Work Based Learning

WBL aims to close the Gap between theory and practice when it comes to Normative Skills, to form a well-rounded Actuarial Professional.

The WBL process is an excellent introduction into the CPD process that you will embark on after qualifying.

All students that embark on the Normative Skills – Core APP and then continue on to Fellowship APP should all register for WBL.

Work Based Learning Modules

WBL forms module 1 of both the normative skills Core APP and Foundation APP. N311.01 Work Based Learning for Associates and N411.01 Work Based Learning for Fellows.

The following requirements must be met to complete each WBL module:

N311.01 WBL for Associates
(Core App)

Minimum work experience:
2 years / 24 months

Skills development:
Approved Action Plan and approved development though evidence provided including formal learning

Review questions:
1 Review Questions every 4-6 months

Learning activities:
Attendance of Core APP and additional learning activities as per skills gaps identified

Supervisor review:
Self-assessment needs approval before a student can continue in the system, ongoing as notifications are sent. * The programme encourages mentorship, and it is mandatory that you have one-on-one discussions every 6 months

Submission:
Progress will be monitored with progression through the Normative Skills modules. Skills development must be in line with peers to gain access to workshops

Qualification sign-off: (Final sign-off by Assessor)
Minimum 24 months active development
Minimum of 20 Skills in Complete
4 Review Questions

N411.01 WBL for Fellows
(Fellowship App)

Minimum work experience:
3 years / 36 months

Skills development:
Approved Action Plan and approved development though evidence provided including formal learning

Review questions:
1 Review Questions every 4-6 months

Learning activities:
Attendance of Core and Fellowship APP and additional learning activities as per skills gaps identified

Supervisor review:
Self-assessment needs approval before a student can continue in the system, ongoing as notifications are sent. * The programme encourages mentorship, and it is mandatory that you have one-on-one discussions every 6 months

Submission:
Progress will be monitored with progression through the Normative Skills modules. Skills development must be in line with peers to gain access to workshops

Qualification sign-off: (Final sign-off by Assessor)
Minimum 36 months active development
Minimum of 9 (F) Skills in Complete
2 Review Questions

Work Based Learning Registrations

Students should register for work based learning as soon as they start their employment in the actuarial field. Registrations are done on the ASSA Member Site.

Students should take note of the WBL requirements they need to meet before they can register for some of the normative skills courses.

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WBL Progress Requirements for other NS registrations

WBL Registration FAQ’s

Do I need to register for WBL annually?

No. You register for Core APP WBL (N311.01) once when you start working and Fellowship WBL (N411.01) once after completing and submitting your Core APP program for final review and approval by your supervisor and external assessor.

Can I register for WBL after working for a few years?

Yes. If you register late, you must provide evidence (e.g. an employment letter) confirming your work experience and supervision under a Fellow. Once verified, you can retrospectively submit your portfolio of evidence, and your start date may be adjusted accordingly.

Can I register for Fellowship WBL while waiting for my supervisor’s final sign-off on Core APP WBL?

Yes, you may register for Fellowship WBL after submitting your full Core APP WBL programme for review. However, you cannot attend professionalism courses until all academic and WBL requirements are fully completed and signed off.

Can I register for Normative Skills (NS) Module 2 or 3 while enrolled in WBL?

Yes, but Normative Skills courses have prerequisites, including WBL progress. For NS Module 2, you must have:

  • Completed 4 months of supervised and recorded WBL
  • Submitted an action plan for the skills you plan to develop

NS courses run three times per year, and you may take one module per session in the required order.

Can I pause my WBL if I take a career break or maternity leave?

Yes, the platform allows you to pause your WBL. You can enter your leave dates and reason in your profile settings in the WBL system.

Work Based Learning Process

The objectives of the WBL process is for students and their supervisors to connect regularly and manage progress of skills development on an ongoing basis. Skills development must be tailored to the student work environment.

Key controls in the WBL process include the approval of the student’s baseline self-assessment across all skills, approval of each skill development plan and approval when meeting the competent state that the supervisor and student agreed on as well as the the final full programme approval by an assessor.

WBL Rules and Requirements

Student and Supervisor Guides

ASSA presents students with a list of normative skills to develop in the work place for both associate and fellowship levels. Students may also add their own skills that are appropriate in their work environment. These skills development must be supplemented by:

  • NS Modules and workshops
  • Other formal and informal learning in the workplace
  • Review Questions (case studies) that students must research, answer and submit.
  • Mentoring in the workplace

To understand how many skills need to be developed, review questions answered and time frames around the process, each student and supervisor is required to work through the respective guides containing the role expectations, rules, requirements and processes for WBL.

Student Guide
Supervisor Guide

Use the Process FAQ’s to clarify any uncertainty on the process and rules

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Completed WBL but still have to pass technical subjects to qualify.

If the student’s WBL programme has been signed off by the supervisor and assessor, the student must continue with Extended WBL (which mirrors the CPD process) until all technical subjects are passed for qualification.

WBL Supervisors

Who can be a Supervisor?

  • A supervisor must be a Fellow of ASSA (or equivalent from a body with whom ASSA has an MRA) that ideally works in the same company or industry as the student.
  • If the student is working in a non-traditional field or no Fellow is available to select as a Supervisor, please contact the ASSA office to assist in finding and allocating a supervisor.
  • If the allocated supervisor is not in the direct line management of the student or is removed from the student’s work environment a non-fellow or non-actuary senior line manager may be appointed to work closely with the supervisor. The supervisor will still have to sign off on all development.
  • Changes in supervisors are allowed. Students must ensure all pending development submissions are approved before changing supervisors.
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Contact: assaadmin@actuarialsociety.org.za

Confidential Information

No confidential or client information may be uploaded to the WBL system. Supervisors should assist in keeping information secure.

ASSA does not require students to redo work. Instead, mark confidential documents as protected on the WBL system so only your supervisor can access them. Relevant comments and feedback may be submitted with contact details of someone to support the development.

What is required from the Supervisor?

Supervisors must support and mentor students through their WBL journey, including identifying development gaps, action plans as well as guiding and reviewing progress in the work environment.

Supervisors must work through the Supervisor Guide for guidelines, systems instructions and processes.

Supervisor Guide

WBL Assessments

Once a student reaches the required criteria that allows for WBL final sign-off for qualification as an AMASSA or FASSA the full WBL programme is reviewed and assessed by an ASSA appointed Assessor. This process is also facilitated through the WBL system.

The WBL System

The online WBL system is based on a workflow solution that manages the submissions and approvals between students, supervisors and assessors.  Email notifications will be sent if action is required on the system to submit or approve information.

The student stays the responsible party to manage the information provided on the system and should meet and follow up with the supervisor regularly outside of the system process as well.

First steps to get going are:

  • Discuss with the ATO (Actuarial training Office) in your organisation who your supervisor will be. If no supervisor is available contact ASSA.
  • Meet with your supervisor, get your supervisor’s member number and capture it on your WBL system profile.
  • Complete your profile on the system.
  • Complete your Self-Assessment and get this approved by your supervisor
  • Select a skills or group of skills you want to start development on and submit an Action Plan and your are on your way…
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