Update (23 July 2025): Page updated for September 2025 exams
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.
We will run the September session in a similar way to the April session, with most candidates sitting their exams at in-person exam centres.
If you’re unable to attend your allocated exam centre, you now have the option to request either:
Please note: Due to limited capacity, we cannot guarantee your preferred option will be available. However, we will do our best to accommodate all requests wherever possible.
We will notify you of your exam centre location by email during the week commencing 4 August 2025.
Your exam centre will also be confirmed in your joining instructions, which will be published during the week commencing 25 August 2025.
Once your exam centre location is confirmed, you can find your exam centre’s address on our webpages:
If you prefer not to sit your exam at the allocated centre, you may request:
Key dates and steps:
Refunds and change requests:
To request a refund:
Refunds will be issued to your original payment method. Please allow time for processing due to potentially high demand.
Yes.
The only exception is the Communications Practice (CP3), where exam candidates are permitted to bring the advanced material into the exam room.
Candidates can make notes on the advanced material only – no additional pages of pre-prepared notes can be used during the exam.
For further guidance, please see the Examinations Handbook and Exam Rules.
Yes, each exam subject will have one single start time.
Exams will be held at 09:00 UK time (UTC + 1).
No, the exam duration will remain the same, regardless of whether you are sitting the exam at a centre or remotely.
To access the online exam platform, you will need download the ‘Guardian Browser’ to your laptop or computer.
You will also need access to the relevant software used in your exam, which may include:
Full details of the required software can be found in the Examinations Handbook.
You are responsible for making 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.
You will not be able to sit your exam without downloading and installing the Guardian Browser.
Here’s what you can do:
More information is available in the Examinations Handbook.
You will need to access a remote invigilation software through the secure Guardian Browser. There is no live proctor. Your exam is recorded and reviewed after completion.
You will need a laptop or computer that meets the minimum technical requirements. Please see our technical requirements webpage.
Key requirements include:
Please ensure your setup complies with these rules to avoid issues on exam day.
You can test that your computer is exam ready by using the ‘try it now’ function.
On exam day, if you are sitting your exam remotely, you will need to:
Your audio, video, and screen will be recorded throughout the exam. There is no live proctor; your recording will be reviewed after the exam to ensure compliance with exam rules.
For technical issues during setup or the exam, you can use the ‘Chat’ function within the Guardian Browser. Please note:
More information is available in the Examinations Handbook.
If you’ve sat IFoA exams before, you’ll be familiar with the online exam platform, as it remains the same as in previous sessions.
Further step by step guidance is available in the Examinations Handbook.
No – you cannot connect to the system in a virtual desktop environment.
We do not recommend using mobile hotspots or tethering via your mobile phone, as these methods are unlikely to provide a stable or reliable internet connection.
We strongly advise using either a wired connection or a strong, stable Wi-Fi connection to minimise the risk of disconnection during your exam.
Please refer to the Examinations Handbook for full details on technical requirements and support.
No, using a mobile phone as a webcam is not permitted. For external webcam specifications, please see our technical requirements webpage.
Candidates are responsible for ensuring 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.
No, you will not need your phone to access the online exam platform, as two-factor authentication is no longer required.
If you do have your phone in your room, it must be placed out of reach during your exam.
Candidates are responsible for ensuring their equipment meets the minimum technical requirements ahead of exam day.
If you experience technical issues during setup or the exam:
Important: If your issue is due to a fault with your equipment or internet connection and cannot be resolved, we will not be able to offer an alternative exam sitting.
If the issue is caused by a system failure or technical error on the part of the IFoA or its third-party suppliers, we will implement our business continuity plans and provide further guidance accordingly.
Please refer to the Examinations Handbook for full details on technical requirements and support.
Yes, please follow these links to view the Compliance and Privacy policy of our remote invigilation provider.
All data will be stored in secure US 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, all candidates are expected to complete their exam using a laptop and keyboard typing their answers.
Handwritten answers are only permitted if you have a pre-approved access arrangement allowing this.
Access arrangements are adjustments made to exam conditions to support candidates who would otherwise be at a substantial disadvantage.
If you require any access or inclusion arrangements for the upcoming exam session, you must submit your application by 17:00 UK time on 25 July 2025 (the exam entry closing date).
We strongly encourage you to:
Late applications:
If you apply after the deadline, it may not be possible to grant your request in time. In such cases, you may need to defer your exam in line with the IFoA Cancellation Policy.
Comfort aids:
Candidates are allowed to bring certain comfort aids into the exam. Please refer to the Comfort Aid List for what is permitted. If you need a comfort aid that is not on the standard list, you must apply through the access arrangements process.
We are currently reviewing our timeline to determine if we can schedule a date for a technical test for candidates planning to take their exam remotely. This test would allow participants to check their equipment and ensure everything is functioning properly ahead of exam day. We will update candidates, should we release a date for the test.
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' websites may not be tailored for the IFoA and may cause confusion.
Please refer to the Exam Rules for guidance on what acceptable ID is permitted.
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.
Yes, two sheets of A4 paper and an A4 wipeable surface, for example a whiteboard.
Yes, candidates are permitted to use a calculator during their exam.
However:
For further guidance on permitted devices 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.
No. Talking during your exam is not allowed, unless specifically permitted by agreed access arrangements.
Even accidental mouthing or mumbling may be flagged as a potential breach of the exam rules and assessment regulations, especially under remote invigilation.
