Exam timings
As you will have seen in our communications all exams start at 09:00 (BST). The UK has very recently switched to British Summer Time (BST) - which is GMT +1, so to ensure you have calculated the local start time of your exam correctly.
Here is a website you might find useful to check your local timings: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
Guardian browser chat function
We would also like to remind you that the chat support function that can be accessed through the Guardian browser, supported by Proctor U, can only be used to help you to connect to the remote invigilation system.
You will need a laptop or computer that meets our minimum technical requirements.
Candidates are permitted to use one screen only.
Candidates are permitted to connect a single external monitor to a laptop device. However, the laptop must be closed for the duration of the exam and an external webcam will be required.
To connect to the exam platform, you will need to download the ‘Guardian Browser’ to your laptop or computer.
You will also need Microsoft Word, Excel and/or R Studio. Information on the software required can be found in the Examinations Handbook
The Guardian Browser is a custom developed web browser, designed to secure the virtual environment of the exam candidate.
No, the Guardian Browser does not lock the candidate’s screen to one browser. Candidates will be able to navigate outside the Guardian Browser to other programs on their device e.g. Excel or Word.
For Candidates sitting the CS1B or CS2B exam, it will also be possible to launch the ‘R’ help pages. These will open in your default browser e.g. Chrome. This will be permitted within the Exam Rules.
Candidate activity will be monitored during the exams to detect any unauthorised activity, which may result in disqualification from the exam and possible future exam booking ban – depending on the severity of the breach.
You can test that your computer is exam ready by using the ‘try it now’ function.
Yes, but the ‘Guardian browser’ must be downloaded and permitted within your employers' infrastructure.
See our exam developments webpage for more information and to download the link.
If you are planning to use a work laptop you may find there are restrictions that prevent you from downloading the ‘Guardian Browser’, if so, please contact your employer’s IT department for further support.
If you are using your own device, please seek support from a suitably qualified IT specialist.
No – unfortunately, you will not be able to sit your exam without the ‘Guardian Browser’.
Candidates will continue to log into the exam platform. You can find a guide to logging in to the exam system in our Examinations Handbook. Once logged in, candidates will launch and connect to the remote invigilation system. Candidates must connect to the remote invigilation system before they can access their exam paper.
Mobile hotpots and tethering are unlikely to provide a stable enough connection.
On exam day you will need to log in to the exam platform and open the ‘Guardian Browser’. You will be provided with the required URLs in your exam joining instructions.
Once connected, you will need to accept the Remote invigilation Terms and Conditions. You will then be taken through a series of automated steps to verify your identity. This is referred to as ‘Exam Onboarding’.
You will be required to:
Your audio, video and screen will be recorded for the duration of the exam. There is no live proctor watching you during your exam.
If you need technical support, you can use the ‘Chat’ function within the ‘Guardian Browser’. Please note the ‘Chat’ function can only support with basic IT queries about connecting to the proctoring system. They cannot support on any exam related matters.
Information on exam support can be found in the Examinations Handbook.
Following the announcement on 7 February, we are currently updating all guidance regarding remote invigilation for the April 2025's session.
Candidates are responsible for ensuring their equipment meets the minimum technical requirements. If a candidate experiences issues on exam day, they can use the ‘chat’ function within Guardian Browser or call the IFoA Assessment Delivery Team. If a technical issue cannot be resolved and a candidate cannot access the exam there will be no alterative exam sitting.
If there is a technical failure resulting from an error or system failure, caused by the IFoA or any third-party supplier, relevant business continuity plans will be executed.
Yes, please follow these links to view the Compliance and Privacy policy of our remote invigilation provider.
All data will be stored in secure EU based servers.
Recordings will be viewed by trained invigilators and IFoA executive staff only.
Images of photographic ID will be retained for 7 working days.
Exam recordings will be retained for 12 months.
No – you are not able to connect to the system in a virtual desktop environment.
Yes, each exam subject will have one single start time.
Exams will be held in UK time.
Details about the exam start time have now been released.
No, the exam length will remain the same.
