Do EA Exams Count for Other SOA Exams?

[CaptainDingo]

If I take EA 2A and EA 2B, do I get credit for any of the higher SOA exams? I just took 4, so I will have credit for 1-4 if I passed it.

Can they be counted as an exam toward an ASA? That would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Emily]

EA2A gives you credit for 8P. If you really want to be an ASA you might use the EA exams for PD credit and then pass either 5 or 6 and complete the ASA PD to get your ASA.

[GY]

If I aim to get both EA and FSA, what is the shortest path?

exam 1-7 + PD + EA2A +EA2B ?

I wonder if people get ASA/FSA first or EA first; Can you survive in pension with EA but without FSA/ASA ? or with FSA/ASA without EA ?

[Emily]

Originally Posted by GY

If I aim to get both EA and FSA, what is the shortest path?

exam 1-7 + PD + EA2A +EA2B ?

I wonder if people get ASA/FSA first or EA first; Can you survive in pension with EA but without FSA/ASA ? or with FSA/ASA without EA ?

You might want to get some sort of 8 in there. Your decision depends a lot on where you are now. I'm not sure which exam you will get credit for in the new system for the EA exams. A lot also depends on your company. My company really stresses the SOA exams. They only support the EA exams if you're using the credits toward your FSA. So, it makes more sense to get ASA first.

[sb_jim]

Do you really want to delay getting your ASA by one year or more by getting your EA first? That's pretty much the trade off and the EA exams are harder to pass than most people think.

Get the ASA, then work on the EA if you really need it before FSA. It is best to be credentialed as soon as possible and the ASA is the easier route to go if you have already completed some exams and have the momentum.

EA alone is not nearly as useful as an ASA and then an EA. The FSA then remains as just icing on the cake if needed.

[CaptainDingo]

I don't know, our company is different as we only have 1 EA here to sign off on things, so we need another. That's why I'm doing the EA exams first.

[Victor The Eagle]

I have 1-3 and quickly switched to the EA exams (since 2&3 count for EA-1) and will then go back to get the rest of the ASA/FSA stuff. IMO, the EA is worth getting first because it gives you the opportunity to to sign off on some stuff. It also sets you apart from the other students in that you have some initials. I know a couple career EA's (no ASA/FSA) that seem to be very happy and feel they have job security without going any further.

It certainly is a matter of personal preference, your particular office environment, and other factors, so my opinion may not hold in all cases.

[waterpri]

One thing to keep in mind is that under the new rules if you meet the ASA requirements using PD credits you will be credited for one of the 2 FSA exams under the 2005 system. Something to think about.