Preparing for the April 2026 exam session

As we continue to adopt more modern approaches to assessment, this page will be your central hub for all key information and updates for the April 2026 exam session.

Get started: exam preparation resources

Access revision guidance and tips for sitting closed book/closed web exams in our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

For a list of suggested keystrokes to use in place of the mathematical formulae and symbols in Word, please see: Mathematical formulae and symbols notation sheet (PDF, 300 KB)

Important dates

  • IFoA member exam entry opens: 26 January 2026 
  • Non-member exam entry opens: 02 February 2026 
  • Exam entry closes: 12:00 GMT (UTC) 13 February 2026 
  • Confirmation of exam centre allocation: week commencing 23 February 2026 
  • Exam location change request deadline: 03 March 2026 
  • Joining instructions available on member portal: two weeks before your exam date 
  • Exams begin: 14 April 2026 

You can find all key dates for the April 2026 exam session on our key dates web page

Exam centre allocation

Once your exam bookings and payments are confirmed, we will ask you to choose your preferred exam centre locations.

You will receive a link to an online form where you can select your preferred exam centre locations in your exam booking confirmation email. If you book and pay for your exam through your member portal, you will also be able to access the link through your booking summary page.

You can select and submit a first, second and third preference of exam centre location. If there are no suitable centre locations, you can request to sit remotely, online.  

All exam location preference forms should be submitted before 09:00 GMT (UTC) on 16 February 2026

If you do not submit your preferences by this deadline, we will allocate an exam centre based on the preferred communication address we hold for you. Therefore, please ensure your preferred address for communications is updated on the member portal before or immediately after booking. 

Once you have submitted the form, we will allocate you to one of your preferred options wherever possible. 

We will to confirm your exam centre allocation(s) by email during the week commencing 23 February 2026

In-person invigilation

All exam centres will have trained invigilators monitoring candidates to maintain integrity. 

Equipment, including laptops, will be provided at the centre. 

You will use the same online exam system used in past sessions, accessible via a browser on the provided laptop. 

Key reminders:

  • Check your centre address – you can find your assigned exam centre in your exam joining instructions. 
  • Exam centre address can be found here: 
  • Arrive at least one hour before your exam start time – please plan ahead and check for any travel disruptions. 
  • Exams have a single start time globally – 09:00 BST (UTC +1). 
  • Bring valid photo ID to every exam. 
  • All candidates will go through security checks before entering the exam room. 
  • Only permitted items may be brought in – these must be shown to the invigilator. Please refer to the Assessment Rules for the list of non-permitted items. 
  • Use only one monitor

Candidates with access arrangements

Candidates who require access arrangements should refer to the Access and Inclusion Policy before submitting their exam location form, as not all access arrangements can be accommodated in exam centres.    

If you have any questions about your access arrangements, please contact exams@actuaries.org.uk.  

Once your access arrangements have been approved, please be assured that your exam centre can accommodate your arrangements.  

Remote invigilation

Remote invigilation requires you to download essential software and connect to the invigilation system before sitting your exam. 

All candidates sitting remotely invigilated exams will be invited to experience the remote invigilation process in a practice session. 

Remote setup requirements:

  • Ensure your device meets the required technical specifications
  • Install the Guardian Secure Browser at least 24 hours before your exam so updates can install. 
  • Use the ‘Try it now’ feature to test that your device is ready. 
  • Complete all required software and equipment checks as outlined in the Examinations Handbook
  • If your device has communication channels installed, please disable any chat or remote access software such as:
    • Whatsapp
    • Microsoft Teams
    • TeamViewer
    • RemotePC 
  • Use photo ID for verification. 
  • Your screen, audio and camera will be recorded for the entire exam duration. 

Support: Use Guardian browser’s chat function (Proctor U) for tech help – not for exam queries. 

Download Guardian Browser

ID requirements

  • You must present original, valid, and in-date photographic ID.
  • This applies to every exam you take – bring your ID each time.
  • For accepted forms of ID, please see the Examinations Handbook

Exam integrity guidelines

  • Closed book/closed web: no internet or notes (except CP3).
  • Scrap paper allowed for note taking.
  • One screen only policy enforced.

Your exam answers

When saving your answer file: 

  • Save your answer file to your desktop. 
  • Name it as follows: Your ARN + Exam Subject (for example: 898989 CP3) 

If using an Excel spreadsheet: 

  • Save it to your desktop before starting any work. 
  • Follow all instructions carefully to prevent losing your work. 

You will have 30 minutes at the end of your exam to upload your answer file. 

Essential documentation

All candidates must review the following before sitting exams:

Need help?

For support with booking, refunds, or technical requirements, please contact memberservices@actuaries.org.uk

Related resources

Key dates

Exam dates, exam entry dates, results release dates, and other key learning dates.
Learn more

Exam news

Get all the updates on the introduction of our new exam system and objective based assessments, and all other IFoA exam news
Read more

Access arrangements

Key information about access arrangements and how to apply
Access arrangements