Are year-old exams frowned upon ?

Back in 2010, after being laid off as a senior software developer (15 years in the industry), I started studying for the prelim exams (as i worked on software contract projects). I passed one exam in January 2011 and another in June 2011. While studying for a third, my 2nd child became very mobile after turning 1 year old, and we were surprised to learn we were having a third child. Needing a steady paycheck (and to avoid a huge entry level paycut), i took a full time software position and failed my third exam (C) in October since i was sleep deprived and stretched too thin.

Fast forward 4.5 years to today -- software company had a large layoff, leaving me to reflect on how to proceed.

My question -- if i decide to go back to pursuing actuary work, how do my first two exams (and subsequent quiet period) look to a prospective employer? Will my long experience in C# programming counter any negative effects from my long actuarial "sabbatical" ? Any advice on how to counter any inevitable questions regarding the staleness of my exams?

Thanks in advance for any advice!


Are year-old exams frowned upon ?