If you’re preparing for actuarial exams, you already know the journey is more of a marathon than a sprint. Between work, family, and life’s other demands, finding enough hours in the day to study can feel impossible. But here’s the truth: success isn’t just about how much you study—it’s about how well you manage your time. The most effective candidates aren’t necessarily the ones who lock themselves in a library for months; they’re the ones who use smart, sustainable strategies to make every minute count. Let’s walk through the best ways to manage your time, both during your study months and on exam day, so you can walk into that testing center feeling prepared, not panicked.

Understanding the Challenge #

Actuarial exams are notorious for their difficulty and breadth. The Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) offer multiple exams, each covering vast amounts of technical material. Pass rates for these exams often hover between 30% and 50%, depending on the exam and sitting, which means you’re up against some serious odds[1]. But here’s the encouraging part: most people who fail don’t do so because they aren’t smart enough. They fail because they run out of time—either during preparation or on the exam itself.

Balancing a full-time job, personal life, and exam prep is a juggling act. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you see colleagues or friends breezing through their lives while you’re buried in study manuals. But remember, you’re not alone. Thousands of candidates face the same challenge every year, and the ones who succeed are those who approach their preparation with intention, structure, and a healthy dose of self-awareness.

Building Your Study Plan #

The foundation of good time management is a realistic, flexible study plan. Start by mapping out the weeks or months until your exam date. Then, break the syllabus into manageable chunks. Don’t try to tackle everything at once; instead, assign specific topics to specific weeks. This not only makes the material less daunting but also ensures you cover everything without last-minute cramming.

Use a weekly planner—digital or paper—to block out your non-negotiables: work hours, family commitments, exercise, and sleep. Then, look for pockets of time where you can consistently study. Maybe it’s an hour before work, a couple of evenings a week, and a longer block on the weekend. The key is consistency. Even 30 minutes a day adds up over weeks and months[7].

One practical example: imagine you have a full-time job and a young family. Your week might look like this: study for an hour before work on Tuesday and Thursday, two hours on Wednesday evening after the kids are in bed, and a three-hour session on Saturday morning while the house is quiet. Sunday is your rest day. This schedule isn’t heroic, but it’s sustainable—and that’s what matters. Trying to study four hours every night might work for a week or two, but burnout is real, and it’s the enemy of progress[7].

Making the Most of Study Sessions #

Once you’ve carved out study time, make it count. Distraction-free blocks are essential. Turn off your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and let your family or roommates know you’re unavailable. The Pomodoro Technique—studying for 50 minutes, then taking a 10-minute break—can help maintain focus and prevent fatigue[1]. During those 50 minutes, be fully present with the material. Review notes, work through problems, and resist the urge to multitask.

Quality study materials matter, too. Invest in reputable study guides and online platforms that break down complex concepts into digestible pieces. Many candidates swear by resources like Coaching Actuaries, which offer structured courses, video tutorials, and adaptive practice exams that adjust to your strengths and weaknesses[1]. These tools not only save time but also help you identify which topics need more attention.

Practice problems are your best friend. Don’t just read or watch—do. The more problems you solve, the more comfortable you’ll be with the exam format and the types of questions you’ll face. Aim to do every practice problem you can get your hands on, and as you get closer to the exam, simulate real test conditions by timing yourself and working through full-length practice exams[8]. This builds both knowledge and exam stamina.

Balancing Life and Study #

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is neglecting everything else in pursuit of exam success. But here’s the thing: you need breaks. Your brain retains information better when it has time to rest and process. Schedule regular downtime—whether it’s a walk, a hobby, or time with friends. Not only does this prevent burnout, but it also keeps you motivated and mentally fresh[5].

If you’re working full-time, be honest with yourself about what’s realistic. It’s okay if you can’t study as much as someone who’s not working. What matters is making steady progress. If you miss a study session, don’t beat yourself up. Adjust your plan and keep moving forward. Flexibility is a strength, not a weakness.

Time Management on Exam Day #

All your preparation leads to this moment: exam day. But even the best-prepared candidates can stumble if they don’t manage their time wisely during the test. Here’s a proven strategy: as soon as you start, quickly scan the exam and categorize the questions into three tiers[4].

Tier 1: Quick wins. These are questions you know well and can solve within the average time per question (for a 3-hour exam with 35 questions, that’s about 5 minutes each). Answer these first to build confidence and bank easy points.

Tier 2: Challenging but doable. These questions will take longer than the average time, but you have a good shot at solving them. Tackle these next, but keep an eye on the clock.

Tier 3: “Oh no” questions. These are the ones you have no idea how to approach. Save them for last. If you have time left, give them a shot. If not, it’s better to guess than to leave them blank.

Setting a time budget is crucial. For a 4-hour exam, aim to finish the main work in 3.5 hours, leaving a 30-minute buffer to review your answers, fix mistakes, and spend extra time on tricky problems[6]. This buffer can make the difference between passing and failing.

Practical Tips and Personal Insights #

Here are some additional tips I’ve picked up from years of coaching candidates and sitting exams myself:

Start early. The earlier you begin your preparation, the more flexibility you have to adjust your plan if life gets in the way.

Track your progress. Use a study log or app to record what you’ve covered and how you’re performing on practice exams. This helps you spot weak areas and celebrate progress.

Find a study buddy. Accountability can keep you on track, and explaining concepts to someone else is one of the best ways to learn.

Take care of your health. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials for peak mental performance.

Celebrate small wins. Passing an actuarial exam is a huge achievement, but the journey is made up of hundreds of small steps. Acknowledge your progress along the way.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid #

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into traps that waste time and sap motivation. Here are a few to watch out for:

Perfectionism. Don’t get stuck trying to master every detail before moving on. It’s better to cover all the material at a reasonable level than to know a few topics perfectly and miss others entirely.

Procrastination. It’s tempting to put off studying, especially when the material is tough. Break tasks into smaller, less intimidating pieces to make it easier to get started.

Ignoring practice exams. Practicing under timed conditions is the best way to prepare for the real thing. Don’t skip this step, even if it feels uncomfortable at first[5][8].

Neglecting review. Regularly revisiting older material keeps it fresh in your mind and reinforces learning.

Final Thoughts #

Time management for actuarial exams isn’t about finding more hours in the day—it’s about making the hours you have work harder for you. With a clear plan, focused study sessions, and smart exam-day strategies, you can maximize your chances of success without sacrificing your sanity or your personal life.

Remember, everyone’s journey is different. What works for one person might not work for another. Experiment, adjust, and find the rhythm that fits your life. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Passing these exams is tough, but with the right approach to time management, it’s absolutely within your reach.

Now, take a deep breath, open your planner, and take that first step. Your future as an actuary starts today—one well-managed hour at a time.