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CSC & CIRO Changes in 2026

Understand what changed before choosing your study path

The CSC still exists as a CSI course and credential, but the CIRO proficiency framework for Investment Dealer Approved Persons changed on January 1, 2026.

What changed

CIRO moved to an assessment-centric model with CIRO examinations based on role competencies.

What this means for CSC

CSI states that effective January 1, 2026 the CSC is no longer acceptable for the purposes of CIRO approval with an Investment Dealer.

Why the CSC still exists

CSI continues to offer the CSC as a financial-services credential covering investment products, markets, analysis and related foundational knowledge.

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Independent preparation: CSCprep is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) or the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). Official exam requirements can change; candidates should confirm current requirements with the relevant official organization.

Who May Still Choose the CSC in 2026?

The CSC may still be chosen by people seeking broader Canadian financial-services education, by candidates whose bank or employer asks for or values the credential, or by learners who want structured knowledge of securities and investment products. That is different from assuming the CSC satisfies a current CIRO Investment Dealer registration requirement.

Before enrolling: confirm the requirement for your specific job, employer and registration category. Employer hiring standards can differ from regulatory proficiency requirements, and CIRO's Investment Dealer proficiency model changed on January 1, 2026.

What Changed on January 1, 2026?

CIRO moved to an assessment-centric proficiency model for Approved Persons of Investment Dealers. New candidates are subject to role-specific CIRO exam requirements plus applicable education/experience and post-approval training requirements.

New candidates

If your objective is CIRO approval, identify the Approved Person category first and verify the applicable CIRO exams and other requirements. Depending on the role, this may include exams such as the CIRE and Retail Securities Exam.

Transition candidates

CIRO provides transition provisions for certain individuals who enrolled in prescribed CSI courses before January 1, 2026 and satisfy the specified completion and application deadlines. Do not assume the transition applies without checking the conditions.

Why someone may still take the CSC: CSI continues to offer the CSC as a financial-services learning and credential program. But CSC completion should not be presented as automatically satisfying current CIRO Investment Dealer approval requirements.

CSC versus the new CIRO exams: three decisions to make

1. Is your goal an Investment Dealer approval?

For new applicants, CIRO's January 2026 rules specify role-based examinations and other requirements. The CSC is not the default replacement for these exams. Your intended approval category, employer and relevant exemptions determine your route.

2. Did you enrol in a prescribed CSI course before 2026?

CIRO's transition rule 2629 may recognize prescribed courses when all conditions are met, including pre-2026 enrolment and completing the required exams before January 1, 2027. Additional conditions apply; do not assume the transition automatically covers you.

3. Are you taking the CSC for education or an employer requirement?

CSI continues to offer the Canadian Securities Course. It can still be relevant for financial-markets learning or an employer's own expectations, but that is different from satisfying CIRO's current Investment Dealer proficiency rules.

Where CIRE and RSE fit

CIRO's Canadian Investment Regulatory Exam (CIRE) and Retail Securities Exam (RSE) feature in the new proficiency framework for relevant categories. The exams required depend on the role; CSCprep does not currently claim to prepare students for CIRE or RSE.

Important: This independent guide is educational, not regulatory or employment advice. Ask your sponsoring firm or CIRO which requirements apply to your exact approval category before enrolling.