Actuarial education in Canada
Canada has very strong university-level actuarial programs. Canadian universities have a global reputation for excellence in the quality and rigour of their programs, and they are well-positioned to introduce leading-edge techniques and progressive research to advance the profession. The CIA believes that Canadian universities are the right place to teach and assess the foundational actuarial topics to equip candidates with the skills they need to be successful in their future ACIA and FCIA exams.
University Accreditation Program
How the University Accreditation Program (UAP) works
Mandatory courses
Universities offer mandatory courses as part of their accredited degree program to meet CIA syllabus requirements.
University exams
Course exams establish that candidates have attained core technical knowledge to attain the accredited degree.
ACIA modules and Capstone Exam
The CIA-administered modules and exam verify that candidates have the requisite knowledge to become an ACIA.
Accreditation reviews
Universities are monitored and reviewed annually, with comprehensive reviews conducted every three years.
The role of accredited universities in the new qualification pathways
The University Accreditation Program (UAP) is designed to enhance education and reduce duplication of effort for candidates. Accredited universities offer, as part of their degree programs, a set of mandatory courses that meet syllabus requirements established by the CIA. Universities use education best practices to deliver the fundamentals of actuarial science and students are tested through university exams. The CIA requires no minimum course grades because we trust accredited universities to ensure that students possess a strong technical foundation that we will verify through the CIA-administered ACIA modules and ACIA Capstone Exam.
Accredited universities
After an extensive assessment process, the following universities from across Canada have been accredited to take part in the CIA’s University Accreditation Program. Full details of each university’s actuarial science program are available below. The courses listed represent the CIA’s mandatory courses for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you have questions on mandatory courses from earlier academic years, please contact us at [email protected].
Website: https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/math-stats.html
Name of actuarial science programs
- BA or BSc Honours in Actuarial Mathematics
- BA or BSc Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics
- BA or BSc Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics/Finance
Description
The Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics program is comprised of 20 required courses (60 credits) and 10 elective courses (30 credits). Students who complete all mandatory courses from the following list will be eligible to take the ACIA Capstone Exam, as part of Pathway 1 to earning their CIA Associate (ACIA) designation.
The required courses cover most of the preparatory material for Exams P, FM, FAM, FAM-S, ALTAM and ASTAM, on top of allowing obtaining credits for the VEE in Mathematical Statistics. Moreover, some of the optional courses allow preparing for Exams SRM and PA, and to obtain VEEs in Economics and in Accounting & Finance. This is a limited-entry program with a maximum of roughly 50 students selected among the more than 200 applications that we receive every year. Our minimum application grade point average (GPA) is 3.3 on a 4.3 scale and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.3 scale is required to remain in good standing in the program.
The Honours program requires exactly the same course content as the Specialization one, but in addition, students must complete a six-credit Honours actuarial research project under the supervision of a faculty member of our department. A higher minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.3 scale is required to remain in good standing in this program, which is designed for students who intend to continue their training in graduate school.
The Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics/Finance program is offered jointly with our John Molson School of Business (JMSB). It requires almost the same actuarial courses as the Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics program, plus the equivalent of a Minor in Finance, taken at the JMSB. These include all our Society of Actuaries-approved courses for the VEE in Mathematical Statistics, Economics and Corporate Finance. As a result, all 90 credits are required and there are no electives. We admit, at most, 15 students a year in this program, usually our top applicants (minimum application GPA of 3.7 on a 4.3 scale), who sit in the same courses as the other actuarial science students.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course Number | Course title |
| ECON 201 | Introduction to Microeconomics |
| ECON 203 | Introduction to Macroeconomics |
| ACCO 230 | Introduction to Financial Accounting |
| STAT 249 | Probability 1 |
| STAT 250 | Probability 2 |
| ACTU 256 | Mathematics of Finance |
| ACTU 257 | Actuarial Mathematics I |
| MACF 301 | Topics in Mathematics & Statistics: Introduction to Quantitative Finance |
| ACTU 357 | Actuarial Mathematics II |
| STAT 380 / ACTU 491 | Statistical Learning |
| FINA 395 | Theory of Finance II |
| STAT 460 | Time Series and Forecasting |
| ACTU 457 | Risk Theory |
| ACTU 458 | Credibility Theory |
| ACTU 459 | Short term insurance 2 |
Website: https://www.stat.sfu.ca/
Name of actuarial science programs
- BSc Major in Actuarial Science
