Some CSP readings?

[BuckyBadger]

Stuart, Bruce and others on the exam committee,

Many of the people who took FAP 1 in August would like to take FAP 2 and then CSP in the spring. As things stand now, we have nothing to work on right now, as Module 6 will not come out until October 16th and the syllabus for CSP will not be released until November 1st.

However, in the webcast, it sounded like significant progress has already been made on CSP. So I was wondering if some readings could be released so we would have something to study between now and mid-October. Surely some of them must be known....? At the very least, is there anyway the candidates could find out which readings from the various course 8s will be held over for CSP?

Thank you in advance!

[appleapple]

Excellent question. Knowing how busy next year will be studying for exams, I hate not having anything to study for now.

[akorakd]

I definitely agree with the sentiment expressed above. Stuart, Bruce... Pretty please, with sugar on top; PLEASE GIVE US SOME ADVANCED SYLLABUS MATERIAL FOR EXAM CSP. For the ILA track Bruce seems to indicate that the syllabus is almost done if not already done. At the very least, could you indicate ONE book on the current syllabus and which chapters apply. This will be the first time some of us are writing an essay exam and every day counts. The frustration level with the semi-delays in FAP 2 will be greatly reduced if we had something to work on in the mean-time. Thanks a lot!

[_BullDog_]

I definitely agree with the sentiment expressed above. Stuart, Bruce... Pretty please, with sugar on top; PLEASE GIVE US SOME ADVANCED SYLLABUS MATERIAL FOR EXAM CSP. For the ILA track Bruce seems to indicate that the syllabus is almost done if not already done. At the very least, could you indicate ONE book on the current syllabus and which chapters apply. This will be the first time some of us are writing an essay exam and every day counts. The frustration level with the semi-delays in FAP 2 will be greatly reduced if we had something to work on in the mean-time. Thanks a lot!

They can't really release items from 1 syllabus before all of the CSP syllabi are finished. Don't hold your breath on this one.

[BuckyBadger]

They can't really release items from 1 syllabus before all of the CSP syllabi are finished. Don't hold your breath on this one.

But I would imagine at least SOME syllabus material from each exam has been finalized. Like I said, even just the 8 readings that are being retained for CSP would be helpful.

[twig93]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Stuart just said in the other thread that the syllabus' won't be released until November, not even in part.

That's not to say that I agree with the decision. They could at least give us a couple of chapters worth of reading for each exam to give us something to work on.

Of course in my particular situation, I have an exercise redo to work on, but for everyone else...

[yanz]

I agree that this sucks. I have nothing to do this fall (didn't want to take C8 knowing that I would have to take another C8 equivalent in the spring anyway), so I've been more or less twiddling my thumbs for over a month (and will continue to do so until Nov 1, it seems).
Oh well.

[JMO]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Stuart just said in the other thread that the syllabus' won't be released until November, not even in part.

And Stuart explained why. If the SOA gives out no premature info, people will complain.
If they give out information and then have to revise it, people will complain, and can justifiably claim they were misled.

So go take a LOMA exam or something while you're waiting. :popcorn:

[Bühlmann]

Also notice that if students have to study, they complain. If they can't study, they complain. :lol:...just an observation.

[bdschobel]

For what it's worth, the readings for the new FSA exams will not themselves be entirely new -- not too surprising! I have intimate knowledge of only the ILA track, but we borrowed heavily from the current Course 8 syllabus, with updating and expansion where appropriate. If you really must get started, take a look at that. Keep in mind that the SOA has recently published some major new texts in the ILA area, and we are utilizing them as appropriate.

I'm not trying to be clever here, just suggesting that the readings are not going to be a huge surprise to anybody. You really could get started early if you have the time now.

Bruce

[Kenny]

For what it's worth, the readings for the new FSA exams will not themselves be entirely new -- not too surprising! I have intimate knowledge of only the ILA track, but we borrowed heavily from the current Course 8 syllabus, with updating and expansion where appropriate. If you really must get started, take a look at that. Keep in mind that the SOA has recently published some major new texts in the ILA area, and we are utilizing them as appropriate.

I'm not trying to be clever here, just suggesting that the readings are not going to be a huge surprise to anybody. You really could get started early if you have the time now.

