Exam ALTAM Details
Below we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your ALTAM exam from registration details to exam day to what to do after you receive your results.
Exam Offerings
ALTAM is offered twice per year, once in April or May, and once in October or November.
Exam Format
6 written-answer questions
- Questions and formula sheet shown on computer.
- For 5 out of 6 questions, responses written in answer booklet. Excel workbook available but not submitted for grading.
- For 1 out of 6 questions, responses entered into Excel workbook. Only Excel workbook submitted for grading.
- Scratchpad will be provided.
Exam Duration
3 hours
Registration Info
Register online at soa.org before the registration deadline.
Upcoming exam windows and registration deadlines
Apr 22, 2025
Register by Mar 24, 2025Oct 23, 2025
Register by Sep 22, 2025
Exam Day and Results: Things To Keep In Mind
Don't forget your must-haves for exam day! Know what to bring and what to do after you pass the exam
What to Bring
A government-issued photo ID that includes a signature
Recommended Calculator: TI-30XS MultiView
(See Other Options)
A reference to your five-digit candidate ID (for exam submission)
Exam Results
Results will be released on the SOA website about 8-11 weeks after each testing window ends. Shortly thereafter, you will find your exam score in your official SOA transcript when you log into the website.
Passing the Exam
If you haven't taken these exams, you'll need to take Exam SRM, Exam PA, and Exam ATPA.
You will need to obtain your remaining VEE credits, complete your modules (Pre-Actuarial Foundations, Actuarial Science Foundations, FAP), and fulfill your APC requirements in order to attain your ASA designation.
Expert Tips: Helpful insights from our coaches
Our coaches know this exam inside and out. Check out their expert tips for achieving a passing score.
A big part of passing a written-answer exam is to accumulate as many partial credit points as possible. Even if you can't fully answer a question, clearly communicate your thought process as much as possible. Be sure to show your work. Include all important steps or formulas.
Derek Koster Content Coach
It is very important that you know how to solve problems using basic principles. You should always view basic principles as the core of your learning, and shortcuts as a supplement, not the other way around. Students who memorize shortcuts without understanding them will struggle on the actual exam.
Tong Teh President
Time management is key. Try your best to spend no more than 3 minutes per point. If you think you know how to answer a question but you're pressed for time, at least write a list of steps you'd take and/or formulas you'd use to arrive at the final answer. You may get partial credit.
Terence Chow VP of Product
Course Offerings: Topics and weights
- 15%
In this section, we create more complex models than the basic survival model learned in Exam FAM. These are referred to as multiple state models. We start by introducing probability calculations with discrete and continuous transitions. We then apply concepts from previous sections to calculate premiums and reserves for multiple state models. We conclude by estimating the transition intensity using MLE.
- 32 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 327 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 37 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions
- 16%
This section introduces the multiple decrement model, a subset of the multiple state model. The focus of this section is on manipulating the model in order to calculate probabilities that are independent of other states in the original model. This is performed using different assumptions introduced throughout the section.
- 19 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 151 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 26 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions
- 12%
Previous sections limited the model to single lives. This brings another life into the model, where probabilities, benefits, and premiums are contingent on two lives instead of one. Multiple assumptions are required for building the model so that calculation methods from the previous sections can be applied to this new model.
- 28 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 194 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 42 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions
- 14%
This section introduces retirement benefits through defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans. We demonstrate the valuation and funding methods used for each plan. Finally, this section discusses the valuation and funding of retiree health benefits provided by employers.
- 13 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 145 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 20 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions
- 15%
This section introduces a general algorithm for projecting the emerging surplus of insurance policies. We first discuss how actuaries can project cash flows to see how and when surplus will emerge. We then evaluate the gain and loss of a product based on actual experience compared to expected experience.
- 10 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 72 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 25 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions
- 14%
This section introduces Universal Life policies. You will learn how to calculate the account values and benefits associated with various types of Universal Life policies. Additionally, we will determine policy values for no-lapse guarantees. Lastly, we will utilize deterministic profit testing to compute premiums and evaluate the emerging surplus for Universal Life policies.
- 6 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 56 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 11 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions
- 14%
In this final section, we introduce various types of equity-linked life insurance guarantees and options that are embedded in life insurance and annuity contracts. We will learn how to price, reserve, and hedge the risk inherent in these options.
- 15 Efficient, bite-sized Learning Manuals
- 110 Minutes of high-quality Learning Videos
- 8 Assignment Questions
- 0 Quiz and Exams questions