Difference between revisions of "Exam 6-Canada Intro"

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==How Exam 6 is Different==
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==Introduction 6C==
  
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Many of you have already taken Exam 5 so you're familiar with an upper level exam, but Exam 6 is different:
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Exam 6 consists of over 60 different and mostly unrelated articles. This makes studying challenging as it takes awhile to figure out a logical way to tackle all that material. Luckily, we have done that for you. See our suggestions below on how to organize and create a study pathway for Exam 6.
  
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* As with Exam 5, it's an essay-style exam (versus multiple choice)
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Another note is that the syllabus changes quite often for Exam 6. * <span style="color: red;">'''If you have taken Exam 6 before'''</span>, make sure you look at the [[Returning Users 6C | Syllabus Changes]]. We’ve highlighted all the changes you need to know.
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* Unlike Exam 5, the emphasis is on memorization vs calculation
 
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* People generally find that Exam 6 takes about 15% more study time than Exam 5
 
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* You have to have a well-rehearsed, time management strategy for the day of the exam
 
  
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==The BattleActs Philosophy==
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==How is Exam 6C Different==
  
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Our recommended approach to studying for Exam 6 differs from what you might expect. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
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Many of you have already taken Exam 5 so you're familiar with an upper-level exam. Exam 6 is a little different:
  
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# There's no way you can memorize the vast amount of material ''(roughly 2,500 pages)''
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* As with Exam 5, it's a '''short answer-style exam''' (versus multiple choice).
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# We analyzed prior exams and have identified many topics and specific questions that are repeated from year to year. This material is your fundamental <u>base</u>. We’ve highlighted it for you and you need to know it REALLY, REALLY well.
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* Exam 6 is all about '''memorization''' vs calculation.
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# Once you feel confident with this fundamental base, you can move on to less frequently tested material ''(time permitting.)''
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* Exam 6 takes about '''15% more study time''' than Exam 5.
 +
* Exam 6 covers '''a lot of material'''. BattleActs condenses the material for you to a realistic amount.
 +
* Unlike Exam 5, you don't have to read the '''articles''' in any particular order.
 +
* The material is '''very broad''' and the subjects don't fit together particularly well, especially in the regulation sections. We point out relationships between readings where possible.
 +
*      The '''syllabus changes often''' across sittings which adds extra prep time if you are taking the exam again. Save valuable time by reading the ''[[Returning Users 6C| Syllabus Changes]]'' article. This feature means you don't need to spend valuable study time hunting through articles trying to figure out what has changed.
  
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This is all just common sense.
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==Studying for Exam 6==
  
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
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Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time in the end.
 +
* '''Organize the readings'''. Use the Ranking Table to organize the readings by how frequently they are tested. Unlike Exam 5, you don't have to read the articles in any particular order.  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9jQDCnq2pQ Click here for more tips on how to use the ranking table.]
 +
* '''Set up a study schedule'''. Look at a calendar to see how much time you have until exam day. Use our recommendations on how much time to spend on each article to draw up a study schedule. Leave the last few weeks for review and practice exams.
 +
* '''Not all topics are tested equally''', so they don’t deserve equal amounts of your attention. Allocate your time according to the weightings indicated in the Ranking Table. In other words, spend more time on the readings that the content outline weights more heavily. These weights are indicated in the Ranking Table.
 +
* '''Start studying'''. We recommend you do a quick read through of the wiki article, then scan the source article and go back again to the wiki article for in-depth studying. Some people choose to skip reading the source material.
 +
* '''Memorize and practice the fundamentals'''.  Once you have mastered this material, move on to what is less frequently tested.
 +
* '''Test your retention'''. Remember to practice by writing or typing out the answers and use active studying by explaining the concepts in your own words. Use our BRQ score to provide you with an objective measure of how well you know the material.
 +
* '''Stay motivated'''. Use the Leaderboard to see how you're progressing versus everyone else. (You can appear anonymously if you wish.)
  