We understand that candidates may perform certain actions or make use of specific equipment as a result of a medical condition. To ensure we can continue to support you during exams it may be necessary to apply for a formal access arrangement.
We have published guidance and advice on what is/isn’t permitted on our access arrangements webpage.
For our existing members with long term access arrangements already approved and in place we will be in contact to review the arrangements
Yes, the IFoA is running three practice sessions in January and February 2025. For full details including dates, what’s involved, how to register and sign-up deadlines, see: Remote invigilation practice exam sessions – book now
For anyone unable to attend, a recorded run-through of the exam experience will be launched in January.
There is no countdown clock or timer on the exam platform or remote invigilation system.
No, you do not need to remove additional tech as long as any other devices are not in use.
For example, if you have a monitor in the background of the room where you intend to take the exam, please ensure it is switched off.
No, using a mobile phone as a webcam is not permitted. For external webcam specifications, please see our technical requirements webpage.
Candidates must ensure that the device chosen to complete their exam meets all the exam system technical requirements.
For details on our technical requirements, please see our technical requirements webpage.
Mobile hotspots and tethering are not supported. You will be unable to sit your exam with this chosen internet option.
Please see all the technical requirements for our new exam system on our technical requirements webpage.
You are responsible to make sure you have the required equipment that meets the minimum technical specifications.
To understand more about your responsibilities, please refer to the Exam Rules and Assessment Regulations.
The minimum technical requirement for your screen must be at least 1366x768 resolution.
For more information about your technical requirements, please see: Exam system technical requirements.
Using any equipment below the recommended minimum requirement may result in failure to successfully complete the required onboarding checks before you commence your exam.
Download the secure guardian browser
We recommend you download the secure browser as soon as possible to ensure you can resolve any potential issues you may encounter before your exam.
Once installed you should open the guardian browser at least 24 hours before your exam to check for any updates – the update will happen automatically when the app is open.
Please only refer to the guidance, rules and regulations issued by the IFoA.
ProctorU are purely a supplier we work with to provide remote invigilation during the exams.
Any information found on our third party suppliers' website may not be tailored for the IFoA and may cause confusion.
Your exam room must be private for your use only during the exam, with sufficient lighting to ensure we are able to see you clearly.
You must complete your exam on a table or desk.
For further details on the exam rules, please refer to the Exam Rules and Assessment Regulations.
Yes, you must remain in view of the webcam at all times, unless you are taking one of the two permitted five-minute breaks.
We understand that it may be difficult to show your full exam environment, your keyboard and your whole body in one angle.
Therefore, we ask that you position yourself so the camera can record a full view of your face, along with visibility of your shoulders and arms.
A valid form of photographic ID will need to be shown to the webcam clearly at the start of the exam, candidates should ensure that they have their ID available and to hand before starting ‘Exam Onboarding’.
Only government issued photo ID will be accepted, for example driving licence, passport.
The details we hold for you must match your government issued photo ID.
Candidates will need to update their details in their member portal to ensure ID verification is accepted.
Non-members will need to contact memberservices@actuaries.org.uk to make these changes.
No, candidates are permitted one screen only.
Candidates are permitted to connect a single monitor to a laptop device. However, the laptop screen must be closed for the duration of the exam and an external webcam will therefore be required. Depending on your laptop, an external microphone may also be required.
No, candidates must be alone for the duration of the exam.
No – while the exams will be closed book/closed web. There will be some exceptions, we will share more information soon.
Yes, two sheets of A4 paper and an A4 wipeable surface, for example a whiteboard.
Candidates can use calculators during their exam. There is no specific make or model a candidate must use.
Candidates are also permitted to use excel for calculation questions.
Candidates must not use calculators on mobile devices or online.
Talking is not permitted during an exam. Accidental mouthing / mumbling will be reviewed.
If you have said something by mistake or an unexpected noise occurs, you might find it useful to simply explain the situation so you can get back to focusing on your exam.
Pets are permitted in the exam room so long as they do not cause sound or visual disruption to your exam recording.
Candidates will be permitted two five-minute breaks during exams. You can leave the room to take your allotted breaks.
