FAQs on the Academy’s Membership Requirements

Question 1:

What are the membership requirements that will be effective from January 1, 2026, for those seeking to join the Academy as new members?

Answer 1:

The Academy’s Board adopted the following requirements for admission of new members to the American Academy of Actuaries, with a target effective date of January 1, 2026:

Part A—Education / Basic Education

a. Compliance with the Competency Framework, which includes baseline knowledge of key actuarial competencies, U.S. laws and practices, and U.S. actuarial professionalism, and

b. Achievement of an actuarial credential from an actuarial organization, both of which are recognized by the Academy.

Part B—Experience

Three years of responsible actuarial experience, including at least one year of responsible U.S. actuarial experience.

For purposes of this requirement, responsible actuarial experience is defined as work that requires knowledge and skill in solving actuarial problems.

Question 2:

Why did the Academy update its membership requirements?

Answer 2:

The American Academy of Actuaries is the national actuarial association focused solely on the actuarial profession in the United States. The MAAA designation is included in thousands of state and federal regulations

The Academy regularly reviews and sets its membership requirements to ensure MAAAs continue to meet the expectations of their stakeholders, and that the U.S. actuarial profession remains credible and responsive to the needs of the public. In 2023, the Board of Directors approved a Competency Framework whose requirements applicants must meet before joining the Academy. The updated membership requirements were developed to align membership requirements with the Competency Framework and to ensure that the Academy continues to maintain high standards in support of fulfilling its mission to serve the public and the U.S. actuarial profession.

Question 3:

Why has the Academy added an explicit experience requirement for membership?

Answer 3:

The Academy believes that new members should not only meet the Competency Framework but also have practical experience. The combination ensures that members are better able to serve their principals and the public. The Academy believes the addition of the experience requirement will make the MAAA designation stronger.

Question 4:

Do the updated membership requirements apply to all applicants?

Answer 4:

Yes, the Academy applies a consistent approach to all membership candidates practicing in the United States, regardless of their residency status. The same membership requirements—including the Competency Framework and experience criteria—apply to both domestic and international applicants. A consistent approach ensures that any actuary practicing in the U.S. has the requisite knowledge and experience to call themselves an actuary and effectively serve principals and the public.

Question 5:

What additional information and/or documentation will I need to supply when applying for membership?

Answer 5:

Candidates must submit the following information to demonstrate their eligibility for membership:

• Attest to compliance with the Academy’s Competency Framework.
• Attest to the actuarial designation they hold.
• Specific information regarding their responsible actuarial experience, with at least one year of experience in the United States.

This information will be reviewed to ensure that all applicants meet the Academy’s membership requirements.

Question 6:

If an applicant once earned an actuarial credential, must they hold a specific or active designation when applying for Academy membership?

Answer 6:

Applicants are not required to hold an active actuarial designation or membership in another actuarial organization at the time of application. However, in cases where an actuarial designation has been revoked or suspended by another actuarial organization, the Academy may request additional information and conduct additional review. This is to ensure that all members retain the necessary knowledge and experience and maintain the high professional standards expected of Academy members.

Question 7:

Can candidates count full-time internships completed during or after their college education toward the experience requirement?

Answer 7:

Internships that provide responsible actuarial experience, which is defined as work that requires knowledge and skill in solving actuarial problems, may contribute to the required years of experience. Candidates should provide specific details to demonstrate how their internships align with the Academy’s criteria for responsible actuarial experience.

Question 8:

What documentation or references are required as part of the membership application process?

Answer 8:

Applicants must provide the following information for each position held:

1. Employment details, including company name, job title, and employment dates.
2. A description detailing the applicant’s role and responsibilities, highlighting the actuarial tasks and projects undertaken in each position.

This information will be used to assess the applicant’s experience and ensure it meets the Academy’s requirements for responsible actuarial experience, which is defined as work that requires knowledge and skill in solving actuarial problems.

Question 9:

Do the new membership requirements apply to former members seeking to reinstate their membership?

Answer 9:

The updated membership requirements, including compliance with the Competency Framework and the experience criteria, apply to both new members and former members looking to reinstate their membership as of January 1, 2026. All applicants who fall into either of these categories must demonstrate that they meet these updated membership requirements to ensure the Academy’s membership consists of professionals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience.

Question 10:

Besides the initial membership requirements, are there any ongoing requirements for Academy membership?

Answer 10:

In addition to meeting the initial membership requirements, Academy members are bound by the following:

1. Academy bylaws
2. Academy’s Code of Professional Conduct
3. Qualification Standards for Actuaries Issuing Statements of Actuarial Opinion in the United States
4. Actuarial standards of practice established by the Actuarial Standards Board

Adherence to these obligations ensures that all Academy members maintain the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and expertise in their actuarial practice.

In addition, although not required for membership, the Academy encourages its members to continue enhancing their knowledge through continuing education offered by the Academy and other actuarial organizations.

Question 11:

If a candidate has not fulfilled all the elements of the Competency Framework through the education, examinations, or work experience, how can they otherwise fulfill the requirements?

Answer 11:

A candidate who has not fulfilled all the elements of the Competency Framework by way of education, examination, or experience may supplement their knowledge by completing additional courses, seminars, or self-study programs. The Academy plans to offer supplemental education to candidates via Academy Learning, its learning management system. Other sources of supplemental education may also be acceptable for membership of the Academy.

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