- BSc Honours in Actuarial Science
- MSc in Actuarial Science
Description
The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at Simon Fraser University offers undergraduate major and honours degrees in actuarial science. A suite of actuarial, mathematics, statistics, business and economics courses in these programs ensure that graduates obtain both the theoretical foundations and the practical knowledge required to begin successful actuarial careers in a variety of settings. The department also offers a two-year research-oriented Master’s program in actuarial science that is not part of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries accreditation program.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ECON 103 | Principles of Microeconomics |
| ECON 105 | Principles of Macroeconomics |
| ACMA 201 | Interest Theory and Applications |
| BUS 251 | Financial Accounting |
| STAT 260 | Introductory R for Data Science |
| STAT 270 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
| ACMA 301 | Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics I |
| BUS 312 | Introduction to Finance |
| ACMA 321* | Fundamentals of Short-Term Insurance |
| STAT 330 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics |
| ACMA 340 | Financial Economics for Actuaries |
| STAT 350 | Linear Models in Applied Statistics |
| ACMA 360W** | Actuarial Communication (or other W course) |
| ACMA 401 | Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics II |
| ACMA 421* | Advanced Models for Short-Term Insurance |
| STAT 452 | Statistical Learning and Prediction |
*For students who started their studies prior to Fall 2024, ACMA 355 will be accepted in lieu of ACMA 321 and ACMA 455 will be accepted in lieu of ACMA 421.
**Or any other W course.
Website: https://www.dms.umontreal.ca
Name of actuarial science programs
- Baccalauréat spécialisé en mathématiques, orientation actuariat
- Baccalauréat spécialisé en mathématiques, orientation actuariat COOP
Description
The actuarial concentration of the BSc in Mathematics seeks to provide future actuaries with all the tools they will need (labour market and preparedness for the SOA, CAS and CIA professional exams), while at the same time offering an excellent education in mathematics, statistics and finance. In addition to actuarial, finance, math and statistics courses, students will round out their curriculum with courses in information technologies, economics, and demography. The Université de Montréal is the only Francophone university offering a co-op program (COOP). COOP students complete three employment internships during their undergraduate studies. Non-COOP students can also complete two credited internships during their studies. The Université de Montréal’s program is recognized by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries as part of their accreditation program.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ECN1000 ou ECN1050 | Principes d’économie ou Introduction à la macroéconomie |
| ACT1240 | Mathématiques financières |
| MAT1720 | Probabilités |
| ACT2241 | Produits dérivés et gestion de risque |
| ACT2242 | Finance corporative |
| ACT2243 | Investissements |
| ACT2250 | Mathématiques de l’assurance-vie 1 |
| ACT2284 | Mathématique de l’assurance IARD |
| ACT3201 | Régimes de retraite |
| ACT3251 | Théorie du risque |
| ACT3261 OU STT2700 et STT3790 si le cours ACT3261 ne peut pas être offert) |
Modélisation prédictive |
Website: https://actuariat.uqam.ca/
Name of actuarial science programs
- Baccalauréat en actuariat
- Maîtrise en mathématiques actuarielles et financières
Description
The department of mathematics offers a three-year bachelor’s program in actuarial studies. The program examines the various aspects of actuarial science: life and non-life insurance, group insurance, pension plans, finance and investment. Numerous internship opportunities are available to students throughout the program.
The department also offers a master’s program in actuarial and financial mathematics, enabling students to further their knowledge and understanding of insurance, finance, modelling and quantitative risk management. Subjects such as pricing and modelling of reserves, natural disasters, climate change, segregated funds and population aging are explored.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| STT1000 | Statistique I |
| ECO1013 | Microéconomie I |
| ECO1023 | Macroéconomie I |
| ACT1200 | Mathématiques Financières I |
| SCO1250 | Introduction aux sciences comptables |
| MAT1700 | Probabilités I |
| ACT2060 | Applications probabilistes des risques actuariels |
| ACT3035 | Laboratoire d’actuariat |
| ACT3300 | Mathématiques de l’assurance de personnes I |
| ACT3400 | Distribution de sinistres |
| FIN3500 | Gestion financière |
| ACT4300 | Mathématiques de l’assurance de personnes II |
| ACT4310 | Mathématiques de la finance actuarielle I |
| ACT4400 | Modèles de survie |
| STT5100 | Modèles linéaires appliqués |
| ACT5310 | Mathématiques de la finance actuarielle II |
| ACT5400 | Crédibilité |
| ACT6100 | Analyse de données en actuariat |
Website: http://www.act.ulaval.ca
Name of actuarial science programs
- Baccalauréat en actuariat
- Maîtrise en actuariat
- Doctorat en actuariat
Description
Université Laval’s École d’actuariat will transform you into a specialist of analysis and financial implications of risk. On the one hand, you will gain broad and in-depth knowledge in mathematics, statistics, probability, computer science, risk analysis and risk management. On the other hand, you’ll familiarize yourself with the economic, legal, financial and accounting aspects of the profession.
