Member Login
How do I check at which venue I will be writing my exam?
Check your proof of registration email to confirm whether you are writing at a venue. This information is also found on your exam permit.
How do I correct a mistake I made on my exam registration after the registration period has closed?
All requests for changes must be submitted before your scheduled test exam closing date. This ensures adequate logistical planning for both virtual and venue-based candidates. An administrative fee will be levied for any change requests. Requests made after your testing period has closed cannot be accommodated.
For assistance, please contact: assaadmin@actuarialsociety.org.za
Can I defer my exam registration from one semester to the next semester?
Unfortunately, you cannot defer your exam registration from one semester to the next. Should you wish to de-register your exam booking, please read the ASSA refund policy on the applicable parameters for a de-registration.
Where do I find my candidate number and is it the same for every exam?
Your candidate number is printed on your exam permit and is unique to every exam registration. The exam permit is made available 2 weeks prior to the exam date. Add your candidate number on your answer scripts before submitting / uploading on the ASSA Exam Platform.
Technical Setup & Requirements
Are additional (dual screen) or larger monitors allowed?
No dual screens are allowed. The proctoring service does not allow additional devices attached to your PC ports.
Make use of the “Test my equipment” link within the proctoring service to test your PC set up and ensure you take part in the Test Exams that will be set up for all subjects making us of virtual invigilation.
If you are using a larger monitor, your laptop monitor must be closed at all times. Describe this laptop setup through the online incident management platform.
Must I stay connected to the internet with my webcam and microphone for the entire exam time?
Yes, you have to maintain connectivity for the full duration of the exam. Internet connectivity is required to access the ASSA Exam Platform. Invigilation is mandatory for the full duration of all examinations. Therefore, the online proctoring service will require access to your webcam and microphone for the duration of the exam. Significant bandwidth is required to record a full 3-hour exam.
I will be writing in an office at my work – is that allowed?
You are allowed to write at your office, however ensure that:
You have stable wi-fi connection and your work firewalls do not block connectivity to the proctoring service.
Check for sound insulation (noise from your colleagues could be a disturbance and may raise flags during the exam).
Clear the whiteboard of any notes and/or remove any notes/posters on the walls. Plan ahead and obtain permission before your exam day.
Exam Day Procedures
Will I be allowed a bathroom break during the exam?
Candidates are not allowed to leave their desk during the exam as this will be flagged as an incident by the proctoring service. If a bathroom break is required, candidates should announce out loud when they leave and when they return.
What happens if I look around during the exam?
The online proctoring system will flag your movements as suspicious.
I experienced unscheduled load-shedding and lost connectivity for a while during the exam. What should I do?
If you experience a loss in connectivity, reconnect as quickly as possible. No additional time may be provided to candidates who have lost time due to loss of connectivity. Any loss in connectivity or technology not working properly must be self-reported by the candidate on the ASSA incident form, within 24 hours after the exam has concluded.
Invigilation is mandatory for all exams for the full duration of the examination. If you cannot re-connect, call the ASSA office immediately.
If you have any concerns, we strongly recommend that you register to write your exam at an ASSA designated venue.
Exam Format & Materials
Will I need to type my exam answers?
Only A211 and A213 (paper A) candidates will be allowed to write the exam. All other exams will be type-only exams.
Will I have access to the Formulae book (orange book)?
Any Formulae book information, as determined by the Examiner, will be made available online in the ASSA Exam Platform as part of the exam. Candidates may not use their own Formulae and Tables (orange) books.
Will I be able to print my exam question paper?
You will not be allowed to print the exam paper. Hard copies of exam papers are NOT permitted. Copy/paste of sections of the questions into the answer blocks or MS Office answer templates will be allowed. You will be allowed to have clean scrap paper with you to make notes on and plan.
Are all exams open book exams?
Only the F200 / B200 subjects are open book as of Semester 2 2024.
For the FAQs regarding open book exams, please visit the F200 open book exams section.
Answer Submission & Scanning
May I write my candidate number on my A211 / A213a written answer script while I wait for the exam to open?
No, you may not. Candidates must write their candidate number on the top of each page as part of the 2 hours 15 minutes examination time and not before the start of the examination as per the exam instructions. This rule applies to all ASSA exams and not only A211 and A213a.
Test Exams & Preparation
Is it necessary to participate in the Test Exam if I have done it in a previous semester?
Yes, it is important as there may be technical updates to our online examinations. A record of your full end-to-end testing is crucial should you experience an incident during your examination in order for the Incident Committee to consider mitigating circumstances.
How will I deal with answers requiring special symbols and characters in the typed exams?
Candidates are encouraged to practise using special characters and symbols (e.g. using Equation Editor) as well as applying it in the Test Exam environment.
Policies & Governance
Why are ASSA’s examination requirements not aligned with the UK IFOA?
ASSA and the IFOA have different governance structures which determine what the standard requirements for exams will be used.
A1 level exams that are outsourced to the IFoA will be written on their standards and according to their rules.