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You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
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==Measure Your Exam Readiness==
 +
*      '''Quizzes'''  You’ll find our interactive quizzes within each article. Score checkmark if you got the answer right or X if it was wrong. Check out the short video for more tips. https://www.battleactsmain.ca/video/BA_Promo_3_Battle_Cards.mp4
 +
*        '''BRQ - (Battle Readiness Quotient)''' Keep track of your exam readiness!!  Your BRQ score goes up when you get an answer right.  Find your score on the top right of the home page by your username.
 +
*        '''Quiz Filters'''  Use the filters to customize your study experience. Check out our how to video. https://www.battleactsmain.ca/video/BA_Promo_6_Quiz_Filter.mp4
  
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# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
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==Tips for a short answer exam==
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#: <span style="border: solid: 2px;" '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.</span>
 
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# sdfds
 
  
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
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* You need to be able to recall information vs recognition. It takes longer to memorize for recall than it does for recognition. Your retention is improved by writing or typing out the answers. Another tip is to use active studying by explaining the concepts in your own words.
 +
* You can get partial credit for any given problem.
 +
* There is an emphasis placed on "showing your work".
 +
* Exam graders focus on (1) do you understand the process? and (2) do you communicate it effectively so someone else can follow what you did?
 +
* Many problems have steps that require judgment and there can be a range of acceptable answers, or even the question may be unclear. If you are not sure, then state your assumption or how you are interpreting the question.
 +
* In a long multi-step problem, it’s sometimes difficult to get all the way to the end without making a small mistake. Don’t stress over this. If your method is correct, you’ll get most of the points for the problem.
 +
* Look at the point value of the question to determine how long your answer should be. You should roughly have one bullet point or one significant answer for each quarter of a point.
 +
* Use commonly used abbreviations to save time on exam day.
 +
* Answer questions efficiently on exam day. You’ll see tips in our wiki articles to help you with this.
 +
* You have to have a well-rehearsed, time management strategy exam day. See the ''[[On BattleDay]]'' article for more on this.
  
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You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
+
==Last 3 Weeks Before Exam==
  
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# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
+
Use this time to review and do at least one practice exam.
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#: '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
+
* Read the ''[[On BattleDay]]'' article.
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# sdfds
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* Use the Battlecard filtering function page ''[https://battleactsmain.ca/BB_byReading.php BattleCard Filter]'' to filter and display questions you need to practice more. The color-coding of BattleCards is a popular feature!
 +
* Do at least one '''practice exam'''.  You can find the practice exams here. ''[[Excel_Practice_Problems]]''  We kept the last available exam (Fall 2019) as a hold-out sample from the BattleCard database, so you can use this exam as well as BA original practice exams.
  
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
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==Common Reasons for Not Passing==
  
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You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
  
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# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
+
'''Memorization'''
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:# '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
# sdfds
 
  
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
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* This is the number one reason people fail Exam 6.
 +
* If you have to memorize 10 facts, you can probably do it in 10 minutes. But if you have to memorize 20 facts, it will take more than twice as long. Now extrapolate that to Exam 6 where you have to memorize something like 1500 facts. To learn these facts reliably, you need to go over each one dozens of times, and you have to do it carefully. There's a difference between merely recognizing a question and truly thinking through the answer. After writing out 10 or 20 BattleCard answers in full, you can switch to saying the answer out loud, or train yourself to recite it mentally.
 +
* Use the Shuffle button on the BattleCard page. Once you've done a set of BattleCards several times, do them in a different order every so often.
  
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You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
+
'''Time Management'''
  
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# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
+
Running out of time is a heart-breaking way to fail an exam. If you're well-prepared, then time management will be a smaller issue because you'll know how to answer most (or all) of the questions. You have to make sure you finish, even if that means writing less than you want to for a particular question. Make sure you don't miss a question you know how to do.
  
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#: {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
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'''Bloom's Taxonomy'''
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#:|-
 
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#:| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them #:thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
#:|}
 
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# sdfds
 
  
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
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This is something that's hard to teach because being good at answering these types of questions improves mainly through experience. Bloom's Taxonomy questions are based on facts, but facts alone aren't enough to give a complete answer. The best advice here is to study the answers in the examiner's reports, and just try to absorb how these problems are done.
  
