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For all questions related to CIRO’s Proposed Proficiency Model, please visit CIRO’s webpage or email proficiency@ciro.ca.

What will you learn about?

The CPH® covers the rules, policies, and by-laws of the provincial securities administrators and CIRO. Learn about standards of conduct and practices when dealing with client accounts and special transactions and products. Case studies provide practical knowledge of:

  • Standards of conduct and ethics in the securities industry
  • The Canadian regulatory environment
  • Client discovery and the account opening process
  • Product due diligence, suitability, and Know-Your-Client requirements
  • Dealing appropriately with clients and managing conflicts of interest
  • Placing orders for securities and handling client accounts

What is the course syllabus?

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Section 1 - Standards of Conduct in the Securities Industry

Chapter 1 - Standards of Conduct and Ethics

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Standards of Conduct and Ethics
  • Integrating Ethics with Industry Rules
  • Rules of Thumb to Guide the Conduct of Registered Representatives

Chapter 2 - Ethical Decision Making

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Overview of Ethics
  • The Relationships Between Values, Ethics, and the Law
  • Value Awareness
  • Ethical Dilemmas
  • Ethical Decision Making

Chapter 3 - The Canadian Regulatory Framework

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • General Principles of Securities Regulation
  • Key Government Players Involved in Securities Regulation
  • Self-Regulatory Organization
  • Investor Protection Funds
  • Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the Securities Industry

Section 2 - Dealing with Clients in the Securities Industry

Chapter 4 - Working with Clients

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Registration Requirements of a Registered Representative
  • Communication with the Public
  • General Regulations and Guidelines for Sales Literature
  • Dealing with Clients
  • Privacy and Cybersecurity

Chapter 5 - Client Discovery and Account Opening

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Opening Accounts
  • The New Account Application Form
  • Completing the New Account Application Form
  • Disclosures
  • Client Records

Chapter 6 - Product Due Diligence, Recommendations, and Advice

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Suitability of Investments and Investment Strategies
  • Product Due Diligence
  • New Issues and Prospectus Exemptions
  • Take-over Bids and Issuer Bids

Chapter 7 - Trading, Settlement, and Prohibited Activities

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • How Securities Are Traded
  • Types of Orders
  • Sales and Trading Conduct
  • Prohibited Activities
  • Settlements, Transfers, and Corrections

Chapter 8 - Maintaining Client Accounts and Relationships

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Accounting for Client Transactions
  • Margin Accounts
  • Cash Accounts
  • Communicating Trading Information to Customers
  • Client Complaints and Account Transfer Requests

Chapter 9 - Putting it All Together

Topics covered in this chapter are:

  • Review of Good Conduct and Practices
  • Case Study: The Chengs’ Accounts

How will you learn?

CSI’s online learning system helps you meet your study goals. You’ll benefit from:

  • Textbook readings available in PDF, ebook and printed format
  • Learning objectives that keep you focused
  • Interactive tools to help you evaluate and apply course material
  • Online post-chapter review questions to assess your progress
  • Course updates to ensure you’re learning the most current and up-to-date practical material in your studies
  • Online discussion forums and assistance from CSI’s academic support specialists

Course Completion, Wall Certificate and Digital Badge

Upon successfully completing this course, you will be able to download a Notice of Course Completion available through your student profile. This will remain on your profile as formal confirmation of course completion.

You can also accept a digital badge through your student profile after successful course completion. Digital badges are portable image files that allow you to share your credentials across the web. You can post them to your email signature, personal website, social media channels—even to electronic copies of your resume.

CSI will mail you a wall certificate within 4 – 6 weeks of course completion. Frames to display your certificate are available. Please ensure that your First and Last Name on your profile matches your First and Last Name on your Government Issued Photo identification – this will ensure you receive an accurate certificate.

CSI will be pleased to issue an Honours Certificate to all students who obtain a final course mark of 85% or higher.

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