If you speak unintentionally or an unexpected noise occurs (e.g. background sound or you react out loud), we recommend you briefly explain the situation on camera and then continue with your exam. This may help avoid any misunderstanding during the post-exam review of your recording.
For further guidance on acceptable behaviours, please refer to the Exam Rules.
Pets are permitted in the exam room so long as they do not cause sound or visual disruption to your exam recording.
Yes. Candidates are permitted to take two 5-minute breaks during their exam. Please note the following conditions:
For details on requesting additional breaks or adjustments due to a medical condition or other needs, please see our guidance on access arrangements.
Exceeding the permitted break allowance without an approved access arrangement in place is considered a breach of the Exam Rules and may result in disqualification from your exam.
All exam recordings are reviewed after the session. If any concerns are identified, you will receive a letter from the Inappropriate Conduct Review Team outlining the issue.
If you experienced an unforeseen or exceptional circumstance that led to exceeding the break time, you should:
For further guidance or to discuss your circumstances, please contact: exams@actuaries.org.uk
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.
You are responsible for ensuring your exam environment meets the required exam conditions.
This means:
If you are sitting your exam in a shared workspace or office, we strongly recommend putting up a sign to prevent accidental interruption.
Any interaction with another person during your exam even if unintentional is considered a breach of the Assessment Regulations and may result in disciplinary action.
Please refer to the Exam Rules for guidance on exam environment.
No. Noise is not permitted unless it is part of an approved access arrangement.
You are responsible for selecting a suitable exam environment that allows you to complete your exam without distractions.
If your current location is prone to external noise (for example roadworks, building work, loud neighbours), you should consider an alternative location to minimise disruption.
If unavoidable external noise occurs on the day of your exam and you believe it affected your performance, you may wish to submit a mitigating circumstances application. Full details on how to apply and what evidence is required can be found in the Mitigating Circumstances Policy.
No, this is not permitted.
There is no countdown clock or timer built into the exam platform or remote invigilation system.
You may use an analogue or digital stopwatch, timer, or clock to help you manage your time during the exam.
However, smartwatches, tablets, or mobile phones must not be used for this purpose, as they are not permitted under exam rules.
You can stretch and move at your exam desk while remaining in view of the camera. You are not permitted to move out of the view of the camera unless you are taking a permitted break or have access arrangements.
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, candidates will be able to use the split screen functionality on their one monitor.
You have two options for accessing the Formulae and Tables book:
1) Download a PDF copy from the Online Exams Platform
2) Bring your own physical copy to the exam
Candidates are permitted to use any IFoA version of the Formulae and Tables book. We recommend using the 2002 (typically orange in colour) edition for the September 2025 exams, as the exam questions have been written to align with this version. Earlier editions, including the ‘green book’ and ‘blue book’ can be used, but these may not include required mortality and other tables.
Candidates are also permitted to use a copy purchased directly from the Indian Actuarial Institute (IAI).
No other version will be permitted.
Our focus now is on providing stability and continuity for the September session. We felt it would not be fair or realistic to expect candidates to purchase a clean copy of the Formula and Tables purely for use during the 2025 exams.
A new edition of the Formulae and Tables is due to be released this summer, which will come into effect from the April 2026 exams.
We have therefore made the decision to allow candidates to bring in their own copies, with the understanding that these copies may include minor annotations. We accept there is an element of risk that comes with this. However, to minimise the risk all invigilators at the venues are receiving training to help them understand what to look out for as they monitor candidate behaviour during the exams.
If a reviewer suspects a candidate is using the annotations in their formulae and tables book to gain an unfair advantage during an exam, this will be recorded and reported back to the IFoA for further investigation.
Yes, you are permitted to use the pre-exam materials provided for CP3 and the CS exams.
CP3:
CS1B and CS2B exams:
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, the copy and paste function is allowed during your exam.
However, please be aware that any plagiarism may result in disciplinary action, unless the exam specifically requires you to reproduce provided materials.
You must remain in view of your webcam at all times, except when taking one of the two permitted five-minute breaks.
We understand it may not be possible to show your full environment, keyboard, and body in a single camera angle. Therefore, you must ensure your webcam provides a clear view of your face, with your shoulders and arms also visible throughout the exam.
This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the remote invigilation process.
Candidates should not see a material difference between the types of questions asked in the new closed book IFoA exams and the types of question asked in the previous open book exams.
The examiners will still ask questions in line with the subject syllabus and the split of questions in the exam will be in line with the knowledge / application / higher order split set out in the subject syllabus.
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 during the exams.
The examinations are designed to assess whether you have the required knowledge and skills to meet the objectives set out in the syllabus.
Each exam paper has been attempted under closed book exam conditions by a test candidate, who is a recently qualified actuary familiar with the subject material to ensure that a competent candidate could answer the questions to the minimum required standard. Any differences in the examination papers written for closed book/closed web assessments exist to ensure that a competent candidate can achieve the pass standard.
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.
Past papers delivered before 2020 were sat under closed-book conditions, however:
and
The CB exams will remain in their current format for the foreseeable future.
We will update you on the introduction of OBAs as we make progress with procuring a new exam platform.
We will be holding further webinars throughout August to provide more detailed information on how the September session will work for candidates taking their exams, either in-person or remotely.
Details of these webinars will be shared with candidates in the next few weeks.