If you’re aiming to build a strong actuarial career in 2025, understanding and leveraging the Society of Actuaries (SOA) Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) can give you a real edge. VEE is a unique part of the actuarial credentialing process that confirms you have foundational knowledge in three critical areas: Economics, Accounting & Finance, and Mathematical Statistics. Unlike the rigorous SOA exams, VEE credits are earned through approved college courses or alternative educational experiences, not exams. This means you can demonstrate mastery of important business and statistical concepts early, helping you stand out when job hunting or advancing your career.
Many aspiring actuaries overlook how VEE can boost their resume beyond just meeting credential requirements. In reality, VEE credits showcase your well-rounded understanding of the broader financial and economic context in which actuarial work takes place. Employers appreciate candidates who bring this depth, as it signals readiness to handle real-world problems involving economic trends, financial statements, or statistical analysis—skills vital for success in actuarial roles.
To start, you need to have passed at least two SOA, CAS, or CIA actuarial exams before you’re eligible to apply for VEE credit. Once you meet that, you can submit your VEE Candidate Credit Application along with official transcripts showing a grade of B- or better in approved courses. This approach rewards solid academic performance in relevant subjects without requiring extra exam stress. For example, if you took a university course in intermediate microeconomics or financial accounting and earned a B+, that could count toward your VEE Economics or Accounting & Finance credit[1][2].
Here’s a practical tip: If you’re still in college or planning further coursework, choose classes that are pre-approved by the SOA’s VEE Directory of Approved Courses. This ensures your time and effort translate directly into VEE credits. Many colleges offer courses aligned with these topics, and some even design actuarial science curricula to cover VEE requirements efficiently. If you’ve already graduated without completing these courses, don’t worry—there are alternative education options, including online courses and programs specifically tailored to fulfill VEE criteria[4][6][10].
Now, why should you care about VEE from a career perspective? First, VEE completion signals to employers that you have formal education in core business disciplines beyond pure math. Economics knowledge lets you interpret market forces and economic indicators affecting insurance or pension products. Accounting & Finance skills mean you can understand company financial health and regulatory impacts. Mathematical Statistics training equips you with the tools to analyze data rigorously, a must-have for predictive modeling and risk assessment.
In job interviews, you can reference your VEE coursework as practical evidence of your business acumen. For instance, you might say: “Through my VEE-approved accounting course, I gained hands-on experience reading financial statements and assessing company profitability, which I applied during an internship analyzing insurance portfolio risks.” This kind of detail shows that you’re not just passing actuarial exams but thinking about how actuarial work fits into larger financial systems. Employers often look for that broader perspective when hiring entry-level actuaries or interns.
Another benefit of completing VEE requirements early is the flexibility it gives you in your study and work schedule. Since VEE credit comes from coursework rather than exams, you can focus more on passing your actuarial exams without juggling additional test preparation. Plus, once VEE credits are awarded, you don’t have to revisit those topics, allowing you to dedicate time to advanced actuarial subjects that directly influence career advancement and specialization.
From a statistical standpoint, the SOA requires VEE in Mathematical Statistics, which complements the statistics content in preliminary exams but focuses more on applied understanding in real-world data contexts. Having this validated knowledge can help you qualify for roles involving data analytics, predictive modeling, and emerging fields like machine learning in insurance. In fact, the actuarial job market is increasingly blending traditional actuarial skills with data science competencies, so VEE in statistics can be a valuable differentiator[9].
It’s also worth noting that the SOA does not keep VEE transcripts on file. You must submit official transcripts each time you apply for VEE credit, sent directly from your educational institution to the SOA. This process requires careful planning, especially if you attended multiple institutions or are applying for multiple VEE topics. Keeping track of your transcripts and application details ensures no delays in your credentialing timeline[7].
For actuaries in 2025, the job market values not just exam success but a demonstrated understanding of how actuarial science interacts with economics, finance, and statistics. Completing VEE requirements effectively and early shows your commitment and readiness for the challenges employers face. It positions you as a candidate who can bridge technical expertise with practical business insight—exactly what companies want when hiring actuarial talent.
To sum up some actionable steps you can take:
If you’re still in school, plan your courses to include SOA-approved VEE classes, aiming for at least a B- grade or better.
If you’ve graduated without VEE credits, explore approved online or alternative educational programs to satisfy the requirements.
Keep your official transcripts organized and submit them promptly to the SOA after passing two actuarial exams.
Use your VEE coursework knowledge actively in interviews and networking conversations to demonstrate your well-rounded expertise.
Leverage the flexibility VEE provides to focus your exam preparation on actuarial-specific topics while meeting all credentialing requirements efficiently.
By taking VEE seriously as part of your actuarial journey, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re building a competitive profile that blends solid technical foundations with practical business knowledge. That combination is a powerful asset for landing your ideal actuarial role in 2025 and thriving once you’re there.