LTAM is known as one of the more rigorous actuarial exams because it combines theoretical concepts with practical applications across multiple topic areas—including survival analysis, life tables, annuities, insurance products, and pension calculations. The exam requires both conceptual understanding and computational speed, making it essential to develop a study strategy that covers all sections systematically. Many candidates underestimate the breadth of material and struggle with time management during the exam.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows you to work through complex actuarial concepts at your own pace, identify knowledge gaps before test day, and develop problem-solving strategies tailored to your learning style. A tutor can help you master challenging topics like survival models and pension mathematics, practice exam-style questions under timed conditions, and build confidence in areas where you struggle. This focused approach is especially valuable for LTAM, where conceptual clarity directly impacts your ability to solve multi-step problems quickly.

Most actuarial candidates dedicate 150–300 hours to LTAM preparation, depending on their background and familiarity with the material. Starting tutoring 3–4 months before your exam date gives you time to work through foundational concepts, build problem-solving skills, and complete full-length practice exams. If you're struggling with specific topics or want to accelerate your preparation, starting earlier or increasing tutoring frequency can help you reach your target score more efficiently.

Practice exams simulate the real testing environment, helping you develop pacing strategies, identify weak content areas, and build test-day confidence. LTAM's time pressure—you must solve complex calculations within strict time limits—makes practice under timed conditions essential. Working through practice problems with a tutor allows you to review mistakes immediately, understand where your reasoning broke down, and refine your approach before test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have deep expertise in actuarial mathematics and the LTAM exam specifically. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your current knowledge level, target score, and study timeline so they can create a personalized study plan. Look for tutors with actuarial credentials (ASA, FSA, or equivalent), proven success helping candidates pass LTAM, and experience teaching the specific topics you find most challenging.

Many candidates struggle with survival models and life table calculations, complex annuity formulas, and pension plan mathematics—especially when these concepts are combined in multi-part problems. Others find the transition from theoretical concepts to applied problem-solving difficult, or lose points due to calculation errors under time pressure. Identifying your specific weak areas early through diagnostic practice tests allows you to focus your tutoring sessions where they'll have the biggest impact on your score.

Your first session is typically an assessment and planning meeting. Your tutor will ask about your actuarial background, review your performance on diagnostic practice problems, and understand your target score and exam date. Together, you'll identify your strongest and weakest content areas, discuss your learning style, and create a customized study roadmap that prioritizes topics based on exam weight and your current proficiency. This foundation ensures your tutoring sessions are focused and efficient from day one.