Which exam applies to your goal? Compare the Canadian Securities Course with CIRO's new investment-dealer exams before enrolling.
Find your next step ↓The Canadian Securities Course (CSC) remains a Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) course and credential. But CIRO changed the proficiency model for Investment Dealer Approved Persons on January 1, 2026. CIRE and the Retail Securities Exam (RSE) are CIRO exams in that new framework. They are not simply new names for CSC Exam 1 and Exam 2.
Offered by the Canadian Securities Institute. It comprises CSC Exam 1 and Exam 2 and covers Canadian markets, securities, analysis, portfolios, products and client topics. It can still be useful for education or particular employer expectations.
The Canadian Investment Regulatory Exam is part of CIRO's exam-based Investment Dealer proficiency model. The specific exams required depend on the approval category, with exemptions possible under CIRO's rules.
The Retail Securities Exam is one of CIRO's role-related exams. For example, CIRO's published guidance identifies CIRE plus RSE for a new retail Registered Representative dealing in securities, absent a relevant exemption.
Do not assume the CSC meets this new approval requirement.
CSCprep supports CSC Exam 1 and Exam 2; it does not currently offer CIRE or RSE exam preparation.
CIRO's section 2629 transition provision can recognize certain CSI courses originally prescribed under the old rules. The published guidance refers to enrolment in a prescribed course before January 1, 2026 and completion of the applicable CSI exams before January 1, 2027, along with other conditions. Timing alone does not guarantee eligibility; confirm the exact terms and application requirements with CIRO and your sponsoring firm.
CSI currently lists the CSC as two separate proctored multiple-choice exams, each with 100 questions, two hours and a 60% passing grade. CIRO publishes separate syllabi, exam parameters, preparation guidance and practice exams for the CIRE and RSE. Consult the official CIRO Exam Hub for the current CIRO exam formats and eligibility rules; do not apply CSC's question counts or passing standard to them.
Generally not under the new proficiency model. CIRO now requires the exams and other conditions tied to the applicant's approval category, subject to applicable exemptions and transition provisions.
No. CSCprep's current paid course and free practice questions are for CSI's Canadian Securities Course Exam 1 and Exam 2, not CIRE or RSE.
CIRO has a conditional transition provision for specified courses enrolled in before 2026, with exam-completion and other requirements. Confirm every condition with CIRO and your sponsoring dealer.
Yes. CSI continues to offer the CSC. Its educational and employer relevance is separate from whether it meets a particular CIRO approval requirement.
Last reviewed: November 1, 2026. Requirements can change; the official regulator and education provider are authoritative.
CSCprep offers independent preparation for both CSC exams with 2,500+ practice questions, 150+ calculations, case studies and two full mock exams, with 12-month access for $199 CAD.