The CAS is launching an ambitious new project that will shape the future of actuarial expertise: the Actuarial Professional Analysis (APA), a comprehensive evaluation that will allow the CAS to validate or redefine the content areas of greatest importance to current and future actuaries.
All CAS members and candidates will have an opportunity to provide input to the evaluation, with the results used to determine the appropriate weights and cognitive levels of various content areas within the CAS credentialing curriculum. This will enable the CAS to validate existing coverage of content or redefine how various topic areas should be assessed. While the evaluation is customized for the property-casualty actuarial profession, the concept of the analysis is typical of periodic industry-wide evaluations seen in other professions requiring certification.
“The evaluation will inform redesign efforts that are absolutely crucial for maintaining our ACAS and FCAS credentials’ value and relevancy, both in the current business environment and in the future,” said CAS President Frank Chang. “It’s important to have broad input from across the property-casualty actuarial profession, in order to ensure the results of the APA reflect the current and future skill-building needs of actuaries and those who rely on our expertise. I encourage all members to take advantage of the opportunities to make your voice heard throughout this process,” he added.
The primary means of gathering stakeholder input will be a survey of CAS members and candidates, which is expected to open in late 2024. Input will also be gathered in a variety of other ways, such as one-on-one interviews, roundtable discussions, listening sessions and focus groups. The development and execution of the APA is being managed by a task force of staff and volunteers and supported by a subcommittee of the CAS Board.
“The CAS credentialing requirements are designed by actuaries, for actuaries,” commented William Wilder, CAS VP-Admissions. “There’s no better chance to help influence our curriculum beyond serving on an exam committee than by participating in the APA.”
Visit casact.org/APA or contact apa@casact.org if you have any questions or comments about the APA.