A pathway to ACIA for everyone
We have developed a system that provides clear transition rules and ensures no efforts are duplicated and no candidate is left behind.
Pursuing your ACIA designation
The new syllabus for the ACIA modules and Capstone Exam have been designed to bridge education and the work environment. The modules are a core educational requirement toward ACIA designation and the next step in how we’re transforming actuarial education in Canada.
What is an ACIA?
An Associate of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (ACIA) has the knowledge to identify, evaluate, and analyze risk along with the technical, communications, and business skills outlined in the CIA’s education syllabus.
ACIAs typically work in industries that require strong technical and analytical skills. Associates can append the ACIA initials to their names and can continue on to an FCIA designation. ACIAs do not have signing authority and cannot fill reserved roles in Canada.
On average, it takes around five to seven years to become an ACIA, including university education.
Steps to becoming an Associate (ACIA):
Choose your qualification pathway
Obtain core education through university or other actuarial organization
Apply to become an ACIA
Learn more about the pathways to ACIA designation for your situation
Students and recent graduates of an accredited university
Considering or already pursuing ACIA designation? Take the next step.
Learn more
Students and graduates of non-accredited universities or other professionals
Are you considering starting a career as an actuary? See your options.
Learn more
Associates or Fellows of actuarial organizations not recognized by the CIA
See how you can have your qualifications recognized and put toward an ACIA.
Learn moreQuick ACIA facts
Benefits to ACIA
As a member of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), you belong to the premier community of actuarial professionals in Canada. You enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive education syllabus, robust continuing professional development, thought-provoking and leading-edge research, and world-class bilingual principles-based standards of practice and guidance materials and resources.
Partnership with Canadian Universities
The new online modules and online open-book exam supplements an accredited degree with the ACIA modules and ACIA Capstone exam to assess technical skills more practically, without duplication of effort, and at the high standards the CIA is known for.
Transition rules in place to make designation more accessible
During a transitional period, a combination of UAP credits and education and examinations of other actuarial organizations may be accepted in lieu of some ACIA/FCIA requirements.
Important Dates
Take note of some key upcoming dates as you work toward your ACIA designation.
Ask your education questions every Friday on Zoom
Join us every Friday from 12:00-12:30 ET to speak with our education experts about the new education pathways. We can’t wait to answer your questions about becoming an actuary.
September 30, 2023
The end of September is the deadline to apply for course-by-course UAP credits. Learn more about possible credits.
October 31, 2023
A degree completed from an accredited university by this date with a combination of UAP credits can provide exemption from the ACIA modules and Capstone Exam. Review the transition rules.
Now available:
Education Syllabus – ACIA Capstone Exam and modules
ACIA Modules – Spring 2023
- The ACIA modules are a core education requirement for ACIA. It is intended to bridge accredited university education or education obtained via other actuarial organizations with the work environment. It is administered online via the CIA Learning Management System (LMS).
ACIA Exam – Fall 2023
- The ACIA Capstone exam helps candidates prepare for the actuarial profession and tasks related to entry-level actuarial positions. The exam assumes acquired knowledge in a recognized university degree, as well as from the ACIA modules, focusing on application and communication.
- It is an open-book, six-hour exam, requiring analysis in the context of a problem and submission of written responses to specified tasks. The exam is split into two sections: a four-hour mandatory common section and a two-hour specialized section, long- or short-term, selected at exam registration.
Apply to become an ACIA
Take the next steps to become an Associate or to complete the ACIA qualification requirements.