams can be found on the Admissions Transformation Plan webpage. As we reach additional milestones, CAS students, candidates and members can expect to see updates on the ATP webpage, which is our main information hub for our stakeholders. If you have any questions or feedback regarding the upcoming changes to CAS exams, please reach out to atp@casact.org.


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Guessing Penalty Eliminated Beginning Fall 2022

Posted on

When the Casualty Actuarial Society began administering the multiple-choice exams MAS-I and MAS-II in 2018, a 0.25-point penalty was assessed for each incorrect response to prevent a candidate from guessing correct responses. In September 2021, in conjunction with the release of the Admissions Transformation Plan, and motivated heavily by candidate feedback, staff and volunteer input, the decision was made to remove the guessing penalty. Effective with the Fall 2022 exam sittings, the guessing penalty for exams MAS-I and MAS-II will be eliminated.


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