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 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, 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.
To assure the security and integrity of IFoA exams, all exams will be remotely invigilated from April 2025.
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 around the exam start time will be released shortly.
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
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.
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.
Talking is not permitted during an exam. Accidental mouthing / mumbling will be reviewed.
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. 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.
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.
If your exam in unexpectedly impacted due to circumstances beyond your control, candidates should consider applying for mitigating circumstances.
No, there is no live proctor. Your exam is recorded and reviewed after completion.
No, candidates are not permitted to wear ear plugs, headphones or earbuds. Unless it is part of an approved access arrangement.
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.
Yes, questions may be worded differently to reflect a closed book environment. However, each paper has a quality assurance process that ensures a well-prepared candidate can demonstrate their competence without access to core reading, study notes or other resources.
Examiners always aim to create exam papers that will enable candidates to demonstrate their competence and understanding of the subject material.
2020-2024 papers delivered under open-book rules are still a valuable study resource as they more closely reflect the current syllabus objectives. Attempting these papers under closed book conditions would still be a useful revision exercise.
Pre-2020 papers were delivered under closed-book rules but may no longer align completely with the current syllabus, so students are advised to review the syllabus before using earlier papers as a revision resource.
Yes