A-4 Information

Advanced Actuarial Practice

> A-4 Syllabus [PDF]
> A-4 Course Overview
> 2009 Education and Examination (E&E) Program Changes (ERPA Designation Impact)
> Subject Matter
> Exam Registration & Fees
> Required & Suggested Reading
> Study Guide References & Errata
> Exam Requirements & Procedures
> Deadlines & Fees
> Grading Process
> Register online

Related Links : Register for Exams : Candidate Corner : Study Guide References print page

Course Overview

The examination is intended to test the candidate’s ability to apply the accumulated body of knowledge covered in prior examinations together with that contained in specific readings for this part in given practice situations. Frequently, there is no single correct answer to a question. Answers will be evaluated based on the candidate’s ability to weigh alternatives and support any recommendations.

As part of general knowledge, a candidate is expected to be familiar with the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA (as amended through the June 30 preceding the examination) as well as IRS, PBGC, and DOL guidance and pronouncements related to qualified plans as promulgated prior to June 30 preceding the December examination.

The A-4 examination is four hours in length. This exam is only offered in the fall.

2009 Education and Examination (E&E) Program Changes (ERPA Designation Impact)

Please refer to the 2009 Education and Examination (E&E) Program Changes webpage for information on the new and exciting enhancements to ASPPA’s educational programs.

Subject Matter

Advanced actuarial consulting topics, including:

• Comprehensive actuarial consulting topics, including selection of cost methods and assumptions, actuarial forecast valuations
• Design of retirement plans
• Actuarial consideration in providing financial accounting information for post-employment employee benefits plans
• Effect of changes in demographics and the economic environment on the cost and design of retirement benefits
• Valuation of pension assets and development of funding and investment policies
• Actuarial valuation in civil litigation including divorce and QDROs
• Applicable issues in ethics affecting the actuarial profession

Exam Registration & Fees

It is the candidate’s responsibility to review all of ASPPA’s exam policies and procedures which can be found in the ASPPA Program Catalog or on Candidate Corner. You will also find additional helpful information such as test taking tips, exam windows and dates and much more.

Exam Registration - Register online or download the Exam Registration Form and follow the directions on the form to fax or mail your registration. The 2008 A-4 exam will be held on one day during the Fall exam window, on November 14, 2008.

Exam Fees - To qualify for early registration, the registration form accompanied by the early registration fee must reach the ASPPA office no later than September 19 for the fall examination. To qualify for final registration, the registration form accompanied by the final registration fee must reach the ASPPA office no later than October 31 for the fall examination. For the A-4 exam, there is a non-refundable $275 early/$335 final registration fee per exam for members and a $305 early/$370 final fee per exam for nonmembers. For more information visit the Exam Schedule & Fees page.

Required & Suggested Reading

Required Reading
A-4 Compendium of Readings, Arlington, VA: ASPPA.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, Numbers 35, 87, 88, 106, 112, 132. Hartford, CT: Financial Accounting Standards Board, http://www.fasb.org.

Actuarial Standards of Practice, Numbers 4, 17, 27, 34, 35, 41. Washington, DC: Actuarial Standards Board, http://www.actuarialstandardsboard.org.

Suggested Reading
Fundamental Concepts of Actuarial Science, revised ed., by Charles L. Trowbridge, Schaumberg, IL: Actuarial Education and Research Fund, 1989.

Prior A-4 Examinations
Copies of prior A-4 examinations may be purchased from the ASPPA Book Order Department. Please refer to the Publications Order Form or visit the online bookstore at http://store.asppa.org.

Study Guide References & Errata

For updates to ASPPA’s publications and examinations please visit: http://www.asppa.org/education/ed_study_guide_updates.htm. Please stop by regularly as new updates are posted.

Exam Requirements & Procedures

As part of general knowledge, a candidate is expected to be familiar with the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA (as amended through the June 30 preceding the examination) as well as IRS, PBGC, and DOL guidance and pronouncements related to qualified plans as promulgated prior to June 30 preceding the December examination.

A-4 exam candidates will receive a registration confirmation e-mail which confirms your registration for the examination and asks that you locate a proctor and location for the examination. Proctors should be ASPPA credentialed members. If an ASPPA member is not available in your area, Enrolled Actuaries who are SOA or AAA members are acceptable proctors. ASPPA also permits training coordinators, tenured faculty members or examination administrators in a University/College setting to proctor examinations. Exams are administered in the United States and Canada only. A candidate who does not receive a registration confirmation e-mail two weeks prior to any ASPPA examination should immediately contact ASPPA to request a copy. It must be understood that ASPPA and any jointly administering or sponsoring organizations will not be held responsible for difficulties caused by holidays or other delays in postal service or for the consequences of failing to receive correspondence as a result of inadequate postage or e-mail.

A-4 examination results will be mailed to candidates approximately twelve (12) weeks after the examination date. A list of passing candidates, identified by ASPPA ID number, will be posted on the ASPPA website (www.asppa.org) just prior to the release of the hardcopies of the examination results are mailed. The use of a calculator will be permitted if it conforms to the required specifications.

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