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You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
+
'''Calculations'''
  
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# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
+
This is already an area of strength for actuaries, however, you need to be able to do the calculational problems quickly during the exam. Make sure to practice practice, practice using our web-based problems and practice problems in excel. Focus on doing each problem many times over the course of your study.
  
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:# {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
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==Points to Keep in Mind for the Computer Based Testing Environment==
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:#|-
 
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:#| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them :#thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
:#|}
 
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# sdfds
 
  
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
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* In the Pearson platform, you won't be able to write out formulas in the same way as with paper and pencil. It has to be clear what steps you follow so the grader will know you understand the method, even if you don't do the whole problem correctly. For a more complicated calculation, try to avoid putting the whole calculation in one cell. If possible, break the calculation up into two or three cells so the graders can clearly see your steps. You want to label your calculations so the grader understands what you are doing. Remember, the graders will see the formulas you put into the cell.
 +
* You don't need to spend time on formatting such as underlining or bolding. Exception: It can help the grader if you highlight your final answer to each sub-part of a question when there's a lot of work on a page.
 +
* Something that hasn't changed for the CBT format is the need to justify any judgmental selections. Common examples are LDF and trend selections. All you need is a phrase in the cell next to your selection such as, "based on an upward trend" or "based on seasonality". It can be short but you have to at least mention the key point you used in making your decision.
 +
* On past exams, it was sometimes required to draw diagrams or graphs as part of your answer, or to provide mathematical derivations of formulas. This cannot be done in the Pearson platform. Note however that drawing a diagram on your scrap paper may assist you in solving a problem even if the diagram cannot be included as part of your answer.
  
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You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
+
Now you are ready! Go to the''[[BattleBriefings | Ranking Table]]'' and start reading / studying / calculating!
  
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# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
+
==Disclaimer==
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##
 
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{| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
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|-
 
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| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
# sdfds
 
−
 
 
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==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
##
 
−
{| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
# sdfds
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
## {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
# sdfds
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
#: {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
# sdfds
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
:: {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
# sdfds
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
:# {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
# sdfds
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
 
 
−
:: {| class='wikitable' style="width: 500px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
 
 
−
:: {| class='wikitable' style="width: 100px;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
 
 
−
:: {| class='wikitable'
 
−
|- style="width: 500px;"
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
 
 
−
:: {| class='wikitable'
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
 
 
−
:: |{ class='wikitable'
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''TIP''': The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''. Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
# Where do you start? '''Understand our ranking table'''. This table ranks readings based ''(primarily)'' on points-per-reading across recent exams. You should study the readings in rank order, and allocate time and effort accordingly. ''(More for high-ranked readings; less for low-ranked readings)''
 
−
 
 
−
#: TIP: The top 24 readings on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about 80% of the points on the exam.  Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. (Learn them thoroughly). Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
−
==Getting the Most of out BattleActs==
 
−
 
 
−
You may want to jump right in and start studying. '''Tip''': Don’t do this. Take a little extra time up front to organize and you will save yourself a lot of time.
 
−
 
 
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==The BIG Picture==
 
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It’s tempting jump in and immediately start studying but if you take a little extra time up front to read our introductory articles, you'll save yourself time and headaches. ''(And also $$$ for those bottles of aspirin you won't have to buy!)''. The wiki article [[BattleActs Analytics]] highlighted a few characteristics of successful candidates. Here a couple of other ''big picture'' items to also keep in mind:
 
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* '''Accept that you cannot learn everything.''' There are 2,500 pages of material on the syllabus and nobody can learn all that. But our '''Study Hacks''' ''(see below)'' will guide you to <u>efficient</u> study using a sensible study <u>plan</u> and study <u>schedule</u>.
 
−
* '''Manage your time on exam day:''' This is NOT a little thing. We have awesome '''Exam Hacks''' that will get you over the hump! ''(See also [[Nearing BattleDay]] and [[On BattleDay]].)''
 
