An honest comparison of the top Actuarial Exams prep tools — what they cost, what they include, and which ones are actually worth your time.
Disclosure: ActuaryPractice is built by Arteura. We list ourselves first because we genuinely believe our platform is the best option for most candidates — but we include real competitors with honest assessments so you can decide for yourself.
Active recall flashcards, mini exams, and full-length timed simulations across all 7 SOA and CAS preliminary exams — Exam P, FM, SRM, STAM, LTAM, MAS-I, and MAS-II.
Strength: Deeply detailed manuals trusted for decades by actuarial candidates
Weakness: Expensive per-exam cost, passive reading format with no digital tools
Strength: Adaptive practice with Earned Level tracking to predict pass probability
Weakness: Very expensive when stacked across multiple exams, no flashcards
Strength: Video lessons with structured study schedule and practice problems
Weakness: High per-exam cost, video-first format requires more time
Strength: Physical and digital flashcards designed specifically for each actuarial exam
Weakness: Flashcards only — no practice exams or timed simulations
Strength: Official practice questions directly from the Society of Actuaries
Weakness: Limited quantity, no explanations for many questions, no study tools
| Tool | Price | Flashcards | Practice Exams | Free Tier | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ActuaryPractice | $39.99/mo or $299 lifetime | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| ACTEX / ASM Study Manuals | $150–$300 per exam | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Coaching Actuaries (CA ADAPT) | $199–$350 per exam | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| The Infinite Actuary (TIA) | $200–$400 per exam | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Etched Actuarial | $39–$59 per exam | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| SOA Sample Questions | Free | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Start with Exam P (Probability) or Exam FM (Financial Mathematics) — they're the entry points for both SOA and CAS paths. Use active recall and timed practice exams to build speed, since actuarial exams are heavily time-constrained. Most successful candidates study 250-350 hours per exam.
Aim for 500-1,000 practice questions per exam. Actuarial exams test deep problem-solving under time pressure — raw repetition builds the pattern recognition you need to finish on time.
ActuaryPractice offers a free tier so you can start studying without a credit card. The free tier includes a limited set of flashcards and practice exams. For full access to all content, plans start at $39.99/mo with a $299 lifetime option.
ActuaryPractice focuses on active recall — the study method proven most effective for long-term retention. While other tools may offer video lectures or textbook-style content, ActuaryPractice emphasizes flashcards and timed practice exams with detailed explanations for every answer. See the comparison table above for a feature-by-feature breakdown.
Join thousands of candidates using ActuaryPractice to prepare for the Actuarial Exams. Start with the free tier — no credit card required.