CA3 Communications June 2016

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June 2016

Contents

3

Introduction

3

The purpose of CA3

3

The timing of the CA3 exams

4

Entry criteria for CA3

4

Technical requirements before you enter for CA3

5

How to book for your CA3 examination

6

Requirements before you sit the examination

8

What the CA3 Application contains

10

Sitting CA3

11

Troubleshooting and downloading the CA3 Application

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Introduction

This guide explains the CA3 examination process as well as providing information on the technical requirements needed to be able to complete your CA3 examination online.

This guide explains;

 the technical requirements to study and sit the examination

 how you can book for the course and exam (including access arrangements)  CA3 course contents

 requirements you must meet before you can progress to take the exam  the format for the two day online CA3 exam

The purpose of CA3

The CA3 Communications exam is designed to test your skills at effective communication to both actuarial and non-actuarial audiences. Although CA3 is a communication based examination, all questions are set within a financial framework.

CA3 is based on the concepts of the Core Technical (CT) subjects as well as CA1 Actuarial Risk Management.

You will require a working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Word. For CA3, you will require access to a desktop computer or laptop throughout your 4 week preparation and two exam days. This computer will need to meet certain technical requirements and you will need to complete the pre- exam checks within the first week of this preparation time (see ‘requirements before you sit the exam’ later in this guide).

The guideline study time for the work required to complete CA3 Communications is 50 hours. Formulae and Tables and copies of the core reading for the CT subjects and CA1 will be available electronically during the examination.

The timing of the CA3 exams

The CA3 exam is run to UK times only, so that we can provide assistance and technical support if required.

The exam takes place over two consecutive days.

 Day One:

o Written exam: 10.00-11.45 (UK time) o Slide preparation: 14.00-16.00 (UK time)

 Day Two:

Entry criteria for CA3

To be eligible to sit the CA3 Communications examination, you will need to have passed or to have been granted exemptions by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for the following exams:

 CT1 – Financial Mathematics

 CT2 – Finance and Financial Reporting  CT3 – Probability and Mathematical Statistics  CT4 – Models

 CT5 – Contingencies  CT6 – Statistical Methods  CT7 – Economics

 CT8 – Financial Economics

 CT9 – Business Awareness Module  CA1 – Core Applications Concepts

Technical requirements before you enter for CA3

By submitting an exam entry application form, you are confirming that your computer meets the minimum requirements of the CA3 Application (see list below).

You will need to have access to the following before you book on to a CA3 exam.

Failure to comply could result in your exam fee not being refunded should you need to withdraw due to technical issues.

Technical requirements for CA3 online

Administrator permissions are required for the initial installation of the CA3 software. Hardware:

 1.5GHz processor

 2GB memory

 4GB free hard disk space

 1024x768 display resolution

 Speakers

 Webcam (USV or built in)

 Microphone (in most cases this will be included with the webcam)

 Broadband internet connection (2Mbps download and 512Kbps upload)

The CA3 application is not compatible with OS X/Apple computers or iPad. Running Windows inside a virtual machine (using Parallels or VMWare Fusion) is not supported.

Software:

 Microsoft Windows Vista, 7 or 8/8.1 (32 or 64-bit) and Windows 10

 Microsoft Window Media Player 10 or higher

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 Microsoft PowerPoint 2007, 2010, 2013

 Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013

 Adobe Reader (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)

 Adobe Flash Player (http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/)

Please note that Microsoft Office 365 is not compatible with the CA3 software.

If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Online Education Team at

[email protected] before booking your exam.

How to book for the CA3 examination

The most convenient and efficient method of booking a CA3 examination is via the membership area of our website. If for any reason you are unable to do this the Education Services Team will be able to assist you.

The exam registration form to be sent to Education Services Team

[email protected] can be found at:

http://www.actuaries.org.uk/studying/plan-my-study-route/fellowshipassociateship/core- applications-subjects/ca3-communications

You will receive an automated email from the Education Services Team once your booking has been confirmed.       Access Arrangements

If you require access arrangements for CA3 you should apply at the time of booking. Arrangements will be provided in accordance with our policies and guidelines.

Further information on these can be found at:

    http://www.actuaries.org.uk/documents/exam-regulations-fellowship-and-associateship   and     http://www.actuaries.org.uk/documents/application-form-access-arrangements-practical- exams-uk-practice-modules-and-professional

Requirements before you sit the examination

Before you sit your exam you are required to complete a series of tasks specifically designed to help us determine that your equipment is functioning and to make sure that your exam runs as smoothly as possible. As well as working through the pre-exam material, you will need to complete the following 3 steps as you work through the CA3 course, prior to the actual two day exam;

1. Download the CA3 application – approximately four weeks before the exam session, you will receive an e-mail with the login password and link for the CA3 application. This will be sent to the e-mail address we hold on your records.

2. Complete a professional biography – you must complete a professional biography and upload a photo of yourself on the CA3 application introducing yourself to the other students.

                                                                    7

3. Complete a test presentation - This test presentation is intended to help ensure that you have everything in place ready for your exam days.

