But unlike doctors or lawyers, actuaries need to, in order to become fully credentialed, pass a series of difficult tests called Actuarial Exams. These are very hard. Very very hard. The preliminary exams are 3 hours long, consisting of 30-35 multiple choice problems, and the pass rate is typically only 30-40%.

Why are the actuary exams so hard?

These exams are difficult because it requires an in-depth understanding of the various concepts and materials at hand. They are definitely more difficult than your typical math exams in school. ... Some students give up halfway through their actuarial journey because they keep failing a particular exam.

Are actuary exams harder than CPA?

Difficulty: For most people the CPA exams are easier than actuarial exams. Actuarial exams test more difficult concepts and get harder as the candidate progresses through them. Number of Exams: Actuaries need to pass 10 exams in order to be fully qualified, whereas accountants have to pass 4 exams within 18 months.