SOA Fellowship Tracks: Which Specialty to Choose
Comparing SOA Fellowship tracks to help candidates select the right specialization for their career goals.
Available Fellowship Tracks
After earning the ASA, candidates choose from several Fellowship tracks offered by the SOA. These include Corporate Finance and ERM, Quantitative Finance and Investment, Individual Life and Annuities, Retirement Benefits, Group and Health, and General Insurance. Each track consists of specialized exams and modules that prepare you for a specific area of practice. Selecting the right track is one of the most consequential decisions in your actuarial career, as it shapes your expertise and job market positioning.
How to Choose
Consider your current role, long-term interests, and market demand when selecting a track. If you work in life insurance, the Individual Life and Annuities track aligns naturally. Those interested in pensions should pursue Retirement Benefits. The Health track suits actuaries in managed care or benefits consulting. Research job postings in your target area, talk to FSAs in different tracks, and consider which exam content genuinely interests you. Switching tracks after starting is possible but costly in time and effort.