Supervised and unsupervised learning, model assessment, bias-variance tradeoff, and resampling methods including cross-validation.
These are the key learning objectives for Basics of Statistical Learning on SOA Exam SRM. Paraphrased from the public SOA syllabus — we recommend also checking the current syllabus on soa.org before your exam sitting.
Distinguish between supervised and unsupervised learning tasks
Explain the bias-variance tradeoff and its implications for model selection
Apply resampling techniques such as k-fold cross-validation and the bootstrap
Upload your ACTEX Exam SRM digital edition, scanned ASM pages, TIA handouts, or your own notes. exclam.ai extracts the Basics of Statistical Learning sections and generates flashcards automatically.
Generate multiple-choice quizzes specifically on Basics of Statistical Learning. Weak questions get re-surfaced until you get them right consistently.
Because Basics of Statistical Learning is 7–13% of your exam, losing it during review costs you. FSRS brings it back at the optimal moment.
SOA Exam SRM has 5 topic areas. Basics of Statistical Learning is weighted at approximately 7–13% of the exam — here is where it sits relative to the other topics.
| Topic area | Weight |
|---|---|
| → Basics of Statistical Learning | 7–13% |
| Linear Models | 40–50% |
| Decision Trees | 20–25% |
| Principal Components and Cluster Analysis | 5–10% |
| Time Series Models | 5–10% |
Ordinary least squares regression, generalized linear models, variable selection, and regularization techniques.
Classification and regression trees, pruning, and ensemble methods including bagging, random forests, and boosting.
Dimension reduction via principal components analysis and unsupervised clustering via k-means and hierarchical clustering.
Introduction to time series analysis including autoregressive, moving average, and ARIMA models.
Upload your ACTEX Exam SRM digital edition, scanned ASM pages, TIA handouts, or your own notes. exclam.ai generates a fully guided study plan with adaptive flashcards and quizzes for this topic.