Breaks cannot be taken in the first 30 minutes of the exam.
To request the break, candidates must speak clearly to their camera so this can be heard on the exam recording.
For further information on access arrangements, how to apply and what evidence is required to support your application, please see: access arrangements.
Your webcam, audio and screen share should continue recording uninterrupted during the permitted breaks. You do not have to take your recording device with you.
Drinks and snacks are permitted. For example, energy bars or a piece of fruit. Candidates should be mindful of noise while eating as this could impact the exam recording.
Candidates should be in a private room, with a closeable, preferably lockable, door. If a person enters the exam room accidentally and does not interact with the candidate, the incident will be flagged to the IFoA but is unlikely to be investigated further. Any deliberate interaction with a third party will in breach of the Assessment Regulations.
No – Noise is not permitted unless it is part of an approved access arrangement.
The Exam Rules coming in from April 2025 are new and will mean your exam experience is different from your previous sittings.
While you may have previously used ear plugs, headphones or earbuds this is no longer permitted, unless it is part of an approved access arrangement.
You are responsible for choosing an appropriate exam environment in which you will be able to successfully attempt your exam, without distraction. If your current location has high levels of noise which will cause you distraction, you may need to consider selecting an alternative location to complete your exam.
If you are impacted by circumstances beyond your control on the day of your exam, and you feel your exam performance was affected, then you may wish to apply for mitigating circumstances.
No, there is no live proctor. Your exam is recorded and reviewed after completion.
No, this is not permitted.
Candidates may use analogue or digital stop watches, timers or clocks only.
Smart watches, tablets, or mobile phone timers are not permitted.
You can stretch and move at your exam desk while remaining in view of the camera. You are not permitted to leave view of the camera unless you are taking a permitted break.
There is no automatic tracking of eye movement. During the post- exam review, reviewers will consider if any suspicious activity has occurred and flag this to the IFoA for further consideration.
Access arrangements can be made for those with medical conditions. To find out if you are eligible to apply and read the guidance, please see: access arrangements.
Yes, candidates will be able to use the split screen functionality on their one monitor.
For those candidates sitting remotely, they can print their exam paper.
Candidates must:
You can use your own copy of the Formulae and Tables book to use during the exam. We accept that your own copy may have annotations. Please make sure you remove any post it/sticky notes or any other attached notes.
Yes.
You are permitted to use Microsoft Word or Excel, in any exam. And can be used to support calculations.
However, the use of the ‘R’ / R Studio / R Studio online ‘help’ pages are specifically permitted for use during the CS exams only. You can use them in Paper A or Paper B.
For further guidance on permitted resources and software available during the exam, please refer to the Exam Rules.
Yes, you will be able to use an external keyboard or mouse.
Please ensure you have completed the required technical checks; with all the equipment you intend to use during your exam.
For further guidance on permitted devices available during the exam, please refer to the Exam Rules.
Yes.
Exceeding the permitted breaks without an agreement for Access Arrangements in place will constitute a breach of the Exam Rules and will likely result in your disqualification from the exam.
All exam recordings will be monitored once the exams are complete. Individuals identified in the review process will receive a letter highlighting the concerns from the inappropriate conduct review team.
If you experience something out of your control which impacted your behaviour during the exam you should apply for mitigating circumstances immediately after the exam and provide any evidence to help us understand your experience, which we may be able to take into consideration.
For support you may also contact exams@actuaries.org.uk.
You are not permitted to pre-prepare any materials in advance of the exams.
All work submitted should be your own and should be completed during the exam time.
With the exception of the pre-exam materials provided for the CP3 and CS exams, which are permitted for use and reference during those exams.
Yes, ‘copy and paste’ function is allowed.
You are permitted to copy and paste the IFoA Standard Keyboard Notation into your exam submission should that assist you in answering your exam paper.
However, we do not expect to see large amounts of text copied from an alternative original source, please be careful not to plagiarise unless your exam specifically requires you to use copied text from the exam material, like CP3 for example.
While you may have previously used ear plugs, headphones or earbuds this is no longer permitted for remote exams. Unless it is part of an approved access arrangement.
