In the completion report the candidate should discuss how each program element contributed to meeting the educational objectives of the plan. The candidate should not simply describe the program or assume that the SOA PD Committee will recognize the program's applicability to the stated educational objectives, but should discuss how each activity has contributed to their development. Such discussion can be concise but should relate to the candidate's personal learning experience.

When there are modifications to the initial plan or specific programs were not identified at the time the initial plan was submitted, the executed plan report should describe the activity as well as discuss how it related to the plan's educational objectives.

In their program summaries, candidates might consider why they decided to include a particular program in their PD plan and what they learned from the program that they can apply to their own professional practice. A candidate's summary of an attended program might even indicate that the program did not provide them with the educational value they expected to receive. Candidates are encouraged to evaluate and critique the programs they attended as they relate the programs to their own PD plan. See also: Excerpts from Approved Executed Plans

There are no absolute restrictions on the relationship between the candidate and the advisor. The professionalism of both parties governs, and they are subject to the SOA professional code and related requirements.

It would certainly be prudent to consult your advisor before beginning to attend sessions and seminars, to ensure that such programs fit with your advisor’s expectations. If you have attended a recent program that fits well with your objectives, the advisor may agree to its inclusion in the plan. (Also see answer to Question 2 above.)

Generally, the plan should be completed within a 25-month period. The 25-month window begins with the date of the first formal program within the execution of the plan. The project completion date would be viewed as the date of its acceptance by the advisor. The 25-month time frame may be expanded slightly to include a third SOA Spring or Annual meeting if the first program element of the plan is such a meeting. The same temporal sequence would be recognized/accepted for professional education meetings of other recognized actuarial organizations. For example, a candidate whose PD plan time frame begins with sessions at an SOA Spring meeting for Health/Pension held in May of 2000, may also include sessions at the SOA Spring meeting for Health/Pension in 2002, even if the meeting is held in June of 2002.

Evaluation-validated PD options (professional examinations that qualify for PD credit) do not expire, and are not subject to the 25-month restriction.