Bruce
Unfortunately, I have heard that the draft Pension CSP syllabus does not contain any of the same readings as the current course 8 syllabus.

[JMO]

Unfortunately, I have heard that the draft Pension CSP syllabus does not contain any of the same readings as the current course 8 syllabus.

If not, I certainly hope it includes plenty of material from the financial economics experts that have been challenging the way things are in pensions.

Just sayin'

[Kenny]

Unfortunately, I have heard that the draft Pension CSP syllabus does not contain any of the same readings as the current course 8 syllabus.

If not, I certainly hope it includes plenty of material from the financial economics experts that have been challenging the way things are in pensions.

Just sayin'

The current pension course 8R seems very focused on design issues (i.e. these are the different types of retirement plans, these are the theories about how different plans affect HR goals and how to produce a desired outcome) with some accounting thrown in, which I can see would probably be included as a pricing aspect. 8P and the EA exams are focused on the pricing side with funding methods and legislation, so it seems reasonable that this material would fit well with a "Design & Pricing" exam.

I'm not quite sure what to expect from the CSP exam, though. It would be nice if it focused more on the asset/overall risk management aspects of DB/DC plans. Obviously that would include the FE articles that have been a part of dicussions. I also think it would make sense with a name like Company Sponsor Perspective. It seems this is one area that SOA exams currently lack from a Pension perspective. I guess we'll find out in a little over a month.

[BuckyBadger]

For what it's worth, the readings for the new FSA exams will not themselves be entirely new -- not too surprising! I have intimate knowledge of only the ILA track, but we borrowed heavily from the current Course 8 syllabus, with updating and expansion where appropriate. If you really must get started, take a look at that. Keep in mind that the SOA has recently published some major new texts in the ILA area, and we are utilizing them as appropriate.

I'm not trying to be clever here, just suggesting that the readings are not going to be a huge surprise to anybody. You really could get started early if you have the time now.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. If there is anyone in my boat of wanting to take health CSP in the spring, it might be helpful to note that the most recently updated (and therefore, probably least likely to be replaced) core text on the syllabus is the Group Insurance book you already have if you have done the modules. Chapters 2, 8, 14, 22, 23, 25–26, 30, 33–34, 37, 41, 43 and 46 are currently on the Course 8 syllabus.

[Bühlmann]

For what it's worth, the readings for the new FSA exams will not themselves be entirely new -- not too surprising! I have intimate knowledge of only the ILA track, but we borrowed heavily from the current Course 8 syllabus, with updating and expansion where appropriate. If you really must get started, take a look at that. Keep in mind that the SOA has recently published some major new texts in the ILA area, and we are utilizing them as appropriate.

I'm not trying to be clever here, just suggesting that the readings are not going to be a huge surprise to anybody. You really could get started early if you have the time now.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. If there is anyone in my boat of wanting to take health CSP in the spring, it might be helpful to note that the most recently updated (and therefore, probably least likely to be replaced) core text on the syllabus is the Group Insurance book you already have if you have done the modules. Chapters 2, 8, 14, 22, 23, 25–26, 30, 33–34, 37, 41, 43 and 46 are currently on the Course 8 syllabus.

I'm in the health track and may (just may) sit for CSP, Bucky. It is probably certain that Group Insurance, The Managed Care Handbook, and Individual Health Insurance are 3 good candidates for the syllabus material.

[Willie Mosconi]

Thanks Bruce. If there is anyone in my boat of wanting to take health CSP in the spring, it might be helpful to note that the most recently updated (and therefore, probably least likely to be replaced) core text on the syllabus is the Group Insurance book you already have if you have done the modules. Chapters 2, 8, 14, 22, 23, 25–26, 30, 33–34, 37, 41, 43 and 46 are currently on the Course 8 syllabus.

I'm in the health track and may (just may) sit for CSP, Bucky. It is probably certain that Group Insurance, The Managed Care Handbook, and Individual Health Insurance are 3 good candidates for the syllabus material.

I agree with these. I'm sure some of the study notes are good candidates also.

I may take CSP as well. I've been part of the test group for the modules. Might as well be part of the one for CSP

[NewNameOldRF'er]

Can we get a preview as to some of the Moduel 6-8 readings?

