Comprehensive Question

In 2008, the ICAO explored ways to make improvements to the ICAO Professional Program so as to create better entry-level CAs and, at the same time, drive greater candidate success on the UFE.  A detailed review of the UFE results of recent years was completed to determine areas where the SOA could be strengthened.   Performance on the comprehensive question by Ontario students was identified as an area for improvement.  Although the SOA is designed to be a professional finishing school and not a UFE preparation program, the SOA's topic coverage and examination materials are considered valuable resources in the process.  

Starting in 2009, the SOA Final Examination was changed to a two-day examination and the SOA Final Examination will continue to be a two-day examination.  The first day of the examination will be one comprehensive question and the second day will consist of three multi-competency, case type questions.

The 2009 and 2010 SOA Final Examination as well as a practice examination in each year included a comprehensive question.  Refer to our 2009 and 2010 SOA examinations for these questions.   

Prior year UFE comprehensive questions are also considered a good source of study material to help prepare for the SOA comprehensive question.  

Please keep in mind, however, that all examinations and debriefing materials have not been updated for technical changes and reflect standards in effect to various dates, as indicated.  Although the questions are an effective example of comprehensive questions, students should always refer back to primary sources, such as the CICA Handbook, for technical studying.