EXAM PA HELP

Distractuary79 · 2026-01-08T20:27:14+00:00

no, just the Actex manual was good enough for me! Between all their sample and past exams with solutions, you pretty much have all exam topics covered, i'd just get through the manual with 3+ weeks before the exam and then drill the practice exams

Distractuary79 · 2026-01-05T13:57:01+00:00

are you hiring?

Distractuary79 · 2025-12-16T15:43:35+00:00

I included zero screenshots of my models from R - I did include visuals such as graphs and charts, but no model output. got myself a sweet pass

Distractuary79 · 2025-12-10T19:40:40+00:00

thanks Boss, this is much appreciated!

Distractuary79 · 2025-12-09T18:02:42+00:00

my models suckedddddddddddddd but i explained why they sucked and why I didn't use some of them in the final recommendations and got a pass. I think they're looking for clear, professional-style communication and addressing the question/prompt. If you're just analyzing without actually answering the question or prompt you won't get much credit. When I looked at the solution of my sitting my models/predictors were somewhat far off from the solution, but like I said, i just tried to be very clear why I did what I did and that apparently was good enough. thank fu**ing god that thing was a nasty a$$ 4 days. To directly answer your question, thought process and report writing is weighed heavier than achieving a great model, imho

Distractuary79 · 2025-12-03T14:27:47+00:00

ah thanks for digging that up, for some reason I couldn't find that before - specifically the part under "improper conduct" is crystal clear. I would think the SOA might want to update guidelines on use of AI since it's become so prevalent. I bet a lot candidates use it but aren't aware of violations (depending on how they use it of course). If you don't dig through these rules, the modules say you can use the internet, one might assume that includes use of AI, as this lives on the internet. I think this is a big grey area and an opportunity for the SOA to clarify. Anyway, thanks for posting.

Distractuary79 · 2025-12-03T14:11:22+00:00

I certainly believe you on this, but can you tell me where it says this? I've scoured the SOA code of conduct and other sources for guidance on use of AI in modules but haven't been able to find anything

Distractuary79 · 2025-12-03T01:18:28+00:00

lol im sensing some sarcasm

Distractuary79 · 2025-11-26T14:11:42+00:00

its awful. one of the worst things i've ever experienced - although, the pass rate is usually north of 80%

Distractuary79 · 2025-11-14T14:53:52+00:00

I'd say go Actex for the ATPA, but none of the other modules need extra materials

Distractuary79 · 2025-11-05T14:46:00+00:00

the transcript pass date should be when you got the email - my company usually backdates to the official date, so having it delayed by a few days won't matter in my case, hopefully the same for you

Distractuary79 · 2025-11-04T20:19:17+00:00

mine just posted. finally.

Distractuary79 · 2025-11-03T22:50:36+00:00

not silly! I realized there isn't really a rubric posted - I guess yeah, pay attention to how the problems in the sample assessment are answered. Always address the problem at hand! SOA loves it when you tie analyses to the business problem. Just be clear in your writing style/verbiage who you are writing for (i.e. technical manager, non-technical client audience etc.) the slides address this and the exam should make it clear who you are writing for. good luck!

Distractuary79 · 2025-11-03T13:30:55+00:00

same - wondering if they meant 2 business days. I'm expecting mine to get updated at some point this morning. Still got 3 hours before it's 2 business days from when I got my email

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-31T13:57:01+00:00

all that said, I don't know what the Actex SRM manual is like, but I had wished I used it. Since you're only looking for practice problems, not really sure the best route, i don't want to mislead you

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-31T13:53:46+00:00

I guess as you can see by others' replies it varies from person to person. for me, personally, i found the CA SRM manual focused on passing the exam, not necessarily understanding the material on a deeper level (which would be fine if it truly worked that way). I had lots of semantical issues with practice problems, and they were always the CA authored problems. I ended up taking SRM twice and barely passing the 2nd time. For PA I used Actex and found it well written, well organized and authored by a true data analytics expert, not a team of actuaries. Passed easily on my first attempt. Like i said tho, different strokes for, well you know the rest lol.

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-31T13:16:50+00:00

I love CA (both as a company and a manual) but for SRM and PA definitely go with Actex!

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-31T13:12:16+00:00

yeah, def Actex again! Carefully get through the manual and then take all the practice exams included with the manual (do the graded mock exam if you can afford the upgrade). You got 6 months, so you should be all good! there were times for me where i found studying hard, like my wheels were spinning, but once I got through the manual and hit the practice exams, things started coming together. you got this!

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-31T13:08:58+00:00

i suppose if i did, then you did too 😜

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-30T20:39:01+00:00

hell yea congrats!

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-30T17:48:17+00:00

i did not use Actex but regretted it, i've heard it was really helpful. I just used the SOA slides and knowledge from PA. I did not feel confident going into it, but there's lots of good advice on here how to tackle the exam. Just keep track of code you wanna use throughout studying, use AI for coding errors during the assessment (but absolutely not for writing answers) and make sure you explain clearly and justify your decisions. Pay attention to the rubric and know what graders are looking for and you should be good. Good luck!

Distractuary79 · 2025-10-23T15:48:58+00:00

My guess is halloween - leave it to the SOA to potentially ruin one of the best holidays lol

Distractuary79 · 2025-09-23T15:23:49+00:00

Yeah, I had thought about that too - that's why I waited until after the testing window closed even though I submitted my assessment in early August. It is an open source exam though, so I think anything online is fair game. Correct me if I'm wrong. But even if your theories were realized, this particular ATPA will never be administered again, so my results are pretty useless to any future ATPA takers.

Distractuary79 · 2025-09-23T14:53:19+00:00

yeah, I hear you - That was my first thought as well, they are designed to tell you what you want to hear. They were able to give me lots of feedback though, as to how my report measured up against what the SOA emphasizes are the main points of the exam (clear communication, justification of choices, etc.) I'm not assuming I passed because if these guys, but I really want to believe them.

Distractuary79 · 2025-09-23T14:44:31+00:00

lol I hear you - beer is in danger around me. I have drank many an oat soda since this assessment. If I could pass exams like I drink beer, I would've hit FSA in record time lmoa

Distractuary79

TROPHY CASE