In addition to mastering basic concepts and principles, you will also develop general skills to practice in the profession, such as problem solving, discipline, creativity, ethical sense, autonomy, efficiency and communication.
In your final year of study, you will have the chance to delve deeper into one of the profession’s many practice areas such as personal insurance, damage insurance, risk management, group insurance plans, pension plans, social security, finance, risk modelling or big data.
Successful completion of diplomas accredited by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), including mandatory CIA courses, entitle you to taking the ACIA Capstone Exam as part of Pathway 1 leading to the Associate of the CIA (ACIA) designation.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
Graduate Program
| Course Number | Course title |
| ACT 6114 | Apprentissage statistique en actuariat |
| ACT 6115 | Mathématiques actuarielles IARD I |
| ECN 7000 OU ECN 7010 | Microéconomique I Macroéconomique I |
| ACT 7110 | Mathématiques financières et actuarielles vie |
| ACT 7117 | Modélisation et évaluation quantitative des risques en actuariat |
| ACT 7120 | Analyse quantitative des risques financiers |
| ACT 7121 | Provisionnement et crédibilité |
| STT 7125 | Théorie et application des méthodes de régression |
Undergraduate Program
| Course Number | Course title |
| CTB 1000 | Comptabilité générale |
| ECN 1000 OU ECN 1010 |
Principes de microéconomie Principes de macroéconomie |
| ACT 1001 | Mathématiques financières |
| ACT 1002 | Analyse probabiliste des risques actuariels |
| ACT 1006 | Gestion du risque financier 1 |
| ACT 2000 | Analyse statistique des risques actuariels |
| ACT 2003 | Modèles linéaires |
| ACT 2004 | Mathématiques actuarielles vie 1 |
| ACT 4115 | Mathématiques actuarielles IARD 1 |
| ACT 2007 | Mathématiques actuarielles vie 2 |
| ACT 2008 | Mathématiques actuarielles IARD 2 |
| ACT 2011 | Gestion du risque financier 2 |
| ACT 4114 | Apprentissage statistique en actuariat |
Website: Actuarial Science | Future Students | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca)
Name of actuarial science programs
- BSc Major in Actuarial Science
- BSc Honors in Actuarial Science
- BComm/BSc (Actuarial Science) double degree
Description
The Actuarial Science Program prepares a student for a career as an actuarial professional. Actuarial practitioners, also known as actuaries, have been described as financial architects and social mathematicians.
Broadly speaking, actuaries forecast the cost of future risks and improve financial decision making by developing models to evaluate the current financial implications of uncertain future events. Actuarial students learn about advanced mathematical and statistical techniques useful for this purpose, but also study topics like actuarial mathematics, demography, economics, marketing, mathematics of investment and finance, pension mathematics, risk management and insurance, and accounting.
By its very nature, the Actuarial Science Program is interdisciplinary and the skill sets developed by an actuarial student are applicable in many business settings and are in high demand.
