Overview
The Canadian Securities Course (CSC) is a course from CSI (the Canadian Securities Institute) that gives foundational knowledge for a career in Canadian financial services. It covers the investment marketplace, the economy, fixed-income and equity securities, derivatives, managed and alternative products, taxation and working with clients.
Important change for 2026: from 1 January 2026, CIRO (the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) changed its proficiency rules for Investment Dealer Approved Persons. The CSC is no longer accepted for CIRO approval with an investment dealer. CSI still lists the CSC as meeting proficiency requirements to deal in mutual funds.
Who can apply
CSI suggests the course if you are:
looking for a job in the Canadian financial services industry
seeking a mutual funds licence
dealing in alternative mutual funds for retail investors
seeking an exempt market representative licence with a provincial regulator
a bank or trust company officer, or a financial planner
an active investor who wants to manage your own portfolio
Exam pattern
The CSC has two exams, one for each half of the course.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of exams | 2 |
| Questions per exam | 100 multiple-choice |
| Time per exam | 2 hours |
| Pass mark | 60% on each exam |
| Attempts | 3 per exam |
| Delivery | Proctored, remotely or in person at a test centre |
| Assignments | None |
Syllabus
Exam 1
| Topic | Weight |
|---|---|
| The Canadian Investment Marketplace | 15% |
| The Economy | 13% |
| Features and Types of Fixed-Income Securities | 12% |
| Pricing and Trading of Fixed-Income Securities | 11% |
| Common and Preferred Shares | 13% |
| Equity Transactions | 10% |
| Derivatives | 10% |
| Corporations and their Financial Statements | 8% |
| Financing and Listing Securities | 8% |
Exam 2
| Topic | Weight |
|---|---|
| Investment Analysis | 18% |
| Portfolio Analysis | 18% |
| Mutual Funds | 14% |
| Exchange-Traded Funds | 10% |
| Alternative Investments, Other Managed, and Structured Products | 16% |
| Canadian Taxation | 6% |
| Fee-Based Accounts and Working with the Retail Client | 8% |
| Working with the Institutional Client | 10% |
Marking and results
You must score at least 60% on each of the two exams to pass the course. You have three attempts at each exam.
Important dates
Your enrolment period is one year, so both exams must be completed within a year of enrolling.
How to apply
Enrol through CSI's website. Exams are booked as proctored sessions, either online with remote proctoring or at a test centre.
After the exam
Completing the CSC earns continuing education credits with several bodies. For example, CSI lists 30 credits per exam for Advocis structured learning, and 30 credits for FSRA life insurance CE.
Preparation tips
CSI estimates 135 to 200 hours of study for the whole course.
Use the topic weightings above to plan your time; Investment Analysis and Portfolio Analysis together make up over a third of Exam 2.
If your goal is approval with an investment dealer, check the current CIRO proficiency requirements first, since the CSC no longer qualifies for that from 2026.
How many exams are in the CSC?
Two exams, each with 100 multiple-choice questions and a 2-hour time limit.
What is the CSC pass mark?
60% on each exam.
Does the CSC still qualify me to work at an investment dealer?
No. From 1 January 2026, CIRO no longer accepts the CSC for approval with an investment dealer. CSI says it still meets the proficiency requirement for dealing in mutual funds.
How long do I have to finish the CSC?
The enrolment period is one year.