When you’re working through actuarial exams and building up specialized software skills, it’s essential to showcase these effectively on your resume. Employers in actuarial science highly value not only completed credentials but also your progress in certification and your technical abilities, as these reflect your commitment and readiness to handle complex actuarial tasks. Highlighting in-progress exams and software proficiencies the right way can set you apart and demonstrate both your ambition and your hands-on capabilities.

First, let’s talk about how to feature your in-progress actuarial exams. Many actuaries begin their careers before completing all their exams, so it’s normal and expected to show which exams you’ve passed and which you’re currently working on. The key is to be clear and honest without underselling your progress. For example, instead of listing only your completed exams, create a dedicated section titled “Actuarial Exams” or “Certifications and Exams” where you list all passed exams with the dates and add the exams in progress with an estimated completion date or simply mark them as “in progress.”

A practical format might look like this:

• Passed Exams: Probability (P), Financial Mathematics (FM), Models for Financial Economics (MFE) — Completed 2023
• Exams in Progress: Corporate Finance (CF) — Scheduled for December 2025

This approach shows transparency and keeps hiring managers informed of where you stand in the credentialing process[7][10]. It also subtly signals your motivation to continue advancing.

When you include in-progress exams, it’s a good idea to integrate them within your professional summary or objective if you’re early in your career. For example:
“Actuarial analyst actively pursuing ASA designation, with Probability and Financial Mathematics exams passed, and Corporate Finance exam scheduled.” This gives context to your current status and highlights your forward momentum.

Next, specialized actuarial software skills are increasingly crucial because actuaries rely heavily on these tools for modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. Common actuarial software includes SAS, R, Python, SQL, Prophet, MoSes, VBA, and Excel (especially advanced Excel skills with macros and pivot tables). Employers want to see not just that you know these tools but how you use them to add value.

The best way to highlight software skills is to create a Skills section where you list the relevant software, but don’t stop there. Wherever possible, weave these skills into your experience descriptions with specific examples of how you applied the software. For instance:

• Developed a predictive model in R that improved forecast accuracy by 15%
• Automated data processing tasks using VBA macros in Excel, reducing report generation time by 30%
• Utilized SAS to analyze large insurance datasets, supporting risk assessment for 10,000+ policies

This makes your skills tangible and shows employers the practical benefits you bring[4][6][10].

If you’re still building software skills, you can mention ongoing training or courses, especially if you’re self-studying or taking professional development classes. For example, in your Certifications or Education section, you might add:
“Currently completing Python for Data Analysis course on Coursera.” This communicates your initiative to grow your technical toolkit.

Another important tip is to tailor your resume for each job application, emphasizing the exams and software most relevant to that role. For example, if a job posting stresses experience with Prophet or MoSes, be sure to highlight any exposure you have to those platforms prominently. If your in-progress exam aligns with skills the employer values, mention it in your summary or cover letter to show your commitment to gaining the necessary expertise.

Quantifying your achievements is also powerful. Wherever you mention exams or software, try to include metrics or outcomes. Instead of just saying “used SAS for data analysis,” say, “used SAS to analyze claims data, resulting in a 20% reduction in forecast errors.” Numbers catch recruiters’ attention and demonstrate real impact[4][6].

It’s worth noting that many employers recognize the effort and difficulty of actuarial exams. According to the Society of Actuaries, the pass rate for actuarial exams ranges roughly between 35% and 50% per sitting, reflecting how challenging these exams are. So even having passed a few exams or being actively pursuing them signals dedication and strong analytical ability.

If you’re wondering where to place the actuarial exams and software skills on your resume, a common and effective structure is:

• Professional Summary: Briefly mention current exam progress and key software proficiencies.
• Certifications and Exams: List all passed and in-progress exams with dates.
• Technical Skills: Highlight software tools and programming languages.
• Professional Experience: Use bullet points to describe how you applied actuarial concepts and software, quantifying results.
• Education and Training: Include degrees and any relevant coursework or training related to exams or software.

One additional personal insight is to avoid listing too many in-progress exams if they are far off or if you’ve been stalled on them. This can create a negative impression. Focus instead on exams you are actively preparing for with upcoming schedules. It shows you are organized and goal-oriented.

Finally, keep your resume clear and easy to scan. Use bullet points, bolding for key terms, and consistent formatting. Actuarial recruiters often skim resumes quickly, so the clearer you present your exam progress and software skills, the better your chances of standing out.

In summary, the best way to highlight in-progress actuarial exams and specialized software skills on your resume is to:

• Be transparent and specific about which exams are passed and which are underway, including dates where possible.
• Integrate software skills into your experience descriptions with concrete examples and measurable outcomes.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize the exams and software most relevant to each job.
• Use a clear structure that includes a summary, certifications/exams, skills, and experience sections.
• Demonstrate commitment by mentioning ongoing training or scheduled exams.
• Quantify your achievements to make your skills more compelling.

By following these steps, your resume will not only show where you are in your actuarial journey but also highlight your practical skills and readiness to contribute meaningfully to an employer’s risk management and financial analysis needs. This combination of technical competence and exam progress makes your resume both honest and compelling—a winning formula in the actuarial job market.