Candidate FAQ

Updated January 5, 2024

 

Please review the Candidate Know Before you Go webpage before you go to your Pearson Vue Center appointment for important exam information.

April/May 2024 Candidate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exams will be offered in April/May 2024?

CAS Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, 5, 6-Canada, 6-United States, 7 and 9 will be offered in April/May 2024.

EXAM EXAM DATES
Exam MAS-I April 30 - May 6, 2024*
Exam MAS-II
Exam 5 April 22 - May 1, 2024*
Exam 6-Canada
Exam 6-United States
Exam 7
Exam 9

*Exams will not be offered on April 24, 26 and 27. The window has been extended to May 1 to allow for the usual 7 days of testing. Note: If a candidate observes a religious or national holiday during the exam window, CAS can extend their window by the number of holiday dates observed - up to a maximum of 4 days at the end of the exam window.

When does April/May 2024 registration open and close?

Registration for the April/May 2024 administration is expected to open mid-January. Additional details about April/May 2024 registration will be shared in the coming weeks.

Beginning in 2024, the CAS will no longer have exam registration deadlines for Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, and 5-9.

Any exams purchased after the refund deadline (April 8, 2024) will be non-refundable.

How do I request a testing accommodation for a disability?

Candidates with formally diagnosed disabilities who need special testing arrangements must visit the CAS Exam Accommodations page and complete the online form. Documentation of previous accommodations in an educational program or work setting may be considered. Accommodation requests must be submitted at the candidate's expense.

For the CAS Data and Insurance Series Courses, contact The Institutes.

For Exams 1&2, contact the sponsoring organization.

How do I request a testing accommodation for pregnancy and/or nursing needs?

Candidates who are pregnant and/or nursing who need special testing arrangements must visit the CAS Exam Accommodations page and complete the online form. Candidates do not need to provide documentation for the following list of common pregnancy and/or nursing testing accommodations:

  • Frequent/Extended Breaks to be used during the exam (exam clock continues to run)
  • 50% Additional exam time
  • Permission to have a beverage in a clear, spill-proof bottle
  • A private space with an electrical outlet, that is not a restroom for lactating purposes. Candidate may access locker for necessary medical equipment to pump during breaks.

If any additional accommodations are requested, documentation from a healthcare provider stating the need for those specific accommodations is required.

Private space is provided on a first come, first served basis and is subject to availability. This could require a candidate to travel to a test center that has private space available.

Children are not permitted at the testing centers. Please email accommodations@casact.org to discuss options if you are exclusively breastfeeding.

How do I request an exam window extension to accommodate a religious or national holiday during the exam window?

If a candidate observes a religious or national holiday during the exam window, CAS can extend their window by the number of holiday dates observed - up to a maximum of 4 days at the end of the exam window.

Candidates requesting an exam window extension must visit the CAS Exam Accommodations page and complete the online form after registering for their exam. The CAS strongly recommends that candidates submit accommodation requests at least eight weeks prior to their exam for best appointment availability at Pearson Vue testing centers.

What is the last day I can request a refund?

 The refund deadline is April 8, 2024.

April/May 2024 Refund Policy:

CAS has a strict refund policy. Refund requests must be sent via email to refund@casact.org no later than April 8, 2024. Please see the Syllabus of Basic Education for exceptions after the refund deadline.

How do I request a refund?

To receive a refund, a candidate must email refund@casact.org requesting a refund for the exam, as well as cancel any Pearson VUE appointments that were made for the exam. Please note that the request must be received by April 8, 2024. Canceling the exam appointment does not entitle you to a refund if you do not send a request to refund@casact.org before the refund deadline.

If you scheduled your exam appointment with Pearson VUE and are requesting a refund, please include proof of appointment cancellation.

Are there any fees for this sitting?

