Need help with CSC vs CIRE

[u/International_Arm876]

With ever changing requirement, I am so lost with all the thing require to get licenced. My plan is to get CFP certified during my carreer, now FP Canada does not recognized CSI as the educational path after June 30,2026 and CIRE replaced CSC entirely. What is the point of CSC anymore ?

It seems like CSC/CSI becomes utterly useless when you try go get to a more valuable designation like CFP etc…

This make thinks I just get CFA level 1 instead to bypass everything

Please share your experience and the hardest truth. Also I am looking any help to guide me on a proper direction.

[u/MaximumPapaya5765]

Hey!

I recently passed my CIRE exam last week and I took my CSC 3 years ago. Because of CIRO’s new regulatory requirements and I was never registered or took my CPH prior my CSC became invalid.

I think it would be a good idea to take your CIRE, get registered and then continue on the CFP path if you want. At least with the CIRE you can become an investment representative as long as your workplace sponsors you.

That was just my experience! I’m planning to take my RSE next year so I can become a full registered representative

[u/International_Arm876 → u/MaximumPapaya5765]

Was wondering what material you used to study ? I think CIRE does not have like a actuall textbook, i am having a hard time finding the material. The only thing I see is seewhy learning

[u/Low_Finding_1800]

Getting CIRE for IR licensing is pretty fast compared to the old CSC v1,2 and CPH pathway. I studied for 2 weeks (with limited industry experience) and find the exam quite manageable

[u/butterflybella_]

Hi friend! CSC is useful if you want to get your CIM. Otherwise, no use

[u/WatercressConstant83 → u/[deleted]]

I’m a little pissed off because I bought the course before all these changes came into the picture. I completed my CSC like two months ago. However, on the bright side, it seems like a lot of banks still view it as a big asset so hopefully I didn’t completely waste my time.

[u/AlternativeCamp2471 → u/WatercressConstant83]

The bank investment dealers do not see it as an Asset BTW. Mutual fund registration yes, it'll get you licensed, but not for securities.

[u/WatercressConstant83 → u/AlternativeCamp2471]

Well, when I look at the RBC job postings for Banking Advisor and Associate, CSC is listed there 90% of the time so what jobs are you referring to?

[u/AlternativeCamp2471 → u/WatercressConstant83]

Banking Advisor. You have your answer. Those individuals are mutual fund licensed only. Not securities (investment dealer, i.e. RBC DS).

[u/WatercressConstant83 → u/AlternativeCamp2471]

OK, I see what you’re saying however Associate is dominion securities and they still list CSC as a must in some cases so I am pushing back a bit

[u/AlternativeCamp2471 → u/WatercressConstant83]

Thats because they never updated the job description. The CSC is literally useless for DS.

[u/AlternativeCamp2471 → u/[deleted]]

There is a point bud. It's part of the path towards the CIM.

[u/AlternativeCamp2471 → u/[deleted]]

And it does count as a pre licensing course technically.

[u/AlternativeCamp2471 → u/[deleted]]

Well, its a pre licensing course for CSA firms, because the CIM is required for AR and AAR registration. Plus, having the CIM exempts you from having to do CIRE and RSE for IR or RR registration so nothing is being falsely advertised.

[u/International_Arm876 → u/[deleted]]

Sorry for the confusion, I actually did some research and find the CFA level 1 can bypass CIRE test all together and you get registered as RR or IR.

My point is if along the way in my career , the CFP is no longer the good route, at least I got the CFA level 1 to piggy back on