−
 
 
−
Note that the BattleActs system <u>ranks the readings from 1 to n</u> ''(where n = current number of readings on syllabus)'' based on points-per-exam for each reading across recent exams. That way, if you run out of time by exam day, you'll at least have covered the most important stuff. This ranking is the most significant factor in organizing your study. Check the [[BattleBriefings]] wiki page for the precise ordering.
 
−
 
 
−
And don't forget to check out [[BattleActs Analytics]], which summarizes what we've learned from observing user behavior on the website.
 
−
 
 
−
==The BIG Picture==
 
−
 
 
−
It’s tempting jump in and immediately start studying but if you take a little extra time up front to read our introductory articles, you'll save yourself time and headaches. ''(And also $$$ for those bottles of aspirin you won't have to buy!)''. The wiki article [[BattleActs Analytics]] highlighted a few characteristics of successful candidates. Here a couple of other ''big picture'' items to also keep in mind:
 
−
 
 
−
* '''Accept that you cannot learn everything.''' There are 2,500 pages of material on the syllabus and nobody can learn all that. But our '''Study Hacks''' ''(see below)'' will guide you to <u>efficient</u> study using a sensible study <u>plan</u> and study <u>schedule</u>.
 
−
* '''Manage your time on exam day:''' This is NOT a little thing. We have awesome '''Exam Hacks''' that will get you over the hump! ''(See also [[Nearing BattleDay]] and [[On BattleDay]].)''
 
−
 
 
−
Note that the BattleActs system <u>ranks the readings from 1 to n</u> ''(where n = current number of readings on syllabus)'' based on points-per-exam for each reading across recent exams. That way, if you run out of time by exam day, you'll at least have covered the most important stuff. This ranking is the most significant factor in organizing your study. Check the [[BattleBriefings]] wiki page for the precise ordering.
 
−
 
 
−
And don't forget to check out [[BattleActs Analytics]], which summarizes what we've learned from observing user behavior on the website.
 
−
 
 
−
==Study Hacks!==
 
−
 
 
−
'''Observation 1''' ''(important papers)''
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
| The '''top 24 readings''' on the syllabus (out of 60+) account for about '''80%''' of the points on the exam. ''(This is based on points-per-exam over recent exams.)''
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable" style="background-color: lightgreen;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Study Hack 1''': <br> <ul><li>Spend 80% of your time on these top 24 readings. ''(Learn them thoroughly)''</li>
 
−
      <li>Spend 20% of your time on the remaining readings.</li>
 
−
  </ul>
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
<span style="color: red;">There are no new readings for Spring.2019. ''(Some readings have had minor modifications.)'' New readings are generally introduced in the Fall.</span> This is the '''single-most''' important observation in guiding your studying: ''Study the exam topics <u>in order of importance</u>''. Now, spending 20% of your time on 40-plus papers may not seem like enough, but using the wiki articles, you can learn the relevant material on each of these low-ranked papers often in just an hour or two. Then use the BattleQuizzes to review as necessary. Check the [[BattleBriefings]] wiki page for the precise ordering.
 
−
 
 
−
Note that your BRQ gradually ''decreases over time'' to reflect the fading of memory. So, when you see your score for a particular paper going down, that's your signal to review it.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Observation 2''' ''(new papers)''
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
| The CAS has '''added 4 papers''' to the syllabus for <span style="color: red;">'''Fall.2018'''</span>. Where do these new papers fall in the rankings?
 
−
|}
 
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−
Since these new papers have not appeared on prior exams, they would be be ranked at the bottom by points-per-exam over recent exams. That may not reflect their true importance, and it is a judgment call on how much time to spend on them.
 
−
 
 
−
New readings for <span style="color: red;">'''Fall.2018'''</span> and their tentative rank:
 
−
 
 
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: [49] &nbsp;&nbsp;[[CIA.Models]]
 
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: [50] &nbsp;&nbsp;[[ICBC.Affordable]]
 
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: [51] &nbsp;&nbsp;[[IFA.Solvency2]]
 
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: [52] &nbsp;&nbsp;[[Marshall.Benefits]]
 
−
 
 
−
Originally, I thought [[CIA.Models]] was the most important of the four. But the Fall.2018 exam tested the other 3 and didn't cover the modeling paper at all. Does that reflect what the exam committee deems important? Or will the modeling material appear in Spring.2019? There's no way to know. Either way, any questions they do ask likely won't be very hard. Easy points!
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable" style="background-color: lightgreen;"
 
−
|-
 
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| '''Study Hack 2''': Pay attention to new readings even though they currently have a low rank. ''(They can't be properly ranked until they've been on the exam for a few more sittings.)''
 