Yes, there are two types of fees listed below:

Administrative Fees

A $200 administrative fee per examination will be assessed on all refunds. Scenarios where we WOULD charge administrative fee:

  • If the candidate cannot find an exam appointment, the CAS offers them one and they decline the appointment and ask for a refund
  • All refund requests received before the deadline that do not fall into the exception category

Exception to Administrative Fee for October/November 2023 Examinations:

Scenarios where we would NOT charge an administrative fee (exceptions):

  • A candidate changes their registration from one exam to another at any time during the open registration period
  • A candidate cannot find an exam appointment with Pearson VUE and the CAS cannot find an appointment within a reasonable distance and therefore the candidate requests a refund*
  • A Candidate receives cancellation from Pearson VUE and for whatever reason does not want to reschedule and requests a refund*
  • A Candidate has a documented medical or family emergency as described in the Exceptions After the Refund Deadline section in the preceding table*

*The candidate may receive a full refund in the three instances outlined above, whether before or after the refund deadline. In all other situations, candidates that cancel their examination after the refund deadline will forfeit their full exam fee.

No-Show Fees

Candidates are free to reschedule or cancel an exam at a test center up to 48 hours before the scheduled testing time. Candidates who miss their testing time will be considered no-shows and not issued a refund. Candidates considered no-shows will be charged a $100 fee. Be advised that 48 hours is not 2 business days; it is 48 hours prior to the scheduled exam start time. Further instructions can be found below under What if I cannot make it to my exam appointment?

Can I transfer my Pearson VUE appointment from one exam to another for the same sitting?

Candidates should be aware that due to Pearson VUE requirements, exam registrants who register and then decide to sit for a different exam will be required to cancel their original CAS registration and Pearson VUE exam appointment and then re-register and make a new exam appointment. Please note that there are no fees associated with switching exams after the initial registration.

How does CBT change the format and style of questions on CAS Exams?

As we adapt to the CBT environment candidates will begin to see items that take advantage of the new platform. This may take the form of larger, more realistic, datasets as well as leveraging some of the built-in capabilities of the spreadsheet environment.

Moving forward, questions that do not require calculations or spreadsheet functionality will utilize the new essay response format.

Is there a guessing penalty for MAS-I and MAS-II?

No, the guessing penalty for MAS-I and MAS-II has been removed as of October 2022. For more information, please read the article Guessing Penalty Eliminated Beginning Fall 2022.

What can I bring into the testing center?

No personal items may be taken into the testing room except a single approved calculator and items listed on the Pearson Vue Approved Comfort Aid List. This includes all bags, books, notes, phones, writing instruments, watches and wallets. Food and water are prohibited in the exam area unless an accommodation has been pre-approved.

Can I use scratch paper during the exam?

Regular scratch paper, ink pens, or pencils are not allowed.

A non-erasable spiral notebook will be given to candidates with a fine-point felt pen for scratch work. If you need an additional spiral notebook, you can raise your hand and a Pearson VUE representative will provide you with up to two additional notebooks.

Are there demo exams available?

The CAS released a sample set of exam questions for MAS-I, MAS-II and Exams 5-9. The CAS has also developed a CBT Tutorial Video to accompany the sample questions and example solutions for CAS Exams 5-9. The sample questions provide candidates a way to review and familiarize themselves with the functions and features of taking a test in the Pearson VUE testing environment.

Please note, the MAS-I and MAS-II sample exams have the functionality where the candidate can “click anywhere in the row” to respond to a question. This is only on the sample exams. On exam day, candidates will have to click directly on the radio button beside the letter to answer a multiple-choice question.

Also, note that in response to the feedback we received from candidates who took the fall 2020 CAS exams, we have added a new tool to assist with your preparation. Pearson VUE has posted a blank sample worksheet for candidates to build and practice in their spreadsheet environment. Candidates can find the blank sample worksheet on the Pearson VUE/CAS website under “Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) Sample Testing.”

What Excel functions are available in the Pearson spreadsheet environment?

See the list of functions and on the Pearson VUE/CAS website under “Related Links.”

Is there any specific guidance as to what spreadsheet formulas candidates might need to know?

