“The new pathways will let us get into new realms of business where any type of quantitative analysis is being done.”
Canadian education for actuaries
The Canadian Institute of Actuaries has a robust education and qualification system that provides innovative, flexible, and accessible options for candidates with diverse backgrounds and career goals.
CIA Membership: What membership can do for your career as an actuary
As a CIA member, you are part of the premier actuarial community in Canada. Your credentials show employers, regulators, and the public that you are committed to the highest level of professionalism and actuarial expertise. And you are backed by a profession that punches above its weight – creating opportunities across Canada and around the world.
Qualification pathways: Three qualification pathways have been developed to provide an inclusive approach to becoming an ACIA or FCIA
Pathway 1
This is the CIA route. It is designed for students attending a CIA-accredited university who wish to leverage a fresh, innovative, and practical qualification process and go on to become an Associate or Fellow of the CIA through our own education and examinations.
Pathway 2
This is the partnership route. It is designed for people with full or partial associate-level qualifications from another actuarial organization who wish to become an ACIA. They can then join Pathway 1 to continue on to FCIA designation through the CIA’s education and examinations.
Pathway 3
This is the experience route. It is open to anyone who already holds a Fellowship-level credential from a recognized actuarial organization who can demonstrate the required professional Canadian experience to achieve the FCIA designation.
Our way forward: Timeline for the CIA education system transformation
Formal introduction: January 2022
Official policy change for ACIA and FCIA requirements
Launch: Summer 2022
New education website launches
Transition: Spring 2023
ACIA module registration opens
Transition continues: Summer 2023
ACIA Capstone exam registration opens
FCIA module registration opens
Full implementation: Winter 2024
FCIA exam registration opens
Completion: January 2025
Full implementation completed
ACIA and FCIA designations: Pursue your professional designation
ACIA designation
If you are planning to pursue a career in actuarial science, particularly in Canada, you will benefit from the ACIA designation. It can be an empowering end goal or an important stepping stone to Fellowship.
FCIA designation
If you want to advance your career, work in a reserved role, enhance your actuarial science credentials, and open new professional opportunities in Canada and beyond, you should consider becoming an FCIA.
Testimonials
“The changes that are coming through to the education system are much more inclusive than the one single path we had before.”
“Ultimately, when actuaries work together, we can achieve better outcomes and solve some of the more challenging issues facing Canadians.”
“It’s the best of both worlds. I get to study a program that I thoroughly will enjoy as well as get credit throughout the process.”
See the role that accredited universities play in the CIA’s qualification pathways
We assess universities to ensure they have the people, structure, and resources to deliver the fundamentals of actuarial education.