Taking the Actuary Exams - need help starting

[VincentBocchinfuso CPC]

Below is a link to the page that contains the syllabus for the EA-1 (in another link within the page).

I am basically starting from scratch here, so I was hoping an Enrolled Actuary can take a look at the texts and recommend an order of reading.

Please help- time is of the essnece as I wish to take the exam in May. Thank You.

http://www.asppa.org/Document-Vault/Docs/EE/EA-Exams.aspx

[Effen]

In the old days Jordan and Kellison were the old and new testament. If you know those, you will do fine.

When I took it, I liked Parmenter's book more as a supplement to the other two. Sometimes Parmenter's explanations were a little easier to understand.

Other than the text books, the best way to study is by using old exams. They are all available on the Joint Board web site. You can also buy solutions to the exams through various vendors, or you may be able to buy used ones from previous students. Also, try to form a study group with other in your area.

Maybe someone who past more recently can comment on the other text books.

[david rigby]

I would start with ERISA; get a context / big picture.

Then move on to the textbooks from Anderson and Berin. Both excellent. I love Q1 at the end of chapter 1 in Berin's book.

Read all the IRS documents in chronological order.

I organized my study and reading materials around IRC section numbers: for example, all 412/430 items in one notebook, with my copy of the code first, then chronological copies of IRS documents. Items related to 415 in another notebook, etc.

Effen is correct that reviewing prior exams is very important. Don't ignore any exams for which you have copies, no matter how old.

If you can take the seminar at Georgia State University, do so.

BTW, no you cannot borrow my copy of Jordan or Kellison.

[JBones]

In addition to the comments above, I found that the seminars offered online through www.theinfiniteactuary.com were very helpful for me. I didn't take the EA-1 seminar, but did for 2A and 2B. It was very helpful to hear and see examples worked out, and be able to pause, rewind and rewatch sections that I had trouble with.

[abanky]

I'd recommend taking the FM and the MLC exams instead of just the EA-1... Even thought they are two exams their passing rate is higher than the EA-1... and It also puts you in a position to go for your ASA if you decide later on down the road to do.

[Effen]

taking the FM and the MLC exams ... their passing rate is higher than the EA-1

I suspect part of the reason for the higher passing mark is the quality of the students. FM & MLC exams are generally taken by students thinking about an ASA or FSA. EA-1 is typically taken by students who don't have such high asperations.

But I agree with ananky. An ASA will server you better in the long run. What value is an EA 15 years from now when most of the db plans are gone?

[dmb]

I second the Georgia State University seminar.

[VincentBocchinfuso CPC]

Wow thanks alot everyone, this is certainly a good start.

[VincentBocchinfuso CPC]

If anyone is interested in selling me some old exams I would greatly appreciate it.

[abanky]

http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/actuaries/artic...d=97444,00.html

these are a couple of the old EA 1 exams.

Doesn't your er pay for your exams?

[david rigby]

If anyone is interested in selling me some old exams I would greatly appreciate it.

If I can find them, I'll e-mail a copy. (But don't expect me to find them in the next 2 weeks.)

[Blinky the 3-eyed Fish]

The way I studied for this exam was to look at past exams to get the jist of how the problems were structured. Then I went over each of the books, read through the materials and did problem after problem. When I felt comfortable with the material I got out the past exams again and took them each within the 2 1/2 hour timeframe as if I was taking the test.

Speed is very important in this exam, so you must know how long it will take you to work a problem. You must know the material and know it very well to do it very quickly. Repeatedly taking sample tests will let you know where you are with the material.

[VincentBocchinfuso CPC]

http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/actuaries/artic...d=97444,00.html

these are a couple of the old EA 1 exams.

Doesn't your er pay for your exams?

No- I have had to take my career in my own hands at this point

[VincentBocchinfuso CPC]

http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/actuaries/artic...d=97444,00.html

these are a couple of the old EA 1 exams.

Doesn't your er pay for your exams?

Awesome thanks!

[VincentBocchinfuso CPC]

The way I studied for this exam was to look at past exams to get the jist of how the problems were structured. Then I went over each of the books, read through the materials and did problem after problem. When I felt comfortable with the material I got out the past exams again and took them each within the 2 1/2 hour timeframe as if I was taking the test.

Speed is very important in this exam, so you must know how long it will take you to work a problem. You must know the material and know it very well to do it very quickly. Repeatedly taking sample tests will let you know where you are with the material.

Appreciate the advice!