There may be times where knowing a spreadsheet formula will make the calculations quicker, but candidates will not be required to have knowledge of specific spreadsheet formulas to receive full credit.

If a particular spreadsheet function is recommended to produce a result, candidates will be given instructions for its use, or a definition of inputs and outputs.

What if I cannot find an exam slot after the refund deadline; can I still request/receive a refund?

If you cannot find an exam appointment, please contact the CAS. If the CAS cannot find an appointment within a reasonable distance (180 miles in the US) the candidate may request a full refund. Exam availability cases outside of the United States will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

There are no exam slots available in my city or nearby; what will the CAS do to make sure I can sit for my exam within a reasonable distance?

In the United States, a reasonable distance is defined as 180 miles. Exam availability cases outside of the United States will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The CAS will work with the candidate and Pearson VUE to find them a spot at a testing center.

If you need assistance finding a spot, please contact casexams@casact.org

What if I cannot make it to my exam appointment?

Exam slots are limited, so if you are unable to attend your exam appointment, please cancel your appointment at least 48 hours prior to the exam with Pearson VUE AND the CAS, or you will be charged a $100 administrative "no-show" fee. Please note that your exam fee will be forfeited if your appointment is canceled after the refund deadline.

To cancel your appointment 48 hours+ prior to exam and avoid “no-show” fee:
Contact Pearson VUE support, or cancel via your Pearson VUE account, AND email casexams@casact.org with cancellation request and proof of Pearson VUE cancellation.

To cancel your appointment within 48 hours of exam:
Contact Pearson VUE support AND email casexams@casact.org.

What should I do if I have an issue during my exam?

Please inform the exam administrator as soon as the issue occurs. A case will be filed with PearsonVUE. Candidates may also submit feedback or a grievance with the CAS after the exam, however the first course of action should be to inform the administrator of any issues that occur during the exam.

Are exams offered in languages other than English?

Exams MAS-I, MAS-II, and 5 through 9 and CAS Data Insurance Series Courses

No; examination questions and instructions will be administered exclusively in English (except for the Chinese-language version of Exam 6-Taipei). Candidates must submit written responses in English; non-English responses will not be graded.

Are exams offered in Quebec?

Quebec Bill 96 includes language requirements for conducting business within Quebec, which requires all educational transactions to be completed in French. Currently, CAS exams and supporting materials are offered only in English, including within Canada.

After discussions with various stakeholders, because of the uncertainty of the Quebec Bill 96 requirements and their ramifications, the CAS has decided to temporarily suspend offering exams in the province of Quebec starting with the Spring 2024 administration.

CAS will be actively working to assess the Quebec Bill 96 requirements throughout 2024 to determine a path forward for resuming exam administration, with consideration to resource requirements for translating exams, related content outlines, score reports, and email communications. A Board-level Canada Task Force, in partnership with CAS admissions staff is monitoring and overseeing the CAS's direction on this issue.

The CAS regrets the inconvenience to affected candidates in Quebec who will have to travel outside the province to take their exams in 2024, as well as to employers who will bear the additional burden in supporting their candidates during this time.

Quebec-based candidates who are challenged to secure exam appointments outside the province should contact the CAS at casexams@casact.org, which will work with candidates and testing partner Pearson VUE to facilitate efforts at finding them a spot at a testing center. Candidates are reminded to register for their exam and book their exam appointments as early as possible.

Candidates with any questions about this announcement are invited to send an email to casexams@casact.org.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Send your additional questions via email to casexams@casact.org. Any questions regarding testing accommodations can be sent to accommodations@casact.org. For general information and helpful links, please visit the Pearson VUE/CAS website.

Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) Sample Testing

The following demonstration exams are a resource developed with questions from previous exams. The purpose is for the candidates to prepare for the exam environment by reviewing previous exam material with the features and functions of the Pearson VUE CBT environment.

MODERN ACTUARIAL STATISTICS I DEMO EXAM

MODERN ACTUARIAL STATISTICS II DEMO EXAM

WRITTEN RESPONSE (Exams 5-9) DEMO EXAM