- Learning
- Certificate in Financial Services Advice (CFSA)
- Certificate in Advanced Financial Advice (CAFA)
- Certificate in Advanced Investment Advice (CAIA)
- Certificate in Small Business Banking (CSBB)
- Certificate in Technical Analysis (CITA)
- Certificate in Investment Dealer Compliance (CIDC)
- Certificate in Derivatives Market Strategies (CDMS)
- Certificate in Retirement Strategy (CRS)
- Certificate in Estate Planning & Trust Strategy (CETS)
- Certificate in Commercial Credit (CICC)
- Certificate in Personal Banking (CPB)
- Certificate In Bank Management (CBM)
- Micro-Certificate in Alternative Investments (MCAI)
- Micro-Certificate in Applied Behavioural Finance (MCABF)
- View All Certificate Pathways
- Fellow of CSI (FCSI®)
- Personal Financial Planner (PFP®)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®)
- Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)
- Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA™)
- Estate & Trust Professional (MTI®)
- CSI Path to Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- CSI Path to Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP™)
- CSI Path to Financial Planning Program – Quebec (IQPF)
- View All Designation Pathways
- Personal Financial Services Advice (PFSA)
- Financial Planning I (FP I)
- Financial Planning II (FP II)
- Financial Planning Supplement (FPSU)
- Investment Advisors Training Program (IATP)
- Financial Planning Integration Course (FPIC)
- Applied Financial Planning Certification Exam (AFP)
- CIWM Certification Examination
- Life Licence Qualification Program Insurance Course (LLQP)
- View All Courses
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CFSA: Preferred Credential for Personal Bankers
Better understand your clients' unique financial needs and goals to build positive client relationships with the CFSA.
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PFP® Approved Under FSRA Title Regulation
FSRA has approved the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation for Financial Planner title use in Ontario.
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Explore Multiple Career Paths
Explore different roles and opportunities available in the financial services industry and view the recommended courses and credentials.
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Meet CE Requirements Quickly and Easily
Explore continuing education courses and meet your requirements for CSI, CIRO, CSF and other professional associations or certifications.
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Drive Effective Client Conversations
Get started with the Personal Financial Services Advice (PFSA) course to enhance your soft skills and build profitable client relationships.
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Explore Multiple Career Paths
Explore different roles and opportunities available in the financial services industry and view the recommended courses and credentials.
- Exams & Administration
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Canadian Securities Course CSC®
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Preparing to Take Your CSI Exam?
Write your exam through Remote Proctoring from any location (including your home) or In-Person at one of our test centres.
- Credentials
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Credentials That Matter
Meet the highest standards of experience & education for financial professionals with CSI certificates, designations & fellowship.
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FCSI® – The Highest Honour in Financial Services
Join an elite group of leaders in financial services and make a meaningful impact for your clients with the Fellow of CSI (FCSI®).
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PFP® – The Premier Credential for Financial Planners
Master financial planning skills with the ISO and FSRA-certified Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation.
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CIM® – The Recognized Credential for Investment Managers
Learn how to manage money on a discretionary basis for sophisticated clients with Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®).
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CIWM – The Leading Credential for Wealth Managers
Establish your credibility to address the unique needs of affluent clients with Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM).
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MTI® – Prestigious Credential for Trust & Wealth Managers
Gain expertise in the regulations and tax implications that are crucial for management and transfer of wealth with MTI®.
- Corporate Solutions
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Find Qualified Candidates Faster
Talent Pro connects organizations with qualified and licensed candidates to fill active opportunities in the banking industry.
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Find Qualified Candidates Faster
Talent Pro connects organizations with qualified and licensed candidates to fill active opportunities in the banking industry.
- Insights
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Webinars to Boost Financial Literacy
During Financial Literacy Month we aim to help Canadians understand their finances better & navigate the changing economic landscape.
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Become a Speaker With CSI
CSI Podium offers designation holders opportunities to speak on topics to benefit their clients, colleagues, and the investing public via webinars.
- About
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PFP® Approved Under FSRA Title Regulation
FSRA has approved the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation for Financial Planner title use in Ontario.
Featured Product
PFP® Approved Under FSRA Title Regulation
FSRA has approved the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation for Financial Planner title use in Ontario.
Important Update: Canada Post Strike & Shipping Guidelines. Learn More.
What are the requirements to earn the DFSA™?
The requirements to earn the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM) designation are defined by the DFSA Competency Profile. This profile is aligned with industry best practices and provides the knowledge and skills applied by advisors. It also drives the pre-requisite requirements, education and ongoing maintenance requirements.
To be eligible to earn the DFSA designation, candidates must:
- Complete Investment Funds in Canada (IFC);
- Complete the DFSATM designation education requirements;
- Complete application form and attestation;
- Abide by the Code of Ethics, the Ethical Misconduct Process and the Trademark License Agreement; and
- Commit to ongoing continuing education.
Note: Completion of the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) meets the academic requirements of the IFC.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact your employer directly or please visit the CSI Support Hub.
Education Requirements
The DFSA requires eligible applicants to complete an approved education path.
CSI provides two paths to fulfill the education requirements:
- Path 1:
- Path 2
Note: Completion of the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) and the Wealth Management Essentials (WME®) meets the education requirements outlined in Path 1 and Path 2.
Code of Ethics, Application and Fees
When applying for the DFSA™, you must commit to the DFSA™ Code of Ethics.
The initial application fee includes your licence fee for the year, your commitment to the maintenance requirements and your Fit and Proper Declaration.
Trademark Licence
You are also required to agree to the terms of the DFSA™ Certification Mark Licence Agreement, which grants you the right to use the DFSA™ trademarks in your marketing.
A Note from CSI
CSI holds itself to the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness when dealing with clients, students, designation holders and regulators. We are committed to ensuring impartiality in carrying out our DFSA™ certification activities (e.g., certification examination results and other decisions related to granting designations). We actively manage conflicts of interest to ensure objectivity.