New FCIA syllabus
The newly developed FCIA syllabus will help candidates prepare for the release of the FCIA modules and exams, estimated to be available for registration by fall 2023.
Pursuing your FCIA designation
Designed as an integral part of the journey to Fellowship, the FCIA syllabus details the learning outcomes for five FCIA specialty tracks. Each track is comprised of two online FCIA modules and three open-book FCIA examinations.
What is an FCIA?
A Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA) can effectively apply the Canadian practice-specific standards, legislation, concepts, and techniques of actuarial science as defined in the CIA’s education syllabus, and has demonstrated a required amount of experience in the profession and Canadian actuarial practice.
FCIAs have opportunities across a variety of industries, from more traditional roles in insurance and pensions to emerging opportunities in banking and predictive analytics. FCIAs have a highly valued toolkit that can be applied in new environments in alignment with personal interests and goals – the possibilities are nearly endless. Fellows can append the initials FCIA to their names and may fulfill certain reserved roles in Canada.
On average, it takes around seven to nine years to become an FCIA, including university education, or one to three years after achieving another Fellowship-level credential.
Steps to becoming an FCIA:
Choose your qualification pathway through the CIA or another actuarial organization
Obtain ACIA
Accrue required professional and Canadian-specific experience
Apply to become an FCIA
Learn more about the pathways to the FCIA designation for your situation Pathways at a glance
Members with ACIA designation
Considering pursuing FCIA? See your options in the CIA’s new education system.
Learn more
Associates or Fellows of other actuarial organizations recognized by the CIA
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 FCIA facts
Benefits of FCIA
As a member of the CIA, you belong to the premier community of actuarial professionals in Canada and around the world. You are recognized for putting the public interest ahead of your own and for advocating on issues affecting Canadian society and its financial future.
A pathway to FCIA for everyone
We have developed three qualification pathways to FCIA to provide options and opportunities for candidates of all educational backgrounds.
FCIA is a global designation
The FCIA designation is not only required for actuarial work in Canada but is respected globally and may be used to qualify in other countries, including Australia, England, Ireland, South Africa, and the United States.
Important dates
Take note of some key upcoming dates toward your FCIA designation.
August 16, 2022 – Pathway 3 applications accepted
Applications for Pathway 3 candidates officially began in the membership period starting in August 2022. Review the transition rules or learn about Pathway 3 requirements.
FCIA modules available
The FCIA modules are not only a requirement for FCIA, but can also be used for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
FCIA module 1
All tracks rollout between fall 2023 and mid-June 2024
FCIA module 2
All tracks rollout between late fall 2023 and August 2024
FCIA exam administration
All exams will be offered bilingually online using an open-book format to allow candidates to demonstrate the practical application of the technical skills learned. Each track will have three exams anticipated to each last 4 hours.
FCIA exam 1
All tracks offered spring 2024
FCIA exam 2
All tracks offered late summer 2024
FCIA exam 3
All tracks offered fall 2024
Apply to become an FCIA
Take the next steps to become a Fellow or to complete the FCIA qualification requirements.