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What is the Canadian Securities Course?

By: Kailash Srinivasan

Published On: September 16, 2019

CSC Overview

Do you want to work in the Canadian Securities Industry? Do you wish to sell financial products in Canada, such as mutual funds, insurance, securities or stocks? To become licensed, you’re required to meet educational, employment and work experience criteria. You will need to complete the Canadian Securities Course (CSC)as part of the requirement.

Canadian Securities Institute or CSI offers licensing courses, certifications, continuing education and training for financial services professionals, helping you meet the regulatory requirements to work in the Canadian financial services industry.

What is the CSC Credential?

Canadian Securities Course or CSC is the foundational financial services credential you need if you want to perform securities, mutual fund and alternative funds transactions. A CSC credential helps you make sense of the complex financial world and enables you to stand out in today’s competitive landscape. An industry benchmark, the CSC credential gives you the knowledge to become a confident advisor and build a solid foundation for your career.

What are the benefits of CSC?

  • It is your first step towards obtaining our investment representative or registered representative licence.
  • It helps you fulfill the base securities licensing requirement for the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada or IIROC, the provincial regulatory and MFDA licensing requirements for sale of mutual funds, alternative mutual funds products, managed future funds, exempt securities and labour-sponsored investment funds.
  • It gives you a good understanding of the various financial instruments such as equities, managed and structured products, derivatives and more.
  • It gives you the skills, knowledge and tools to help your clients make smarter investment decisions.

Who should enroll in the CSC?

CSC is for you if you seek a career in the financial services industry or are already employed in the industry. With a CSC credential, you will be able to expand the services you offer to your clients as a finance professional and gain a broader understanding of the capital markets.

Enrol in the CSC, if you're:

  • Training to become an investment advisor or representative
  • Thinking of getting a mutual funds licence; dealing in Alternative Mutual Funds for retail investors
  • A bank or trust company officer or a financial planner
  • Keen on learning how to manage your portfolio

How hard is the CSC exam? How many hours is the exam?

Just like any other exam, if you prepare well, the CSC is not that hard. Even with no financial background, you can score good marks by having a regular study schedule.

The CSC is split into two exams: Volume 1 and Volume 2. Each exam is two-hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with no negative marking for a wrong answer. The passing grade is 60%, and you’re allowed a maximum of three attempts per exam. You must complete the exam within one year of registration.

Does the CSC expire? Is there a validity period?

  • The validity for the Canadian Securities Course is three years if you’ve never been approved with an IIROC member firm.
  • If you have terminated your membership with an IIROC member firm, your licensing course is valid for three years from that date, provided you were registered in a category that required the course.

What kind of careers does CSC lead to?

There are many exciting career opportunities for those with a CSC credential:

  • Mutual Funds and Alternative Mutual Funds Sales Representative
  • Investment Representative/Advisor
  • Financial Planner
  • Bank or Trust Company Officer

How long does it take to complete the CSC prep course?

Different institutions offer the CSC prep course. At Ashton College, one of the leading providers of career-ready post-secondary education in Canada, you can enroll in the 36-hour, in-class, industry-leading prep course. Upon successful completion of the Exam Prep, you will be ready to challenge the licensing exam through the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) and improve your chances of success in the financial industry.

What are the topics covered?

  • The Canadian Investment Marketplace
  • The Economy
  • Investment Products
  • The Corporation
  • Investment Analysis
  • Portfolio Analysis
  • Analysis of Managed Products
  • Working with the Client

How much does it cost to take the Canadian Securities Course prep course?

The registration fee at Ashton College is $649. This fee doesn’t include the cost of any course-related materials or textbooks.

Have more questions? Please visit the official CSC website to learn more. Good luck.

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