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Use of Formulae and Tables book in exams

12 March 2026

In autumn 2025 we published the IFoA Formulae and Tables 2025 Edition (also referred to as the ‘red book’) – updated with refreshed mortality tables, revised content and a modernised format. 

We have since developed and successfully tested an electronic version, for use in exam situations throughout 2026. 

All April 2026 exam papers have been written using the 2025 edition.

The previous 2002, ‘orange book’ edition should not be used in preparation for, or used for reference in, any IFoA exams.

Accessing and using the Formulae and Tables book for April 2026 exams 

The latest electronic version will be available to access by all candidates through the online exam platform, for all April 2026 exams. 

Use of hard copies in exams: While all candidates will be able to access the full electronic version of the latest Formulae and Tables book through the online exam platform, we wanted to avoid changing too many regulations regarding its use this close to the April session.  

Therefore, for a limited number of exams in April, candidates will still be permitted to bring a hard copy of the current Formulae and Tables 2025 Edition, into their exam room, as follows: 

  • Candidates sitting CM1 and CS1 exams may bring a minimally annotated, but ideally clean copy of the Formulae and Tables 2025 Edition into their exam room. 
    • The only version candidates can bring into their exam room is the current Formulae and Tables 2025 Edition. No other editions or versions will be accepted.
  • For all other exams, candidates will not be permitted to bring any book, including Formulae and Tables 2025 Edition, into their exam room.
  • For candidates sitting CM2 and SP6 exams, in addition to having access to the full electronic version, the relevant extracts from the current Formulae and Tables book, will also be included within the exam papers. 

Accessing and using the Formulae and Tables book for September 2026 exams

The use of hard copies of the Formulae and Tables book in exams will be phased out after the April 2026 session. 

For the September 2026 exam session: All candidates will have access to the full electronic version of the current Formulae and Tables book on the online exam platform. No hard copies will be permitted in any candidates’ exam rooms.

Candidates can find further guidance on use of Formulae and Tables in IFoA exams in our FAQs for candidates siting in-person exams and remotely invigilated exams.