Steps to Take to Apply for Academy Membership
Thank you for your interest in applying for membership in the American Academy of Actuaries.
The Academy has updated its standards for membership. New membership requirements take effect on January 1, 2026, and the membership application has been updated so applicants can provide sufficient information to demonstrate how they meet the new requirements.
Before You Begin
This application is designed to help you clearly show how you meet the competencies listed in the Academy’s Competency Framework through your education, examinations, and professional experience. You will also be asked to provide your recognized designation or recognized credential issued by a recognized organization, as applicable.
Please note: Your responses should include enough detail for the Academy to assess how you meet each applicable requirement and competency listed in the Academy’s Competency Framework. Provide clear, specific information and examples where appropriate.
What You Will Provide
As part of the application, you will be asked to:
- Identify your recognized designation/credential issued by a recognized organization.
- Provide an actuarial transcript from the relevant organization(s), as required.
- Provide information for your actuarial references subject to the Academy’s Code of Conduct
- Demonstrate how you meet the competencies listed in the Academy’s Competency Framework through your education, examinations, and professional experience, with sufficient detail to support assessment.
- Document your actuarial experience, including:
- Three years of responsible actuarial experience (include only relevant actuarial work), and
- At least one year of qualifying U.S. actuarial experience.
Your responses will be used to evaluate your eligibility for membership and to support a consistent, objective review process.
Ready to apply?
To apply for membership with the American Academy of Actuaries, please complete the following steps:
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Review the Membership Application Competency Guide (U.S. Specific Topics).
This interactive guide is designed to help you better understand the knowledge expectations outlined in the Membership Competency Framework. It focuses on Competency 11, U.S. Financial Systems and Social Insurance Programs, and Competency 13, U.S. Laws and Regulations.
Through interactive content and curated resources, you can explore these competency areas and see how your experience and knowledge align with the requirements. The guide supports self-assessment, highlights learning opportunities, and helps you feel more confident as you prepare your application.
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Fill out the online membership application.
Membership Application: Competency Framework Sections (General Actuarial Topics, U.S. Specific Topics, Professionalism Topics)
- Indicate how you meet each competency-via exams, education, and/or experience. To assist you with filling out the Competency Framework, refer to these example responses to help guide you in what is expected to be documented on the application.
- Use multiple checkboxes and provide specific comments for each competency.
- The comment section is a key focus-use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet each specific competency.
Membership Application: Actuarial Work Experience Section
- Document your actuarial work experience.
- Only include experience that meets the criteria for responsible actuarial work.
- Include at least one year of U.S.-based actuarial experience (based on work, not physical location).
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After completing the online membership application, complete and submit your completed evaluation form.
Time Commitment
We estimate this process will take 1-2 hours, though it may take longer depending on your background and the level of detail you provide. Take your time-your responses are used to assess you meeting the Academy’s new membership requirements.
Questions
For help at any point while applying for membership, please contact the membership department by email at [email protected]. Thank you again for your interest in becoming an Academy member and supporting the Academy’s mission to serve the public and U.S. actuarial profession.
Membership Application Competency Guide (U.S. Specific Topics)
This interactive guide is designed to help you better understand the knowledge expectations outlined in the Membership Competency Framework. It focuses on Competency 11, U.S. Financial Systems and Social Insurance Programs, and Competency 13, U.S. Laws and Regulations.
Through interactive content and curated resources, you can explore these competency areas and see how your experience and knowledge align with the requirements. The guide supports self-assessment, highlights learning opportunities, and helps you feel more confident as you prepare your application.