Society of Actuaries (SOA)
SOA Exam P
Society of Actuaries — Probability (P) Exam
The first preliminary actuarial exam, a gateway to the actuarial profession. Exam P develops knowledge of the fundamental probability tools used to quantitatively assess risk, and is jointly sponsored by the SOA and the Casualty Actuarial Society.
What's on the exam
SOA Exam P Syllabus (2026)
Univariate Random Variables
44–50%Discrete distributions (binomial, geometric, hypergeometric, negative binomial, Poisson, uniform) · Continuous distributions (uniform, exponential, gamma, normal) · Expectation, variance and moments · Moment generating functions · Transformations of random variables
General Probability
23–30%Set functions and sample spaces · Combinatorial probability · Conditional probability and independence · Bayes' Theorem and the law of total probability · Axioms of probability
Multivariate Random Variables
23–30%Joint, marginal and conditional distributions · Covariance and correlation · Moments of linear combinations · Order statistics for independent variables · Central Limit Theorem
Frequently asked questions
How much does the SOA Exam P cost?
The SOA Exam P costs $275. Standard SOA registration fee; the fee includes electronic access to required study notes. Lower student rates and global access pricing may apply.
How long is the SOA Exam P and how many questions does it have?
30 multiple-choice questions (plus a few unscored pilot questions) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the SOA Exam P?
Scaled score of 6 or higher (on a 0–10 scale).
Can you retake the SOA Exam P?
Permitted in a subsequent testing window with a new registration.
What is the best way to study for the SOA Exam P?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Univariate Random Variables 44–50%, General Probability 23–30%, Multivariate Random Variables 23–30%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
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