If you’re pursuing actuarial certification, you’ve likely heard about Validation by Educational Experience, or VEE. It’s one of those essential but sometimes overlooked requirements that can either streamline your journey or cause unnecessary delays if not handled properly. Maximizing your VEE credits effectively not only keeps you on track but can also reduce stress and save time. Here’s a practical guide to help you get the most out of your VEE credits on the path to actuarial certification.

VEE is a set of educational requirements covering topics that are not directly tested on actuarial exams but are vital for a well-rounded actuarial skill set. Specifically, the three core VEE topics are Economics, Accounting and Finance, and Mathematical Statistics. For candidates pursuing the Society of Actuaries (SOA) certification, all three are required, while the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) requires Economics and Accounting and Finance[1][3][7].

One of the key things to remember is that you can complete your VEE coursework at any point, but you must pass at least two preliminary actuarial exams before applying for VEE credit[1][2]. This means you don’t have to rush your VEE courses early in your actuarial studies; you can focus on exams first and tackle VEE credits when you’re ready. However, many students find it easier to complete VEE requirements during their college years by taking approved university courses, which means you can check off those credits early and avoid last-minute complications[4][5].

When it comes to maximizing your VEE credits, here are some practical strategies to keep in mind:

1. Choose Approved Courses Wisely
   Only courses approved by the SOA or CAS will count toward your VEE credits. These courses usually require a minimum grade of B or B- to qualify[2][3][4]. To avoid wasting time or money, check the official approved course lists before enrolling. For instance, universities like the University of Texas at Austin or UCSB offer classes specifically designed to fulfill VEE requirements. Enrolling in these can be a great way to kill two birds with one stone—earning college credit while ticking off VEE[4][5].

2. Focus on Quality, Not Speed
   Although you might be tempted to rush through VEE courses, it’s better to aim for a solid understanding and a good grade. Most VEE courses take about 30 hours or less to complete, including assignments and a proctored final exam[2]. Getting a strong grade (B or higher) will ensure your credits are accepted smoothly. Some providers, like Coaching Actuaries, even offer remote proctoring options, making it easier to fit the exam into your schedule[2].

3. Plan Your Exam and VEE Timeline Together
   Since you must pass two actuarial exams before applying for VEE credit, align your study plan accordingly. For example, many candidates pass Exam P (Probability) and Exam FM (Financial Mathematics) first. These exams build foundational knowledge helpful for VEE topics, especially Mathematical Statistics. By planning your exams and VEE courses in tandem, you avoid unnecessary delays in certification[2][4].

4. Keep Your Documentation Organized
   Applying for VEE credit requires submitting official transcripts and course information, including course names, numbers, completion dates, and grades[1][6]. Keep all these documents well-organized and request official transcripts directly from your school to be sent to the SOA or CAS. Avoid sending transcripts yourself, as organizations prefer direct submission from the institution[6]. Also, remember that the SOA does not keep transcripts on file, so you may need to resend if applying for credits multiple times[6].

5. Utilize Online VEE Course Providers When Needed
   If your university does not offer approved VEE courses, or you are a working professional, consider online providers. Companies like Coaching Actuaries offer VEE courses with flexible timing and support, including proctored exams and direct grade submission to actuarial societies[2]. This flexibility is especially valuable for those balancing work and study.

6. Leverage Previous Coursework or Experience
   Some candidates may have prior credits or professional experience qualifying for VEE credit. For example, if you completed certain statistics courses before July 2018, you might be eligible for credit under previous VEE requirements. It’s worth checking with the SOA or CAS for any transition credits you can claim to avoid duplicating effort[6].

Here’s a simple example to illustrate how these tips work together:

Imagine Sarah, a college junior majoring in actuarial science. Early on, she plans her schedule to include university courses that are approved for VEE credit: Intermediate Microeconomics for Economics, Principles of Accounting for Accounting and Finance, and a Mathematical Statistics course. She aims to get at least a B in each. Meanwhile, she prepares for and passes Exams P and FM in her sophomore year. Because Sarah has her VEE credits ready by the time she passes her second exam, she can apply for VEE credit immediately and focus on the next steps in her actuarial certification without delay.

Statistics show that students who complete VEE credits during their undergraduate studies tend to progress faster through certification, as they avoid bottlenecks later on. According to multiple actuarial programs, a B or better in VEE-approved courses is a reliable predictor of success in the broader actuarial exam path[3][4].

To wrap up, maximizing your VEE credits requires a combination of strategic course selection, timing your exams, and maintaining good records. The process might seem like extra paperwork, but by approaching it early and methodically, you can turn VEE from a potential hurdle into a smooth checkpoint on your way to becoming a certified actuary.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone—reach out to your university’s actuarial science department, use resources like Coaching Actuaries, and stay connected with actuarial societies. With clear planning and the right mindset, you’ll make your VEE credits work for you, not against you.