Canadian Securities Course (CSC)

The Canadian Securities Course (CSC) is a popular credential for anyone who wants to trade securities, mutual funds or alternative funds in Canada. It is often the first step to becoming a registered investment representative – typically a portfolio manager or sales or trading professional at a big bank, or investment advisor, financial planner or other representative at a wealth management company.

The Canadian Securities Course and licensed versions of the course at accredited Canadian colleges and universities will satisfy professional licensing requirements set out by IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) and “provincial regulatory and MFDA licensing requirements for mutual funds sales, alternative mutual funds products, managed futures funds, exempt securities and labour-sponsored investment funds,” according to the Canadian Securities Institute, which administers the CSC examination.

The Canadian Securities Course is delivered in two parts that must be completed within one year of registering for the program. Graduates will need to pass the Canadian Securities Institute in-person (at a test centre) or remote proctored exam to earn the CSC credential at the end of their studies.

Qualified investment professionals can command above average salaries in Canada, with investment representatives earning on average $52,000, financial planners earning $71,000, and investment advisors earning $70,000 annually and upward of $160,000 for the most experienced professionals.