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|}
 
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−
'''Observation 3''' ''(outdated papers)''
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
| Papers are periodically removed from the syllabus, but the corresponding questions are not removed from the old examiner's reports.
 
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|}
 
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−
If you are studying the material for the first time, you have no way of knowing when a particular question from an old exam is no longer relevant. I often get questions from students about this so we strive to clearly identify such within the BattleActs system.
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable" style="background-color: lightgreen;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Study Hack 3''': Don't won’t waste time studying questions from outdated syllabus readings.
 
−
|}
 
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−
==Most Important Exam Hack!==
 
−
 
 
−
'''Candidate Observation''' ''(time pressure)''
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
| You will be under time pressure to finish the exam.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable" style="background-color: gold;"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Most Important Exam Hack''': You must have a time management plan for exam day. ''(See [[On BattleDay]] for details.)''
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==Bloom's Taxonomy==
 
−
 
 
−
Bloom’s taxonomy is not a new idea. It was created in 1956 by psychologist Dr. Benjamin Bloom to promote higher order learning versus simple memorization.
 
−
* In light of this, the CAS is moving away from exam questions that can be answered with simple memorization. Newer exam questions, while still based on facts, often require further interpretation, and/or synthesis of facts from more than one reading.
 
−
* Such interpretive questions are indeed better questions, but they take longer to answer and open the door to '''multiple interpretations.''' There are instances where a valid answer may be different from the answer in the examiner’s report.
 
−
* Time-permitting, '''dump anything & everything''' you think might be relevant into your answer.
 
−
 
 
−
==Syllabus Organization==
 
−
 
 
−
The CAS website explains what you need to know for this exam in terms of knowledge statements, etc. ''(I don't like being critical, but I personally didn't find that to be very helpful in organizing my studying.)''
 
−
 
 
−
Another way to get your bearings is to notice that there are:
 
−
 
 
−
* 15 CIA readings (Canadian Institute of Actuaries).
 
−
** These cover mainly '''insurance-specific''' accounting topics.
 
−
* 11 OSFI readings (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions).
 
−
** OSFI readings generally apply to '''any financial institution''', but also have insurance-specific topics.
 
−
 
 
−
The remaining readings cover a range of topics including:
 
−
 
 
−
* legal precedents
 
−
* specialized lines of business such as: '''agriculture, earthquakes, floods, terrorism'''
 
−
* rating regulations
 
−
* accounting frameworks
 
−
 
 
−
That's not an exhaustive list, but it's enough to get you started. ''(Check out the tables on the'' [[BattleBriefings]] ''page.)''
 
−
 
 
−
==Note on Formatting==
 
−
 
 
−
I sometimes use parentheses to <u>separate</u> and <u>highlight</u> phrases. If you can break a long sentence into chunks, it will be easier to grasp the meaning, and also to remember it. Here's an '''example''' from [[Dutil.FA]], the paper on Facility Association (FA):
 
−
 
 
−
<span style="color: brown;">'''The #1 fact to memorize about FA is:'''</span>
 
−
 
 
−
:{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''Goal of FA:''' to ensure (auto insurance availability) for (all owners & licensed drivers) unable (to obtain coverage through the voluntary market)
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
The phrases in parentheses are not really parenthetical statements - they are meant to <u>separate</u> and <u>highlight</u>.
 
