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Free CEKey Facts: IFoA CS1 Exam
2 papers
Paper A and Paper B
IFoA CS1 page
3h 20m
Paper A Time
IFoA CS1 page
1h 50m
Paper B Time
IFoA CS1 page
30%
Regression and GLMs Weight
IFoA CS1 syllabus
200 hrs
Recommended Study
IFoA CS1 page
70/30
Paper A vs B Weight
IFoA CS1 page
IFoA Subject CS1 Actuarial Statistics is examined through two computer-based papers sat together: Paper A (3 hours 20 minutes) tests theory in Word, and Paper B (1 hour 50 minutes) tests data analysis in Word and R, with Paper A weighted 70% and Paper B 30%. The 2026 syllabus weights Regression Theory and Applications (including GLMs) most heavily at 30%, followed by Statistical Inference at 25% and Random Variables and Distributions at 20%, with Bayesian Statistics at 15% and Data Analysis at 10%. The pass mark is set by the IFoA Board of Examiners each session rather than published as a fixed percentage. These 100 MCQs are knowledge-prep over the same body of statistics.
Sample IFoA CS1 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the IFoA CS1 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A random variable X follows a Poisson distribution with mean 4. What is the variance of X?
2The moment generating function (MGF) of a random variable X is M(t) = exp(2t + 3t^2). What are the mean and variance of X?
3Which discrete distribution models the number of failures before the first success in a sequence of independent Bernoulli trials?
4If X follows an exponential distribution with rate parameter lambda = 0.5, what is P(X > 4)?
5The gamma distribution with shape parameter alpha and rate parameter beta has mean alpha/beta. What is its variance?
6A continuous random variable X has probability density function f(x) = 3x^2 for 0 <= x <= 1. What is E(X)?
7If X follows a lognormal distribution such that ln(X) ~ N(mu, sigma^2), which statement is true?
8For a binomial distribution with n = 20 and p = 0.3, what is the variance?
9The coefficient of skewness of a symmetric distribution such as the normal distribution is equal to what value?
10If X and Y are independent random variables with Var(X) = 4 and Var(Y) = 9, what is Var(X - Y)?
About the IFoA CS1 Exam
IFoA Subject CS1 Actuarial Statistics is a Core Principles actuarial exam covering probability distributions, data analysis, statistical inference, regression and generalised linear models, and Bayesian statistics and credibility theory, with applied data work in R.
Exam sponsor: Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Paper A theory exam in Word plus Paper B data analysis in Word and R, taken in the same sitting
Time Limit
Paper A: 3 hours 20 minutes; Paper B: 1 hour 50 minutes
Passing Score
Pass mark is set by the IFoA Board of Examiners each session and is not published as a fixed percentage
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Random Variables and Distributions
Work with discrete and continuous distributions, expectations, variances, moment and probability generating functions, conditional and compound distributions, sums of random variables, and the central limit theorem.
Data Analysis
Summarise data using measures of location and dispersion, build histograms and boxplots, interpret skewness and outliers, and use exploratory graphics including Q-Q plots in R.
Statistical Inference
Estimate parameters by maximum likelihood and the method of moments, assess estimator properties, build confidence intervals, and carry out hypothesis tests including chi-square and likelihood ratio tests.
Regression Theory and Applications
Fit simple and multiple linear regression, interpret correlation and copulas, and apply generalised linear models with appropriate link functions, deviance and model selection criteria.
Bayesian Statistics and Credibility
Apply Bayes theorem, conjugate priors, loss functions and posterior summaries, and use credibility theory including Buhlmann, Buhlmann-Straub and empirical Bayes methods.
Preparing for the IFoA CS1 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Pass mark is set by the IFoA Board of Examiners each session and is not published as a fixed percentage
- Assessment: Paper A theory exam in Word plus Paper B data analysis in Word and R, taken in the same sitting
- Time limit: Paper A: 3 hours 20 minutes; Paper B: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: Approximately GBP 290 student fee per session Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
IFoA CS1: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the IFoA CS1 exam structured?
CS1 is assessed by two computer-based papers taken in the same sitting. Paper A is a theory paper completed in Word lasting 3 hours 20 minutes, and Paper B is a data analysis paper completed in Word and R lasting 1 hour 50 minutes.
How long is the IFoA CS1 exam?
Paper A lasts 3 hours 20 minutes and Paper B lasts 1 hour 50 minutes, and both must be sat in the same exam session. Paper A is weighted at 70% and Paper B at 30% of the overall mark.
What is the passing score for IFoA CS1?
The pass mark is set by the IFoA Board of Examiners for each session and is not published as a single fixed percentage. It is typically in the region of 55 to 60% of the available marks.
Which topics carry the most weight in CS1?
Regression Theory and Applications, which includes generalised linear models, is the largest area at about 30%. Statistical Inference is around 25% and Random Variables and Distributions about 20%, with Bayesian Statistics 15% and Data Analysis 10%.
Do I need to know R for CS1?
Yes. Paper B is a practical, software-based assessment that tests your ability to apply the statistical methods from Paper A using R programming, so working R skills are essential for that paper.
How much study time does CS1 require?
The IFoA recommends around 200 hours of study for CS1. Most candidates spread this over several months alongside work, balancing theory practice for Paper A with data analysis practice for Paper B.