8 October 2024
In 2020, governments around the world introduced lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the many hurdles that this brought, in-person exams became challenging. The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) responded by successfully delivering exams in an online format, giving candidates the opportunity to continue their journeys towards qualification.
The IFoA has continued to deliver its exams in this way for the last five years. All subjects are examined in an un-invigilated, online open book and open web format. As well as allowing exams to continue through the pandemic, this format of exams has also improved accessibility for students around the world. Whilst security has been strengthened as part of the post-examination marking process, it is important to recognise that this format does bring increased risks to the examination process with illicit opportunities for collaboration and other assistance in contravention of the rules.
Although most candidates have conducted themselves in accordance with the Actuaries’ Code (or similar codes of conduct from partner associations), there are candidates who have attempted to gain an unfair advantage through cheating. As a result, the IFoA is taking additional steps to strengthen the security of its exams.
From our April 2025 exam session, the following changes will be made in the delivery of IFoA assessments.
More detailed communications will be sent to candidates over the next few months specifying the exam rules, technology requirements and other relevant information.
We are confident that these measures will enhance the security and integrity of our April 2025 exams and protect students against mistaken accusations of plagiarism or collaboration.
A longer-term strategic view of the delivery of assessments as well as the content and structure of the curriculum is underway. This could lead to further changes in the delivery of assessments. These changes could include different arrangements for different parts of the curriculum. A possible return to handwritten exams and exam centres for some or all subjects being among the options that will be considered.
The IFoA is aware of alleged specific incidents that occurred during the September 2024 exams. These allegations are being investigated, and any candidates found to have acted dishonestly will be subject to disciplinary procedures. The fact that the same exam was taken at different times by different cohorts gave rise to an opportunity to cheat. However, as a further precaution, the IFoA will be adding another layer of data-driven checks. Specifically, these checks will flag cohorts of students where results seem unusual. These cohorts will be subject to closer scrutiny and further investigation.
Some candidates may be asked to provide additional information on their exam experience as we work to understand any unusual trends in different cohorts. Being asked for information should not be seen as suspicion that a candidate has conducted themselves dishonestly; rather, information from honest candidates could be useful in identifying dishonest conduct by other members of the cohort. As well as identifying dishonest candidates, the IFoA is committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly.
If you have any specific information relating to possible cheating in the September 2024 exams, please send it to the exam integrity email address so that it can be investigated further. Cheating is unfair to honest candidates who have studied hard for their exams, devalues the qualification of all other members, and weakens our profession. All information will be handled confidentially.
The IFoA is determined to deliver a curriculum and assessments to ensure that IFoA actuaries are rightly acknowledged as the most competent, professional and effective actuaries globally. A prerequisite for achieving this is confidence in the integrity of our assessments.
The changes being implemented in April 2025 are a significant step in demonstrating the integrity of our qualifications and reinforcing the trust and confidence which are rightly placed in them.
1. Camera and microphone live through the exam – candidate must be in view at all times. Ongoing monitoring through the exams.
2. Candidates need to show official government issued identity document with a clear and recent photograph (passport, drivers’ license, national identity card).
3. Students may not access ANY material including books, handwritten notes, documents on their computers, stick-it notes or have any posters.
4. Students may only access the exam site through the designated browser. No other sites may be accessed.