Please use the ‘Self Evaluation’ module to complete a test presentation between 7-10 minutes long. The deadline to complete this is 1 week after you have received your log in e- mail instructions. This will test your IT equipment is functioning correctly and allows the opportunity to correct any issues if necessary.

This is a mandatory task for all CA3 candidates, including those who have sat the exam previously.

This test presentation will be your opportunity to test the visual and sound quality of your presentation in time for your CA3 exam. During the 4 weeks before your exam, you will be able to practice your presenting skills, with guidance from the facilitators in videos and written information.

There is online technical support available throughout the pre-exam period as well as during the exam days. There is administrative support from the Online Education Team and any administrative queries should be emailed to [email protected]. Before the exam day, you will have the opportunity to practice your presentation skills as many times as you like through the Equipment Check section of the CA3 Application. In this section you are able to record, view and re-record your presentations.

Please note that failure to complete a test presentation of suitable quality and length within the specified time will result in your removal from the exam. The fee paid will not be refunded and you will need to rebook another exam date.

You will be able to work through the modules and information as you study for your CA3 examination. Please be reminded that professional conduct is expected throughout the examination process from receipt of joining instructions to completion of your exam presentation.

What the CA3 Application Contains

Pre-exam Workbook

 This section contains a downloadable pre-exam workbook, consisting of exercises for you to complete. This is for self-study only and does not need to be submitted.

Equipment Check

 This section allows you to check your equipment and practice your presentations. This section is for self-use only and anything that you record in this section will only be available for you to review. Please note that while there is a playback function this section does not store your recordings.

Modules 1-7

 These sections contain pre-exam modules for you to work through. Individual sections contain the following:

o An explanatory video o A self-study exercise

o Sample answers to the exercise

o Sample student submissions

o Sample assessor comments

Self-Evaluation

 This is the section in which you will complete your initial test presentation.  

Exam Paper – Written

 In this section you will find the following: o Your written exam paper

o CT1-8 and CA1 core reading

o Formulae and Tables

 You will also upload your exam submission in this area  

Exam Paper – Presentation

 This section contains your slide preparation exam paper on the first day of your exam.  In this section you will find the following:

o Your written exam paper

o CT1-8 and CA1 core reading

o Formulae and Tables

 You will also upload your exam submission in this area  

Exam Presentation – Presentation

 This section allows you to record and upload your exam presentation on day two of the exam. The slides that you uploaded the previous day will be visible to you on the right-hand side of the screen.

Messaging Centre

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 You will also receive information regarding the exam through this area in the weeks leading up to your exam date.

 You will receive confirmation of your exam submission through this area.  

Help Documents

 In this section you will find the following helpful documents:

o Exam Calendar

o FAQs

o Information and User Guide

o Technical Requirements

o Troubleshooting Guide

Sitting CA3

Professional conduct during the examination

It is very important that you note the following:

 The exam regulations apply when you are taking this exam. These can be found at:

http://www.actuaries.org.uk/documents/exam-regulations-fellowship-and- associateship

 Inappropriate behaviour during the CA3 examination may lead to expulsion from the exam and disciplinary consequences.

 You must not discuss the examination assignments or disclose the contents to anyone. By submitting your work you are confirming that the work is wholly your own and that it is to be taken into account for assessment.

CA3 follows the same format whether you are retaking or sitting for the first time.  

Please note that you cannot use animations in your slides. You are also not permitted to use any pre- existing slide templates other than those provided on PowerPoint.

All submissions should be uploaded in .docx (Word) and ,pptx (Powerpoint) formats.

All exam timings for the CA3 examination are UK time and it is your responsibility to check your local time difference.

Only your first exam submission will be accepted. Any exam submissions that are found to be modified or submitted after the exam deadline will not be accepted. For example you must finish the recording and commence the upload of your exam presentation no later than 14.00 hours UK time on day two of the exam.

You are responsible for reporting any technical issues to The Online Education Team as soon as they arise. The team are here to help if you have any issues.

You will need to remain on the CA3 Application until you have received confirmation from the Online Education Team that your exam submission has been received. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have managed your work commitments and prioritised your examination.

What to expect on the exam days

 At 10.00 (UK time) you will be able to download the examination paper. You must upload your submission by 11.45 (UK time);

Once all written papers have been received by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, you will receive confirmation through the Message Centre of the CA3 Application.

 At 14.00 (UK time) you will start preparing your slides ready for your presentation on Day 2. You will complete this and upload by 16.00 (UK time);

Once all slides have been received by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, you will receive confirmation through the Message Centre of the CA3 Application.

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Day 2

 On Day 2 you will be able to record your presentation with the slides you have prepared on Day 1. These will be visible between 10.00 - 14.00 (UK time), which is the exam sitting time.

Once your presentation has been uploaded, it will be reviewed by a member of the Online Education Team. This is to ensure that there are no technical issues with your presentation.

If there are no technical issues with your presentation, you will receive confirmation that your submission has been accepted through the Message Centre of the CA3 Application.

In the unlikely event that there are technical issues with your presentation, you will receive an email from the Online Education Team and our dedicated IT Support team. This email will be sent to the email address we have on record for you, so please ensure that your details are correct and that you have access to this email account on your exam days.