[Bühlmann]

Per the webcast, there is a much less emphasis on readings in Modules 6 - 8. Case studies comprise more of the material. It is supposed to be more of a hands on experience, hence the proposed change in assessment methodology. I'm sure you will be unable to get any sneak peaks at the readings though.

[twig93]

Can we get a preview as to some of the Moduel 6-8 readings?

I would bet good money that Chapter 5 from the Ratemaking book is going to be in the syllabus somewhere. That's with no inside information. But if you're looking for something to do, I really don't think you'll be wasting your time reading the chapter & working the problems.

[James Madison]

BuckyBadger,

Getting back to your idea of identifying current Course 8 readings that may appear on CSP...

Look at the Course 8G Overview (a six page course outline included with the course notes) and skip Sections I and II (since they cover pricing and design of health insurance products); you’ll find Group Insurance chapters 2, 25, 43, and 41.

Chapter 2 is on marketing and is very easy. Chapter 25 is on claim administration (it’s a little more difficult). Chapter 41 is pretty challenging and covers capital, profit, and growth. Chapter 43 covers planning and control (it’s an easy chapter with very little material).

These may be your best bets.

[Bühlmann]

How does one know what might be on DP as opposed to CSP? "Company Sponser Perspective" does not lend itself to much of a description for me. I guess for us health people, it will mainly be reserving and financial reporting? I say that since that is what comes to my mind outside of "pricing," the topic of DP. I also wonder, since there are two fellowship exams now, if things like Medicare will have a stronger presence on these exams than they used to.

[BuckyBadger]

BuckyBadger,

Getting back to your idea of identifying current Course 8 readings that may appear on CSP...

Look at the Course 8G Overview (a six page course outline included with the course notes) and skip Sections I and II (since they cover pricing and design of health insurance products); you’ll find Group Insurance chapters 2, 25, 43, and 41.

Chapter 2 is on marketing and is very easy. Chapter 25 is on claim administration (it’s a little more difficult). Chapter 41 is pretty challenging and covers capital, profit, and growth. Chapter 43 covers planning and control (it’s an easy chapter with very little material).

These may be your best bets.

Thanks for the insight!

[augustus18nsa]

No more guess!
All the CSP readings are now available.

http://www.soa.org/ccm/content/exams-education-jobs/find-it-fast/find-it-fast/

F/ERM
http://www.soa.org/ccm/content/exams-education-jobs/candidate-and-exam-information/spring-exam-session/spring-2007-catalog/examinations/advanced-finance-erm-exam-spring-2007/

Investment
http://www.soa.org/ccm/content/exams-education-jobs/candidate-and-exam-information/spring-exam-session/spring-2007-catalog/examinations/advanced-portfolio-management-exam-spring-2007-.en?g11n.enc=UTF-8

Health
http://www.soa.org/ccm/content/exams-education-jobs/candidate-and-exam-information/spring-exam-session/spring-2007-catalog/examinations/health-group-life-managed-care-company-sponsor-perspective-spring-2007/

Life
http://www.soa.org/ccm/content/exams-education-jobs/candidate-and-exam-information/spring-exam-session/spring-2007-catalog/examinations/ila-csp-los-and-texts/

Pension
http://www.soa.org/ccm/content/exams-education-jobs/candidate-and-exam-information/spring-exam-session/spring-2007-catalog/examinations/retirement-company-sponsor-perspective-syllabus-materials-2007/


BuckyBadger,

Getting back to your idea of identifying current Course 8 readings that may appear on CSP...

Look at the Course 8G Overview (a six page course outline included with the course notes) and skip Sections I and II (since they cover pricing and design of health insurance products); you’ll find Group Insurance chapters 2, 25, 43, and 41.

Chapter 2 is on marketing and is very easy. Chapter 25 is on claim administration (it’s a little more difficult). Chapter 41 is pretty challenging and covers capital, profit, and growth. Chapter 43 covers planning and control (it’s an easy chapter with very little material).

These may be your best bets.

Thanks for the insight!

[appleapple]

Apparently CSP exam varies by track?

[BuckyBadger]

Yes, just like course 8 now. DP will also very by track.