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Recognized Fellow designations include those granted by:

Actuarial Society of South Africa (South Africa)

Casualty Actuarial Society (United States)

Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (United Kingdom)

Institute of Actuaries of Australia (Australia)

Society of Actuaries (United States)

Society of Actuaries in Ireland (Ireland)

Why you should consider becoming an Associate or Fellow of the CIA

An ACIA designation shows potential employers, clients and other professionals that you possess the knowledge and skills to be an effective and professional actuary. An FCIA designation demonstrates that you possess a particular and highly sought-after professional skillset and the experience to apply it in a specialized way. Both designations can help advance your career and open new opportunities in traditional and emerging areas of actuarial science.

How to become ACIA or FCIA

Pathway 2: Have your existing qualifications assessed and then complete your FCIA through the CIA Education System

This is the Affiliate route. It is designed for people who have an Associate- or Fellow-level designation from actuarial organizations that are not recognized by the CIA, who live in Canada, and who wish to become an FCIA by completing the CIA’s education and examinations.

You might consider this path if:

  • You want to have your qualifications achieved to date recognized by the CIA to help achieve FCIA designation
  • You want to avoid having to duplicate any work or retake any exams
  • You want to avoid any delays in your plan to achieve FCIA
  • The timing of the first availability of CIA modules and exams is acceptable to you
  • You see the value in holding multiple designations
  • You want to pursue FCIA through innovative, open book, online CIA fellowship exams and modules

Steps for Pathway 2

Contact the CIA to ensure you meet the criteria for enrolment in the Affiliate route

Apply to have completed coursework and exams assessed by the CIA

Be an ACIA member for at least 12 months while accruing Canadian experience

Successfully complete FCIA membership application

Successfully complete (any remaining) requirements for an FCIA specialty track

Demonstrate required practical and Canadian-specific experience

Pathway 3: Complete another Fellow credential first for recognition by the CIA

In this route, you complete a Fellow designation through another recognized actuarial organization before getting your FCIA designation. You can take the experience route or the fast track. Fast-tracking requires the CIA-specified Fellowship examination, but with a reduced Canadian-experience requirement.

You might consider this path if:

  • You want to complete a designation(s) from another actuarial organization before becoming FCIA and are actively doing Canadian work
  • You prefer to use the SOA or CAS education system as opposed to the new CIA open-book Fellowship exams and modules
  • You want to hold more than one fellowship designation
  • You don’t want to wait for the first availability of FCIA modules and exams in the CIA’s education system

Steps for Pathway 3

Complete a Fellowship designation through another actuarial organization

Decide between the experience or fast-track option

Accrue required professional and Canadian-specific experience  for FCIA

Complete FCIA membership application

Pursuing FCIA

An FCIA designation shows potential employers, clients, and other professionals that you possess a particular and highly sought-after professional skillset and the experience to apply it in a specialized way. It can help advance your career and open new opportunities in traditional and emerging areas of actuarial science.

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