This page is your central hub for all key information and updates for the September 2026 exam session.
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)
You can find all key dates for the September 2026 exam session on our key dates web page.
Once your exam bookings and payments are confirmed, we will ask you to choose your preferred exam locations.
You will receive a link to an online form where you can select your preferred exam 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 confirmation page.
You can select and submit a first, second and third preference of exam centre location and/or remote invigilation.
All exam location preference forms should be submitted before 09:00 BST (UTC+1) on 27 July 2026.
If you do not submit your preferences by this deadline, we will allocate an exam centre location based on the preferred communication address we hold for you or to remote invigilation. 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 inform candidates of their allocated exam location in the week commencing 03 August 2026.
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 through a browser on the provided laptop.
Key reminders:
Find answers to common questions about sitting IFoA exams in an exam centre on our FAQ page.
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 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:
A full list of applications can be found in the Technology and Environment Policy. You must close all these applications completely before starting your exam, as they may interfere with the operation of proctoring software.
Support: Use Guardian browser’s chat function (Proctor U) for tech help – not for exam queries.
When saving your answer file:
If using an Excel spreadsheet:
You will have 30 minutes at the end of your exam to upload your answer file.
All candidates must review the following before sitting exams:
We also recommend you review:
For support with booking or refunds, please contact memberservices@actuaries.org.uk
If you have questions about exam booking, choosing your exam location, sitting IFoA exams, use of Formulae and Tables or study support please visit our FAQ pages.
For questions about exam technology and exam environment requirements, please read our Technology and Environment Policy.
You can also find step by step guidance on the full exam process, from accessing the exam platform for the first time to successfully uploading your exam paper in our Examinations Handbook Mini Guides.