−
 
 
−
==Note on Retrieving Previous Exam Questions==
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|- style="background-color: lightgreen"
 
−
|Note that many BattleCards (or flash cards) are actually old exam questions. To see the actual '''question and answer''' from the examiner's report, click <span style='font-size: 12px; font-weight: ; background-color: yellow; border: solid; border-width: 1px; border-radius: 5px; padding: 1px 5px 1px 5px; margin: 5px;'>E</span> in the left-hand column when you're viewing a BattleCard page.
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==DISCLAIMER==
 
  
 
The BattleActs study system is designed to help you focus on what we believe to be the most important and most frequently tested topics on the exam. Questions may come up from material not covered in our study system. We suggest that you use your own judgement where to use your time when reading the source material.
 
The BattleActs study system is designed to help you focus on what we believe to be the most important and most frequently tested topics on the exam. Questions may come up from material not covered in our study system. We suggest that you use your own judgement where to use your time when reading the source material.
−
 
−
==Next Steps...==
 
−
 
−
# Make a big pot of coffee. :-)
 
−
# Keep calm and carry on...
 
−
# Back to [https://www.battleactsmain.ca/BattlePlan_BootCamp.php BootCamp]
 

Latest revision as of 21:59, 9 July 2024

Introduction 6C

Exam 6 consists of over 60 different and mostly unrelated articles. This makes studying challenging as it takes awhile to figure out a logical way to tackle all that material. Luckily, we have done that for you. See our suggestions below on how to organize and create a study pathway for Exam 6.

Another note is that the syllabus changes quite often for Exam 6. * If you have taken Exam 6 before, make sure you look at the Syllabus Changes. We’ve highlighted all the changes you need to know.

How is Exam 6C Different

Many of you have already taken Exam 5 so you're familiar with an upper-level exam. Exam 6 is a little different:

  • As with Exam 5, it's a short answer-style exam (versus multiple choice).
  • Exam 6 is all about memorization vs calculation.
  • Exam 6 takes about 15% more study time than Exam 5.
  • Exam 6 covers a lot of material. BattleActs condenses the material for you to a realistic amount.
  • Unlike Exam 5, you don't have to read the articles in any particular order.
  • The material is very broad and the subjects don't fit together particularly well, especially in the regulation sections. We point out relationships between readings where possible.
  • The syllabus changes often across sittings which adds extra prep time if you are taking the exam again. Save valuable time by reading the Syllabus Changes article. This feature means you don't need to spend valuable study time hunting through articles trying to figure out what has changed.

Studying for Exam 6

Take a little extra time up front to get organized and you will save yourself a lot of time in the end.

  • Organize the readings. Use the Ranking Table to organize the readings by how frequently they are tested. Unlike Exam 5, you don't have to read the articles in any particular order. Click here for more tips on how to use the ranking table.
  • Set up a study schedule. Look at a calendar to see how much time you have until exam day. Use our recommendations on how much time to spend on each article to draw up a study schedule. Leave the last few weeks for review and practice exams.
  • Not all topics are tested equally, so they don’t deserve equal amounts of your attention. Allocate your time according to the weightings indicated in the Ranking Table. In other words, spend more time on the readings that the content outline weights more heavily. These weights are indicated in the Ranking Table.
  • Start studying. We recommend you do a quick read through of the wiki article, then scan the source article and go back again to the wiki article for in-depth studying. Some people choose to skip reading the source material.
  • Memorize and practice the fundamentals. Once you have mastered this material, move on to what is less frequently tested.
  • Test your retention. Remember to practice by writing or typing out the answers and use active studying by explaining the concepts in your own words. Use our BRQ score to provide you with an objective measure of how well you know the material.
  • Stay motivated. Use the Leaderboard to see how you're progressing versus everyone else. (You can appear anonymously if you wish.)

