The SOA at Work
The SOA at Work
SOA Announces New Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst DesignationA new professional designation–the Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA)–is now available and has been designed to demonstrate competence in the field of enterprise risk management (ERM) within broader financial services, insurance and pension markets. The CERA designation was created to help students and business professionals prepare for and seize opportunities in the evolving discipline of ERM.
The designation will require five examinations, as well as an educational module and a professionalism course, and is intended to offer a relevant curriculum designed to prepare practitioners for leadership in the identification, measurement and management of risk within complex, risk–bearing enterprises.
The curriculum was carefully developed to meet current and future market needs while providing a rigorous treatment of critical ERM topics, including actuarial approaches to risk. Candidates who successfully complete the curriculum will become Associates of the Society of Actuaries.
Designation holders will benefit from an SOA–sponsored marketing program that will communicate the benefits of CERA designation to employers. More information will be available soon at Soa.org. For more information on the designation, e–mail eq2005@soa.org.
SOA Unveils Enhanced Web Site
Next time you visit www.soa.org, you'll notice a different look and improved features–both part of our Web redesign plan. We have incorporated the re–defined actuarial branding so the look and feel of the Web site is in line with the visual identity of both the profession and the organization. The site offers more efficient content organization and the new Soa.org information structure and navigation are designed to enhance ease of use.
In addition, we have enhanced our site search in response to member feedback. Powered by Google, our new search technology will offer great improvement in the quality of search results. Once on the site, please visit the Search Tips page for helpful suggestions or provide feedback if you are having any difficulty finding material. The Soa.org update is just one more way the SOA is working to create solutions to member and customer needs.
FAP Online Registration Now Available
The SOA is now offering a new, easy–to–use online process for Fundamentals of Actuarial Practice registration. You may now register online for FAP modules, FAP Exam 1 and the FAP final assessment right at your computer. Using a credit card, all you have to do is go to www.soa.org, click on education, exams and online registration and select the item for which you would like to register. Just login, enter the required information, including the credit card number, and click "submit." Those wishing to continue to pay via mail may do so. We believe this process will save you time, and allow you to conveniently register for FAP modules, Exam 1 and final assessment.
The Actuarial Profession in the News
New York Times Quotes FSA
The Times interviewed Stephen Meskin, former V.A. chief actuary, in a feature about inequities in veterans' benefits. To read this article in its entirety, please go to Imageoftheactuary.org and click on "Buzzworthy News."
The Seattle Times: Actuaries are Financial Wizards
The Times piece discusses the broadening roles actuaries are playing and how opportunities are increasing for actuaries in financial services. To view this article, please go to Imageoftheactuary.org and click on "Buzzworthy News."
Actuaries in High Demand
An article in the Insurance Journal portrays actuaries as "number–crunching whizzes," who solve complex problems. To read this article, please visit Imageoftheactuary.org and click on "Buzzworthy News."
2007 SOA Educational Opportunities
June 13–15
Health Spring Meeting
Sheraton Seattle
Seattle, WA
June 18–21
Reserves Week
Omni Hotel
Chicago, IL
June 20
EAS Business Building
Webcast Series
June 25–26
Product Development Symposium
Grand Hyatt
Denver, CO
August 9–11
42nd Actuarial Research Conference
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA
September 3–7
Asset Liability Management
Singapore