Most candidates spend 100-150 hours studying for Exam STAM, typically over 3-6 months depending on their mathematical background and how much time they can dedicate weekly. If you're strong in probability and calculus, you may need less time; if those areas are rusty, you'll benefit from more foundational work.

Consistent, focused study beats cramming. Working with an expert tutor can help you identify which topics need the most attention and create an efficient study schedule tailored to your pace and learning style.

Students typically find aggregate loss models and credibility theory most challenging because they require integrating multiple probability concepts and applying them to unfamiliar scenarios. Another common pain point is mastering the computational techniques—STAM problems often require careful calculation, and small errors compound quickly.

Time management is also critical. Many students rush through calculation-heavy problems and make mistakes, or spend too long on one question and run out of time. Personalized tutoring helps you develop strategies for tackling different problem types efficiently and build confidence in your computational accuracy.

The Society of Actuaries approves specific calculators for Exam STAM, including the Texas Instruments BA II Plus and BA II Plus Professional. Mastering your approved calculator is essential—you won't have time to figure out functions during the exam.

Work with a tutor who knows these calculators inside and out. They can show you shortcuts for financial calculations, probability functions, and matrix operations that will save you precious time. Practice using your calculator on every problem in your study plan so it becomes second nature.

You should aim to take at least 3-5 full-length practice exams under timed conditions in the weeks leading up to test day. This exposes you to the exam's pacing, question formats, and the mental fatigue of a long exam. The Society of Actuaries provides official practice materials, which are invaluable for understanding exactly what to expect.

Practice exams serve another critical purpose: they reveal weak areas you need to target. After each practice test, spend time understanding why you got questions wrong—whether it was a concept gap, a calculation error, or a pacing issue. A tutor can help you analyze your performance and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Expert tutors personalize your exam prep to your specific needs. They can clarify difficult concepts like aggregate loss models or credibility theory, teach you efficient problem-solving strategies, and help you develop a realistic study schedule. Tutors also identify the exact source of your mistakes—whether you're misunderstanding concepts, making calculation errors, or misreading questions—so you fix the real problem rather than just drilling more problems.

Perhaps most importantly, tutors help build your confidence. Exam STAM is rigorous, and having someone who knows the material deeply and understands your learning style makes a real difference in how you approach test day.

Exam STAM is a computer-based exam lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes, consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions. Each question is worth one point, for a total of 35 points. The passing score is determined by the Society of Actuaries but typically requires around 60% or higher, though this can vary by exam administration.

The multiple-choice format means there's no partial credit, but it also means you can use strategic guessing on harder questions. Understanding how to manage your time across 35 questions, knowing when to flag a problem and move on, and practicing test-taking strategies are all critical to performing well.