In addition to the SOA’s general COVID-19 status page, they also have a FAQ page dedicated to education topics. Currently, that page has this to say about FSA exams:
Will the FSA transition deadline be postponed? For the postponed Spring exams will there be expedited grading?
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the postponement of the FSA Spring Exams. We understand that the unprecedented situation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your exam pathway. The SOA is monitoring the situation and working to make sure we can continue to provide all our services while we ensure the safety of all parties involved.
At this time, we are focusing on securing new dates, setting up the exam centers, and making sure our volunteers can meet the challenge of getting the exams graded in a timely manner while preparing for the fall exams.
The March 23rd deadline will help us with the postponement of the session and also with critical planning for the summer Exam schedule. Any changes in dates and processes must be approved at several levels, including the Board of Directors, since it is a change in how an FSA is attained. That is why the appropriate parties involved need more clarity about future exams before deciding the best course of action regarding transitions. We have had similar inquiries from other candidates, and we are working on this issue.
Will there be changes to the FSA Spring exam deadline of March 23rd?
The exam deadline of March 23rd is a firm deadline. Due to the Covid-19 situation, we will be accepting late registrations and will not charge late fees. You can either reach out to Customer Service to request a paper application and return it for processing now. Or, after the new exam dates are chosen, there will be an online “mini” registration period in which you can register. The online “mini” registration period dates are yet to be determined.
This makes it sound like you can still register for the spring sitting if you want (without late fee). It also makes it sound like there will be an additional opportunity to register for the spring sitting even if you aren’t already.
Keep in mind that the SOA has also stated that you can defer to your spring registration to fall if you choose.
Obviously no one can know how events will ultimately play out this year, but I right now I feel like the likelihood of having an opportunity to take your next written exam in 2020 is still very high. The SOA is clearly doing everything in their power to come up with a way to make it happen, and given that most written exams are proctored in low-volume groups, it’s the kind of activity that seems more plausible, especially as we get on the other side of the case curve.
In the meantime, stay safe and try to stay optimistic! We will all be better, stronger, and more grateful for what truly matters in life once we’re past this crisis.