You are responsible for choosing an appropriate exam environment which you will be able to successfully attempt your exam, without distraction. If your current location has high levels of noise which will cause you distraction, you may need to consider selecting an alternative location to complete your exam.
If you are impacted by circumstances beyond your control on the day of your exam and you feel your exam performance was affected, then you may wish to apply for Mitigating Circumstances.
You can use standard functions within Microsoft Excel, Word and R (for the CS exams only).
LN and EXP and FORECAST are considered core functionality within Excel and permitted for use during the exam.
Unless specifically advised not to, you will need to include all calculation steps, and/or sufficient formulae for examiners to understand and assess how you determined your answer.
Yes, you can use Equation Editor as this is considered standard functionality and you may find using Equation Editor a more efficient method of setting out your answers to algebraic questions.
Unless specifically advised not to, you will need to include all calculation steps, and/or sufficient formulae for examiners to understand and assess how you determined your answer.
Yes, you can use Math Autocorrect as this is considered standard functionality.
However, if you choose to use Math Autocorrect, you should be aware that this function could change your response to certain questions, answering incorrectly, and therefore we advise that this should not be used during examinations.
You must type your answers in English. You are not allowed to use any translation tools during the examination.
Yes, questions may be worded differently or contain different information to reflect a closed book or closed web environment.
Examiners want well prepared candidates to be able to respond on the topic that is being assessed in the question, so will provide enough information to make this possible.
IFoA exams are designed to assess whether you have the required knowledge and skills in that subject, set out in our syllabi.
We have taken steps to ensure candidates are able to demonstrate their competence without access to core reading, study notes or other resources.
Each exam paper has been attempted under closed book exam conditions by a test candidate, with a focus on reporting any difficulty with completing the paper in a closed book environment. Test candidates have recently qualified and have experience in both the subject matter and exam technique.
Test candidate feedback from completing the paper in closed book exam conditions has been shared with IFoA Examiners and modifications to final papers made where appropriate.
Past papers delivered between 2020 and 2024 under open-book rules are still valuable study resources, as they more closely reflect the current syllabus objectives. Attempting these papers under closed book conditions can be a useful revision exercise.
While past papers delivered before 2020 were sat under closed-book conditions, they may no longer align completely with the current syllabus. Therefore, we recommend candidates review the syllabus before using pre-2020 papers as a revision resource.
Please note that while these papers were also delivered in exam centres, answers were handwritten.
Therefore, past papers from April 2020 will include modifications to account for answers being typed.
As our focus is to provide exam papers for the April 2025 session, we have not had the capacity to draft specimen papers. As previously stated, the exam questions are written in a way that provides all of the necessary information
The 2020-2024 papers delivered under open-book rules are still a valuable study resource as they more closely reflect the current syllabus objectives.
It is our understanding that ActEd has no plans to change its published materials.
However, ActEd (BPP) is a third party tuition provider and we highly recommend that you reach out to ActEd directly for guidance.
The CB exams will remain in their current format for 2025.
We will update you on the introduction of OBAs as we make progress with procuring a new exam platform.
Yes.
Pre-exam materials will be released for CS1B, CS2B and CP3 only.
CS1B and CS2B materials will be provided two weeks before the exam.
CP3 materials will be provided 3 days before the exam.
If for any reason, you decide not to take your examination, you are entitled to a full refund.
To help you do this quickly and easily, we will not be applying our usual refund policy.
To request a full refund, please complete an exam refund form and send to memberservices@actuaries.org.uk by 17.00 UK time on 31 March (1 week before the start of the exam session). Your refund will be credited to your original payment method.
We are aware of a number of social media posts claiming to have leaked exam papers or sharing supposedly leaked internal emails. These matters have been thoroughly investigated, and there is no evidence of a leak, and the emails have been proved to be fakes.
Unfortunately, we believe there are likely to be further attempts to unsettle candidates.
We are committed to communicating updates about the April exam session as quickly and accurately as possible. The most up to date information available will be sent via official IFoA channels or can be found on our website.