If you’re aiming to speed up your journey to the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) or the Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA) designations in 2025, the Society of Actuaries’ University-Earned Credit (UEC) program is a game-changer. This program lets actuarial students earn credit for certain SOA exams by excelling in approved university courses, meaning you can bypass some of the traditionally time-consuming and stressful exam sittings. It’s like turning your university coursework into professional credential progress — saving you months, if not years, on the path to your ASA or CERA.
The core of the UEC program is its partnership with universities recognized as Centers of Actuarial Excellence (CAE). These institutions offer courses carefully aligned with SOA exam syllabi, rigorously reviewed and monitored to ensure they meet the same high standards as the exams themselves. When you score above a certain threshold—typically around 85%—in these courses, you become eligible to earn credit for the corresponding SOA exam. This approach turns your strong academic performance into a fast track for professional advancement[1][2].
Take, for example, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where courses such as Act Sci 303 correspond to SOA Exam FM (Financial Mathematics). Scoring above 85% in this course means the student doesn’t have to sit for the FM exam at a testing center, even though they still pay the exam fee to get official credit. Other courses at UW-Madison cover exams like FAM, ALTAM, and ASTAM, and the program is expanding to include SRM soon, enabling students to cover more of the ASA syllabus through university courses alone[1].
How does this translate into accelerating your ASA and CERA designations in practical terms? First, it reduces exam stress and scheduling logistics. Instead of juggling a packed calendar of SOA exam dates, you can focus on excelling in your university courses, which integrate learning and assessment throughout the semester. This can provide a more consistent and supportive learning environment. Secondly, it often saves time; you might clear several exam requirements by the time you graduate, putting you ahead of many peers who follow the traditional exam path.
Universities like Towson University and Purdue University have recently earned UEC designation, joining a select group worldwide authorized to offer this credit. Towson’s actuarial science program highlights how UEC recognition reflects course rigor and professional alignment, giving students a more direct and less daunting path toward ASA[3][6]. Purdue’s program is similarly celebrated for its quantitative foundation, further proving that UEC isn’t just about convenience — it’s about quality education that prepares you for actuarial challenges in the real world[6].
For those targeting the CERA designation, the UEC program is equally valuable. Since CERA builds on the ASA foundation and focuses on enterprise risk management, having exam credits earned through coursework can free up time to focus on the specialized topics CERA demands. Some universities are working to incorporate relevant courses that align with CERA requirements into their UEC offerings, making it easier to accumulate credits toward both designations simultaneously[2].
But what does this mean for you as a student? Here’s a practical approach to leveraging the UEC program effectively:
Choose a CAE-Designated University with UEC Approval: Not all actuarial programs offer UEC. Look for universities officially recognized by the SOA as Centers of Actuarial Excellence with UEC status. This ensures your coursework will count directly toward SOA exam credits[1][2][8].
Aim for High Grades, Especially 85% or Higher: The UEC program demands a high standard to award exam credit. This means your focus should be on mastering the material, not just passing. Invest time in understanding concepts deeply, participating in study groups, and leveraging professors’ office hours[1][5].
Plan Your Coursework Strategically: Map your university courses to the SOA exam credits they correspond to. For example, if you know Act Sci 303 covers Exam FM, prioritize excelling in that course early. This can build momentum as you rack up credits and reduce your exam burden[1].
Understand the Application Process: Even after scoring well, you must apply to the SOA for your UEC credits within two years, along with paying the associated exam fees. Staying on top of deadlines and documentation will ensure you receive your credits without hassle[5].
Combine UEC Credits with Traditional Exam Preparation: While UEC can cover some exams, others will still require you to sit for them traditionally. Use the breathing room from earned credits to prepare thoroughly for the remaining exams or focus on additional professional development, like gaining relevant work experience or studying for the CERA-specific modules[2][5].
Engage with Your University’s Actuarial Advising Resources: Many CAE universities have strong advising and career services tailored to actuarial students. These resources can help you navigate the UEC program requirements, prepare for exams, and connect with potential employers[4].
An example of the UEC program’s impact: A student at Towson University recently avoided taking the FM exam by scoring above 85% in the equivalent university course. This saved months of exam preparation and anxiety, enabling the student to move faster toward their ASA designation while gaining practical internship experience[3]. Stories like this highlight how UEC can transform the actuarial education experience from a series of high-stakes tests into an integrated academic and professional journey.
In 2025, as the UEC program grows, more universities will join the ranks of those offering exam credits. Currently, only about 24 institutions worldwide have this designation, but the number is expected to increase, widening access to this accelerated path[3][8]. If you’re an aspiring actuary or risk analyst, this means more opportunities to leverage your university coursework toward your professional goals.
While UEC is an excellent opportunity, it’s essential to remember it doesn’t completely replace the need for professional exams or experience. You still must demonstrate the full competency and professionalism the SOA requires. The program is a tool to accelerate and streamline your progress, not a shortcut to skip critical learning or professional standards.
In summary, the SOA’s University-Earned Credit program offers an innovative way to accelerate your ASA and CERA designations by earning exam credits through high-performance university coursework at approved CAE institutions. By selecting the right program, aiming for excellence in your courses, and understanding the application process, you can reduce your exam load, save time, and enter the actuarial profession faster and better prepared. It’s a powerful advantage in today’s competitive actuarial landscape and one worth exploring fully as you plan your 2025 career path.