It is important that you remain logged into the CA3 Application until you have received confirmation from the Online Education Team that your submissions have been successful. This can take a while, so we request that you please avoid contacting the team immediately after completing your exam and ensure that you are able to be contacted until you receive your confirmation. If you have not received confirmation within 1 hour of completing your exam please contact the Online Education Team.

Downloading the CA3 Application

These guidelines will help you if you have any difficulties when you download the CA3 Application. If you have any further issues, please feel free to contact the Online Education Team at

[email protected]

Pre-requisite software

Further to the minimum specification requirements you will need the following pre-requisite software installed on the machine that you are planning to use.

The download installer had been designed to automatically update the software if needed.

the case and you cannot install the Application, please download and install the following:  

 Windows Installer 3.1

 Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 –

o http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17851

 Microsoft .NET Framework Client Profile –

o http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=14037

 SQL Server Compact 4.0 SP1

o http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=30709  2007 Microsoft Office Primary Interop Assemblies –

o http://microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=18346

 2010 Microsoft Office Primary Interop Assemblies

o https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=3508

 For Office 2013, open Control Panel, the Programs & Features, locate Microsoft Office 2013 on the list and click 'Change'. Then check the features and ensure that the .NET Programmability Support feature is selected for the applications you want to extend (this feature is included in the default installation).

It is possible that your computer will already have some of these installed already. If this is the case, the installers will alert you of this and you should reinstall the software if given the option.

Administrator permissions may be required to install this pre-requisite software.  

Anti-Virus (threats found)

Some Anti-Virus software may block the CA3 Application installer from being downloaded, for example displaying an error called a ‘WS.Reputation.1 threat’

If Anti-Virus software is stopping the installation process, you will need to put an exception into your Anti-Virus software or disable it during the install process. Please consult your Anti-Virus document on how to do this if necessary.

Firewalls & web proxies (connection problems)

If the internet connection to your computer has a firewall, it’s possible that it might block the CA3 Application. If this is the case, the Application requires a connection to the internet at all times and needs to make connections to the following:

 www.onlinepracticalexams.org.uk (IP: 88.208.193.209)  services.onlinepracticalexams.org.uk (IP: 88.208.193.209)

 ca3.onlinepracticalexams.org.uk (IP:

88.208.193.209) All of the above are on Port 443 and 80. Flash player and Windows Media Player

CA3 Online uses both Adobe Flash Player and Windows Media Player to display some of it’s content. If the videos you are trying to access will not play, please download and install the following:

 Adobe Flash Player - http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

 Windows Media Player - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/download-

windows-media-player - you may need to reselect your country

Administrator permissions may be required to install this software.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I sit the CA3 exam using a Mac?

No, the CA3 Application does not currently support the Mac operating system. This is however something that we are looking into for future development.

I have Office 2010 or later, not 2007, what format should I save my documents in?

You will need to save your files with the following extensions:    PowerPoint – .pptx  Word – .docx    

Is the test presentation compulsory?

Yes. Your test presentation allows us to assess that you are able to download files from and upload documents to the CA3 Application. Your test presentation also allows our IT Support to work out any technical issues you may have and prevent them from happening on the exam day.

Failure to complete a test presentation within the specified time will result in your removal from the exam. The fee paid will not be refunded and you will need to rebook another exam date.

What if I am too ill to sit the exam?

If you are ill and cannot sit the exam, you should inform us immediately. You can either email us at

[email protected] or call us on +44 (0)1865 268255. A cancellation fee may be

applicable, unless you provide supporting medical documentation. For further information on the exam policies can be found here: http://www.actuaries.org.uk/documents/exam-regulations- fellowship-and-associateship

What if I want to withdraw from the exam on the exam day?

If you feel the need to withdraw during one of the exam days, please notify the Online Education Team immediately. You can either email us at [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)1865 268255. If you have accessed the exam paper, you will not be able to sit another CA3 exam for 12 weeks. No refund will be given for reasons other than those set out in the exam policies, which be found here: http://www.actuaries.org.uk/documents/exam-regulations-fellowship-and- associateship

I am worried that I might have technical problems on the day. What support is there available?

If you have any technical issues, please contact [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)1865 268255. We have a dedicated support team available who will work with you to resolve any issues.

Is the exam local time or UK time?

All parts of the exam are UK time. To work out the difference between your local time and UK time, you can visit www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.

Will we be asked questions by examiners after the presentation?

No, you will not be asked questions by examiners after the presentation.

Is it possible to print to the exam question papers?

Yes, you may print the exam question papers, but these must be destroyed after you have completed the exam.

Failure to comply with the above would infringe the Examination Regulations and could result in disciplinary consequences

Is there reading time allocated in the written exam?

Yes, 15 minutes are included in the overall time for the exam, therefore, you will need to manage your time appropriately yourself.

Is there a word count for the written exam?

Yes. The word count will be specified on the exam question paper.

        Contact    

Administrative queries regarding sitting CA3

Email – [email protected] Phone – +44 (0)1865 268 255