Course 8

[CDL]

I'm planning on writing Course 8 this coming fall and was wondering two things:

1. When do the syllabus/readings get finalized and are they usually different from last year? (i.e. would I be wasting my time cracking open the books sooner if there's a chance it's not on the syllabus)

2. Is there a Course 8 that's easier than the rest? I will probably write the Investment exam but I was just curious to what people thought.

[mayreeh]

Seems to me the advantage of the advanced start wipes out any disadvantages of maybe wasting a few hours on a study note that is replaced.

I started two weeks ago.

[Actuarybert]

I took Course 8i in November 2001, and started studying in February 2001 (using the 2000 syllabus). I think the final syllabus was released in mid-May--I'm not sure of the exact date. There were a few changes in the 2001 syllabus, but nothing too drastic. Starting early was definitely worth it, because it meant that I didn't have to cram nearly as much during the final few months before the exam.

If you don't want to buy the textbooks until the syllabus is finalized, there's quite a bit of required reading material that's available on the internet (ASOPs, CIA notes, TSAs, etc). Also, there are several chapters from the Atkinson and Dallas book on the 8i syllabus. So, if you still have your A&D book from Course 5, you can get started on that. This should provide enough reading material to keep you entertained until the final syllabus is released.

Good luck, and happy studying :smile:

[Healey]

You know the pt. 5 book will be included since it's an SOA publication. Also, some of the SN, ASOP, and TSA have been on the syllabus since the late '80s. I'd say that's a safe bet that they'll be there for 02.

[glenn]

1) Syllabus won't be finalized till mid may or so, when the catalogue is published for November. All you can do is take educated guesses as to what seems unlikely to be replaced. For 8V: Financial Economics, published by the SOA is a good bet. Fair Value of Insurance Business is a new edition, so there's unlikely to be a new edition.

[Minerva]

With regard to which one is easier - since very few of us are masochistic enough to take TWO Course 8s (for PD credit), consider any advice with a grain of salt. It's probable that in the infinite wisdom of the SOA, they are all of equal difficulty for a qualified candidate in the area of practice.

Notice - KEY POINT - pick the one you have the best background and/or support system in. That will be the easiest for you. (Unless your boss/job requires a specific one, in which case, your choices are more limited.) If you already know part of the material (or the assumed prerequisite material) from other exams or work experience, the new stuff comes much more easily. (Example - way back when I trained as a paramedic, so the underwriting info was either old news with a new twist or additional info in a subject I already knew. Piece of cake. A colleague sweated the same sitting and barely squeaked by, because EVERYTHING was brand new.)

[Bonnie]

Minerva,

Where have you been? I was wondering why we hadn't heard from you. I hope you were doing something fun like finishing your PD and not putting in long overtime hours.

[Minerva]

Unfortunately it's been lo-o-ong, hectic overtime hours. I hope to make great headway on PD this weekend. How's the kitchen coming?

[Bonnie]

Check out the appliance thread in the non-actuarial topics. The granite is being installed as we speak.

Welcome back!