When preparing your resume to pass the Society of Actuaries (SOA) Exam FM by 2026, showcasing your proficiency with actuarial software can make a significant difference. The FM exam, which focuses on financial mathematics, expects candidates not only to grasp theoretical concepts but also to demonstrate practical skills, especially in relevant software tools widely used in actuarial work. Highlighting your software skills effectively can signal to potential employers that you are exam-ready and capable of applying your knowledge in real-world actuarial tasks.
Start by clearly listing the actuarial software and programming languages you know, prioritizing those most relevant to Exam FM and actuarial work in general. Common tools include Excel (with VBA), R, Python, SAS, and specialized actuarial software like Prophet or MoSes. For example, you might say, “Developed financial models using Excel VBA to simulate cash flows and present value calculations aligning with FM exam principles” or “Utilized R to implement stochastic interest rate models, supporting exam-related problem solving.” These practical examples show not only familiarity but application in actuarial contexts[1][2][3].
Employers and recruiters appreciate seeing quantifiable achievements linked to software use. Instead of just listing software names, describe projects or tasks where your software skills made an impact. For instance, “Created an automated Excel model to calculate annuity values and bond pricing, reducing calculation time by 30%,” or “Designed Python scripts to perform sensitivity analyses on interest rate assumptions, improving accuracy in financial projections.” These highlight your ability to translate exam concepts into actionable tools, which is especially compelling if you are preparing for FM, where financial mathematics underpins much of the modeling work[1][4].
Include any certifications or coursework related to actuarial software or financial modeling. If you’ve completed online courses on Excel financial functions, R programming for finance, or Python for data analysis, mention these. It shows continuous learning and readiness to tackle the exam and job responsibilities. If you have passed earlier SOA exams or hold an ASA or similar credential, note that alongside your software skills to provide context for your proficiency level[2][5].
Make sure your resume also highlights your ability to interpret and analyze data using these tools, not just your technical proficiency. Statements like “Analyzed large datasets using SAS to identify risk patterns consistent with Exam FM topics on interest rates and discounting” demonstrate understanding beyond software operation. Employers want candidates who can connect software outputs to actuarial decision-making[3][6].
Another strong point to add is your experience working in teams or projects where actuarial software played a key role. For example, “Collaborated with actuarial and IT teams to implement new financial modeling software, improving forecast accuracy by 20%” or “Mentored junior analysts on Excel-based financial models aligning with FM exam methodologies.” This shows communication and leadership skills alongside technical expertise, valuable in any actuarial role[1][4].
To make your resume stand out for 2026 and beyond, consider adding a brief summary or profile at the top that explicitly mentions your goal to pass SOA Exam FM and how your software skills support that goal. Something like: “Aspiring actuary preparing for SOA Exam FM with strong expertise in Excel VBA, R, and Python to model financial mathematics concepts efficiently.” This immediately aligns your resume with your exam ambitions and skill set[5][7].
Finally, keep your resume concise, focused, and tailored. Use bullet points to make your software skills and related achievements easy to scan. Avoid vague claims like “familiar with Excel” without backing them up. Instead, be specific: “Built dynamic Excel dashboards automating present value calculations for fixed income products.” This approach makes your resume both keyword-rich for applicant tracking systems and appealing to human readers[2][8].
Passing the SOA Exam FM by 2026 is a challenging but achievable goal, and your resume can play a key role by clearly demonstrating your ability to use actuarial software tools effectively. By combining specific software skills with practical examples, measurable results, and alignment with FM exam content, you’ll present yourself as a capable candidate ready to meet both exam and job demands. Keep updating your resume as you gain more hands-on experience, and remember that showing how you apply software to solve actuarial problems will always be more compelling than a simple skills list.
Practical example bullet points for your resume might include:
Developed Excel VBA macros automating bond pricing and annuity valuation, reducing model runtime by 25%, directly applying FM exam concepts.
Modeled stochastic interest rates and discount factors using R to simulate financial scenarios for exam preparation and actuarial projects.
Created Python scripts for sensitivity analysis on financial assumptions, improving accuracy of cash flow projections and exam readiness.
Utilized SAS for data cleaning and analysis on historical financial datasets to support risk assessment models related to Exam FM topics.
Collaborated with actuarial teams to implement Prophet software modules for valuing insurance liabilities incorporating time value of money principles.
Led training sessions for junior analysts on Excel financial functions and VBA programming to enhance team capability aligned with SOA FM standards.
This kind of detail helps employers see your technical aptitude in action and directly ties your skills to the exam you’re preparing for.