Measure Your Exam Readiness

Tips for a short answer exam

  • You need to be able to recall information vs recognition. It takes longer to memorize for recall than it does for recognition. Your retention is improved by writing or typing out the answers. Another tip is to use active studying by explaining the concepts in your own words.
  • You can get partial credit for any given problem.
  • There is an emphasis placed on "showing your work".
  • Exam graders focus on (1) do you understand the process? and (2) do you communicate it effectively so someone else can follow what you did?
  • Many problems have steps that require judgment and there can be a range of acceptable answers, or even the question may be unclear. If you are not sure, then state your assumption or how you are interpreting the question.
  • In a long multi-step problem, it’s sometimes difficult to get all the way to the end without making a small mistake. Don’t stress over this. If your method is correct, you’ll get most of the points for the problem.
  • Look at the point value of the question to determine how long your answer should be. You should roughly have one bullet point or one significant answer for each quarter of a point.
  • Use commonly used abbreviations to save time on exam day.
  • Answer questions efficiently on exam day. You’ll see tips in our wiki articles to help you with this.
  • You have to have a well-rehearsed, time management strategy exam day. See the On BattleDay article for more on this.

Last 3 Weeks Before Exam

Use this time to review and do at least one practice exam.

  • Read the On BattleDay article.
  • Use the Battlecard filtering function page BattleCard Filter to filter and display questions you need to practice more. The color-coding of BattleCards is a popular feature!
  • Do at least one practice exam. You can find the practice exams here. Excel_Practice_Problems We kept the last available exam (Fall 2019) as a hold-out sample from the BattleCard database, so you can use this exam as well as BA original practice exams.

Common Reasons for Not Passing

Memorization

  • This is the number one reason people fail Exam 6.
  • If you have to memorize 10 facts, you can probably do it in 10 minutes. But if you have to memorize 20 facts, it will take more than twice as long. Now extrapolate that to Exam 6 where you have to memorize something like 1500 facts. To learn these facts reliably, you need to go over each one dozens of times, and you have to do it carefully. There's a difference between merely recognizing a question and truly thinking through the answer. After writing out 10 or 20 BattleCard answers in full, you can switch to saying the answer out loud, or train yourself to recite it mentally.
  • Use the Shuffle button on the BattleCard page. Once you've done a set of BattleCards several times, do them in a different order every so often.

Time Management

Running out of time is a heart-breaking way to fail an exam. If you're well-prepared, then time management will be a smaller issue because you'll know how to answer most (or all) of the questions. You have to make sure you finish, even if that means writing less than you want to for a particular question. Make sure you don't miss a question you know how to do.

Bloom's Taxonomy

This is something that's hard to teach because being good at answering these types of questions improves mainly through experience. Bloom's Taxonomy questions are based on facts, but facts alone aren't enough to give a complete answer. The best advice here is to study the answers in the examiner's reports, and just try to absorb how these problems are done.

Calculations

This is already an area of strength for actuaries, however, you need to be able to do the calculational problems quickly during the exam. Make sure to practice practice, practice using our web-based problems and practice problems in excel. Focus on doing each problem many times over the course of your study.

Points to Keep in Mind for the Computer Based Testing Environment

  • In the Pearson platform, you won't be able to write out formulas in the same way as with paper and pencil. It has to be clear what steps you follow so the grader will know you understand the method, even if you don't do the whole problem correctly. For a more complicated calculation, try to avoid putting the whole calculation in one cell. If possible, break the calculation up into two or three cells so the graders can clearly see your steps. You want to label your calculations so the grader understands what you are doing. Remember, the graders will see the formulas you put into the cell.
  • You don't need to spend time on formatting such as underlining or bolding. Exception: It can help the grader if you highlight your final answer to each sub-part of a question when there's a lot of work on a page.
  • Something that hasn't changed for the CBT format is the need to justify any judgmental selections. Common examples are LDF and trend selections. All you need is a phrase in the cell next to your selection such as, "based on an upward trend" or "based on seasonality". It can be short but you have to at least mention the key point you used in making your decision.
  • On past exams, it was sometimes required to draw diagrams or graphs as part of your answer, or to provide mathematical derivations of formulas. This cannot be done in the Pearson platform. Note however that drawing a diagram on your scrap paper may assist you in solving a problem even if the diagram cannot be included as part of your answer.

Now you are ready! Go to the Ranking Table and start reading / studying / calculating!

Disclaimer

The BattleActs study system is designed to help you focus on what we believe to be the most important and most frequently tested topics on the exam. Questions may come up from material not covered in our study system. We suggest that you use your own judgement where to use your time when reading the source material.

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