Most graduates find employment in one of the fields of insurance, employee benefits, pension and management consulting, or banking and finance, and have the option of switching fields during their career.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ECON 201/ECON 301 | Microeconomics |
| ECON 203/ECON 303 | Macroeconomics |
| STAT 321 | Introduction to Probability |
| ACSC 325 | Theory of interest/Mathematics of finance |
| ACSC 327 | Life contingencies 1 |
| ACSC 425 | Intermediate Topics Finance & Investment |
| ACSC 427 | Life contingencies 2 |
| STAT 429 | Linear Models and Their Applications |
| ACSC 437 | Actuarial Models |
| ACSC 511 | Generalized Linear Models for Actuaries |
| ACSC 513 | Fundamental of Actuarial Practice |
| ACSC 515 | Models for Financial economics |
| STAT 517 | Practice of Statistics |
| ACSC 527 | Life contingencies 3 |
| ACSC 531 | Loss distribution and their estimation |
| ACSC 537 | Credibility Theory |
Website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/management
Name of actuarial science programs
- BComm (Hons) Actuarial Mathematics
- BSc (Hons) Actuarial Mathematics
- BSc (Hons) Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics Joint Program
Description
The Actuarial Mathematics program at the University of Manitoba is one of the oldest in North America, having offered actuarial courses since 1912. Over 700 graduates have become Associates or Fellows of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Currently, three undergraduate programs leading to BComm (Hons.) or BSc (Hons.), and one master’s program (MSc in Management), are offered and administrated under the Warren Centre for Actuarial Studies and Research. The Warren Centre has been recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the SOA since 2009. It was ranked as the best actuarial program in Canada in the 2010 Knight Schools survey and was accredited by the CIA under its University Accreditation Program in 2011.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ACC 1100/FIN 201 | Introductory financial accounting / Introduction to Finance |
| ECON 1010 | Intro to Microeconomic Principles |
| ECON 1020 | Intro to Macroeconomic Principles |
| ACT 1100 | |
| FIN 2010 | Introduction to Finance |
| ACT 2120 | Interest Theory |
| STAT 2400 | Introduction to Probability 1 |
| STAT 2800 | Introduction to Probability 2 |
| STAT 3100 | Introduction to Statistical Inference |
| ACT 3130 | Actuarial Models 1 |
| ACT 3230 | Actuarial Models 2 |
| ACT 3340 | Financial Derivatives for Actuarial Practice |
| ACT4010 | Regression Modeling in Actuarial Science |
| ACT 4020 | Short Term Actuarial Mathematics 1 |
| ACT 4030 | Short Term Actuarial Mathematics 2 |
| ACT4040 | Regression Modeling in Actuarial Science |
Website: http://www.uregina.ca/science/mathstat/
Name of actuarial science program
- Bachelor of Science with a major in Actuarial Science
Description
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is one of six departments in the Faculty of Science at the University of Regina. It offers a variety of undergraduate programs, but there are three main areas of focus: mathematics, statistics and actuarial science. These three disciplines form the basis of interdisciplinary programs such as Biology and Statistics, Economics and Statistics, and Mathematics and Mathematics Education.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ACSC/STAT 116 | Mathematics of Finance I |
| ECON 201 | Introductory Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 | Introductory Macroeconomics |
| ACSC/STAT 216 | Mathematics of Finance II |
| ACSC/STAT 217 | Introduction to Actuarial Mathematics |
| STAT 251 | Introduction to Probability |
| STAT 252 | Introduction to Statistical Inference |
| BUS 285 | Introduction to Financial Accounting |
| ACSC/STAT 300 | Statistical Learning and Predictive Modeling |
| ACSC 316 | Mathematics of Finance III |
| ACSC/STAT 317 | Actuarial Models I |
| ACSC 318 | Actuarial Models II |
| STAT 351 | Intermediate Probability |
| BUS 395 | Finance: Theory and Application |
| ACSC 417 | Introduction to Casualty Insurance and Credibility |
| ACSC/STAT 418 | Time Series Analysis and Forecasting |
| ACSC 419 | Estimation and Selection of Actuarial Models |
| ACSC 456 | Applied Stochastic Processes |
Website: http://www.utstat.toronto.edu/
Name of actuarial science program
- Specialist and Major program in Actuarial Science
Description
Students who enroll in the four-year Specialist Program in Actuarial Science are prepared to write Exam P (CAS Exam 1). By the end of their second year, students will have taken courses to earn credit for Exam FM (CAS Exam 2). At the end of their fourth year, students will have taken courses to earn credit for Exams MLC (CAS Exam 3L), MFE (CAS Exam 3F), and C (CAS Exam 4). In addition, there are courses in the program related to material in some specialty Fellowship exams.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ECO101 | Microeconomics |
| ECO102 | Macroeconomics |
| MGT201 OR RSM219 | Fundamentals of financial accounting / Introduction to financial accounting |
| ACT240 | Mathematics of investment & credit |
| ACT245 | Financial principles for actuarial science I |
| ACT247 | Introductory Life Contingencies |
| STA257 OR STA237 | Probability and Statistics I / Probability, Statistics and Data Analysis I |
| STA261 OR STA238 | Probability and Statistics II / Probability, Statistics and Data Analysis II |
| STA302 | Methods of data analysis I |
| STA314 | Statistical methods for machine learning I |
| ACT348 | Advanced life contingencies |
| ACT349 | Corporate finance for actuarial science |
| ACT370 | Financial principles for actuarial science II |
| ACT451 | Loss model |
| ACT452 | Loss model II |
| ACT466 | Credibility and Simulation |
University of Toronto Actuarial Science Club
Danny Su, President
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/actuarial-science
Name of actuarial science programs
- BMath, Actuarial Science
- BMath, Actuarial Science/Finance Specialization
- BMath, Actuarial Science/Predictive Analytics Specialization
Description
The Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) is offered by the Faculty of Mathematics as a four-year regular honours program or a five-year co-op honours program. Co-op students complete six four-month co-op work terms as part of their academic program. There are a wide variety of co-op employment opportunities, and students can gain up to two years of diverse work experience before graduating.
