New Academy Membership Requirements—What to Expect
Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, the American Academy of Actuaries will introduce new membership requirements aimed at reinforcing the high standards and credibility of the U.S. actuarial profession. These changes reflect the Academy’s ongoing commitment to professionalism and its effort to ensure members possess the necessary competencies to serve the public and principals effectively.
The Key Changes: Education and Experience
The updated requirements can be divided into two core components: education and experience. Education Requirements: To qualify for membership, candidates must meet the standards outlined in the Academy’s Competency Framework. This framework confirms that applicants possess baseline knowledge in key actuarial competencies, U.S. laws and practices, and professionalism. Additionally, candidates must have earned a credential from an actuarial organization recognized by the Academy, demonstrating their commitment to professional actuarial education. Experience Requirements: The Academy will require candidates to have three years of responsible actuarial experience, with at least one of those years including U.S.-based experience. Responsible actuarial experience is defined as work that demands knowledge and skill in solving actuarial problems. This requirement means that new members not only understand the theoretical aspects of actuarial work but also have hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.
Why the Changes?
The Academy’s decision to update its membership requirements stems from a broader effort to make sure that the MAAA designation continues to reflect the level of expertise, professionalism, and practical experience that members and stakeholders have come to expect. The MAAA designation, used in well over 1,400 federal and state regulations, represents the highest level of professionalism in the U.S. actuarial community.
The introduction of the Competency Framework plays a central role in this update. This framework aligns the Academy’s membership requirements with current U.S. practices and the broader competency demands placed on actuaries today. By doing so, the Academy aims to maintain the integrity and responsiveness of the actuarial profession to public needs.
A Focus on Practical Experience
One of the most significant changes is the addition of the experience requirement. While the Academy has always emphasized education and ethical practice, the new standards recognize the importance of applying this knowledge in real-world settings. The requirement for U.S.-based experience is particularly important, ensuring that actuaries practicing in the U.S. are familiar with local laws, regulations, market conditions, and professional expectations. Internships that provide responsible actuarial experience can also count toward this requirement, as long as they meet the Academy’s criteria. This addition strengthens the MAAA designation by ensuring that members have the practical skills and knowledge to complement their academic qualifications.
Applying Under the New Requirements
All new applicants to become Academy members and actuaries looking to reinstate their Academy membership after Jan. 1, 2026, whether domestic or international, must meet these standards. This approach warrants that any actuary practicing in the U.S. has the requisite skills and knowledge to serve both principals and the public effectively. To apply, candidates must attest to their compliance with the Competency Framework and submit detailed information regarding their experience and actuarial credentials. In addition to fulfilling the initial requirements, members must adhere to the Academy’s bylaws, the Code of Professional Conduct, the U.S. Qualification Standards, and actuarial standards of practice as promulgated by the Actuarial Standards Board. Please note that these new requirements will NOT affect current Academy members. However, we strongly encourage all members and their employers—not just candidates—to review and provide feedback on the Competency Framework and the new membership requirements. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future direction of the Academy and ensuring that the new standards meet the current and evolving needs of the profession.
Moving Forward
These changes reflect the Academy’s role as the voice and membership organization solely focused on supporting actuaries practicing in the U.S. and its dedication to maintaining the highest standards for U.S. actuaries.
With these new requirements, Academy membership will continue to represent the expertise and professionalism expected by our stakeholders in our ever-changing environment.
