Starting your journey
What being an actuary means
Actuaries manage risk to make sure people and organizations are prepared for whatever challenges or opportunities we might face. We are problem solvers that apply our knowledge of math, statistics, data modelling and analytics, and business to help Canadians face their financial future with confidence. Actuaries can work in traditional fields such as insurance, retirement and investments, but have an increasing sphere of influence in Canada and globally. If you enjoy math, helping people and taking on complex challenges, this might be the career for you.
See our primer for high school students at “Do the Math”
Consider taking math courses today to start your journey.
The future of actuarial science
What actuaries do constantly evolves with the world around us. Our role adapts to align with increasing globalization, advancements in technology and automation, emerging challenges like climate change and the corresponding shifts in what organizations need. With strong communication, technical, analytical and risk management skills, along with unequalled professionalism, actuaries have the opportunity to become brilliant business strategists and effectively lead businesses forward. CIA members are leading the way.
Canadian education for actuaries
Canadian education in actuarial science is world-renowned. Dedicated to the development of high-quality actuarial programs, the CIA assesses universities to ensure they have the people, structure and resources to deliver the fundamentals of actuarial education. Programs that have demonstrated their quality and rigour are added to the CIA’s University Accreditation Program. Furthermore, the CIA itself has a robust education and qualification system that provides innovative, flexible and accessible options for candidates with diverse backgrounds and career goals.
Pursue your professional designation
An ACIA designation shows potential employers, clients and other professionals that you possess the knowledge and skills to be an effective and professional actuary. An FCIA designation demonstrates that you possess a particular and highly sought-after professional skillset and the experience to apply it in a specialized way. Both designations can help advance your career and open new opportunities in traditional and emerging areas of actuarial science.
As a CIA member, you are part of the premier actuarial community in Canada. Your credentials show employers, regulators and the public that you are committed to the highest level of professionalism and actuarial expertise. And you are backed by a profession that punches above its weight class – creating opportunities across Canada and around the world.
The CIA education system is designed to help enhance the value and recognition our designations hold internationally over time. The CIA currently has mutual recognition agreements in place with actuarial organizations in several countries.
Qualification pathways
Three qualification pathways have been developed to provide an inclusive approach to becoming an ACIA or FCIA.
Pathway 1
This is the CIA route. It is designed for students attending a CIA-accredited university who wish to leverage a fresh, innovative and practical qualification process and go on to become an Associate or Fellow of the CIA through our own education and examinations.
Pathway 2
This is the partnership route. It is designed for people with full or partial associate-level qualifications from another actuarial organization who wish to become an ACIA. They can then join Pathway 1 to continue on to FCIA designation through the CIA’s education and examinations.
Pathway 3
This is the experience route. It is open to anyone who already holds a Fellowship-level credential from a recognized actuarial organization who can demonstrate the required professional Canadian experience to achieve the FCIA designation.
Testimonials
“The new pathways will let us get into new realms of business where any type of quantitative analysis is being done.”
-Abid Kazmi, FCIA
“The changes that are coming through to the education system are much more inclusive than the one single path we had before.”
-Valérie Adelson, FCIA
“Ultimately, when actuaries work together, we can achieve better outcomes and solve some of the more challenging issues facing Canadians.”
-Patrick Kavanagh, FCIA
“It’s the best of both worlds. I get to study a program that I thoroughly will enjoy as well as get credit throughout the process.”
-Noah Bensmihen, Student and #FutureActuary