The BMath program with honours in actuarial science covers a wide range of courses, including full coverage of the material of the SOA/CAS associateship requirements and some coverage of the SOA/CAS fellowship requirements. With a large actuarial faculty, the range of courses offered is broad and extends well beyond the SOA/CAS syllabi. Students may choose to gain a foundational knowledge in property and casualty insurance, pensions, corporate finance, risk theory and life insurance. Students who are particularly interested in financial or predictive analytics topics may elect to add either option to their actuarial science honours plan.
Students can concurrently earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) through the Business Administration and Mathematics Double Degree program offered in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University. The Department also offers honour plans in data science, mathematical finance and statistics.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| AFM 101 | Introduction to Financial Accounting |
| ECON 101 | Introduction to Microeconomics |
| ECON 102 | Introduction to Macroeconomics |
| STAT 230 | Probability |
| STAT 231 | Statistics |
| ACTSC 231 | Introductory Financial Mathematics |
| ACTSC 232 | Life Contingencies 1 |
| STAT 330 | Mathematical Statistics |
| ACTSC 331 | Life Contingencies 2 |
| STAT 331 | Applied Linear Models |
| STAT 341 | Computational Statistics and Data Analysis |
| ACTSC 363 | Casualty and Health Insurance Mathematics 1 |
| ACTSC 372 | Corporate Finance |
| ENGL 378 | Professional Communications in Statistics and Actuarial Science |
| ACTSC 431 | Casualty and Health Insurance Mathematics 2 |
| ACTSC 446 | Mathematics of Financial Markets |
| And TWO of the following | |
| STAT 431 | Generalized Linear Models and their Applications |
| STAT 441 | Statistical Learning – Classification |
| STAT 443 | Forecasting |
Waterloo Actuarial Club
Kevin Till, President
Tel: 519-577-5381
Email: [email protected]
Name of actuarial science program
- Master of Actuarial Science (MActSc)
Description
The Master of Actuarial Science (MActSc) is a professional program designed for highly qualified students with strong quantitative and communication skills who have not previously studied actuarial science. The objective of the MActSc is to develop both technical and business skills in the context of the modern risk management environment.
The program comprises three semesters. Students take 15 courses, covering material from introductory interest theory to advanced graduate-level material in risk management and financial mathematics. The objective of the program is to prepare students for top-level actuarial careers, emphasizing both cutting edge technical material and the insurance business environment.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| ACTSC611 | Financial Mathematics I |
| ACTSC612 | Life Insurance Mathematics I |
| ACTSC613 | Statistics for Actuarial Science |
| ACTSC614 | Corporate Finance and Accounting |
| ACTSC615 | Economics |
| ACTSC621 | Financial Mathematics II |
| ACTSC622 | Life Insurance Mathematics II |
| ACTSC623 | Applied Statistics |
| ACTSC625 | Casualty and Health Insurance |
| ACTSC631 | Financial Mathematics III |
| ACTSC632 | Data Science with Actuarial Applications |
Website: https://www.uwo.ca/stats/
Name of actuarial science programs
- Honors Specialization in Actuarial Science
- Major in Actuarial Science
Description
Founded in 1980, the mission of the Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences includes the following:
- To advance the statistical and actuarial sciences through high quality research;
- To contribute to research conducted University-wide by collaborating with other researchers in developing methods of modelling and analysis appropriate to the applications;
- To offer leading undergraduate and graduate programs in statistical and actuarial science;
- To offer high-quality introductory statistical and actuarial science courses appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines; and
- To explore innovative methods for teaching statistical and actuarial science.
The University of Western Ontario is recognized as a Society of Actuaries Centre of Actuarial Excellence.
Mandatory courses for recognized degree
For a degree to be recognized by the CIA, a student must successfully complete the following mandatory courses:
| Course | Course title |
| Eco 1021 | Principles of Microeconomics |
| Eco 1022 | Principles of Macroeconomics |
| Act Sci 2427 | Long Term Actuarial Math I |
| Act Sci 2553 | Mathematics of Finance |
| Fin Mod 2555 | Corporate Finance |
| Fin Mod 2557 | Financial Markets and Investments |
| Stats 2857 | Probability and Statistics I |
| Stats 2858 | Probability and Statistics II |
| Data Sci 3000 | Introduction to Machine Learning |
| Act Sci 3424 | Short Term Actuarial Math I |
| Act Sci 3429 | Long Term Actuarial Math II |
| Act Sci 3431 | Long Term Actuarial Math III |
| Fin Mod 3520 | Financial Modelling I |
| Stats 3657 | Intermediate Probability |
| Stat 3859 | Regression |
| Act Sci 4824 | Short Term Actuarial Math II |
| Stats 4861 | Time Series |
Review non-accredited Canadian universities offering actuarial studies here.
Want to become an accredited university?
Accredited universities and courses offered are rigorously and continuously evaluated by the CIA. If your institution is interested in pursuing CIA accreditation, check out the policy governing the program and contact us to learn more or apply.
Check our policy
The Accreditation Actuary’s role in governance
Each accredited university must appoint an Accreditation Actuary to be the point of contact with the CIA. They are responsible for maintaining good communications with the CIA, coordinating the terms of the accreditation agreement between the university and the CIA, and collaborating on curriculum development.
The Accreditation Actuary (ACA) is a full-time faculty member employed by an accredited university who is a member of the CIA.
Job title: Accreditation Actuary
Each accredited university must have one Accreditation Actuary (AcA), appointed by the CIA.
The AcA serves as the university’s point of contact through which communication with the CIA occurs and is responsible for coordinating the university’s participation in the University Accreditation Program.
Specific duties and responsibilities
- Serve as the main point of contact at their university and be responsible for the coordination of its course accreditation, including advising the CIA of any circumstances that may affect the university’s accreditation status or coverage of the CIA syllabus by students.
- Work with course instructors to map courses to the CIA syllabus.
- Contribute as appropriate, within the university’s mechanism for curriculum development, with respect to course content as it relates to accreditation.
- Coordinate site visit(s) and access to relevant materials and information by accreditation and review panels, and the annual external examiner process.
- Communicate the terms of the accreditation agreement to all course instructors.
- Coordinate with course instructors to ensure adequate levels of syllabus coverage are maintained.
- Provide course outlines for all CIA recognized courses within 10 days of the start of each term.
- Provide required documentation to the CIA as necessary.
- Remain current with CIA syllabus and university course content.
- Ensure that the university has a Fellow on staff who can fulfil the role of the AcA and prepare appropriate contingency plans in the event of sabbaticals or family leave.
- Regularly interact with students and advise the CIA on student feedback.
- Attend CIA university accreditation program events and training sessions as required.
- Provide the CIA with opportunities to meet students.
Criteria for appointment of the AcA
- The AcA must hold a Fellow-level designation such as FCIA, FSA, FCAS, FIA, FIAA, or equivalent. Candidates who are Fellows of actuarial associations other than the CIA must also be, at a minimum, an Associate of the CIA.
- The AcA must have at least five years of experience as a practising actuary or in actuarial education.
- Where a change in AcA occurs, in accordance with the University Accreditation Program Policy, where a university loses its Fellow or AcA due to attrition or other causes such as sabbaticals or family leave, the university must notify the CIA immediately.
Honorariums and expenses
- The AcA can claim reasonable expenses from the CIA for expenses incurred by attending Institute meetings required for the role.
- No honorarium will be paid by the CIA for this position.
Have questions?
A valuable extra-curricular activity for students in actuarial science is to get involved with the Actuarial Students’ National Association (ASNA). As a national leader and organizer of student associations in actuarial science, joining an ASNA committee or attending the annual convention would be greatly beneficial to an actuarial science student.