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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.

Learn about becoming ACIA

Ways to become FCIA

Pathway 2: Have your existing associate designation recognized and then complete your FCIA through CIA's education system

This is the partnership route. It is designed for people who have an associate designation from an actuarial organization that is recognized by the CIA 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 other association 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 your other associate designation and the FCIA
  • You want to pursue FCIA through innovative, open-book, online CIA fellowship exams and modules

Steps for Pathway 2

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

Apply to have completed coursework and exams assessed by the CIA

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

Demonstrate required practical and Canadian-specific experience

Successfully complete FCIA membership application

Pathway 3: Complete another fellow-level designation first

In this route, you complete a fellow-level designation through another actuarial organization recognized by the CIA before getting your FCIA designation. You can take the experience route or the fast track.

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)

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 to Pathway 3 – Experience route:

Provide evidence of a recognized fellow-level designation in good standing

Demonstrate 36 months of practical and Canadian-specific experience accrued since achievement of fellow-level designation certified by an FCIA

Successfully complete an FCIA specialty track module (when available)

Complete FCIA membership application

Steps to Pathway 3 – Fast-track route:

Provide evidence of a recognized fellow-level designation in good standing

Demonstrate 36 months of practical actuarial work experience including 12 months of Canadian-specific experience certified by an FCIA

Complete FCIA membership application

Continuing professional education (CPD)

The needs of our profession and our clients are continually changing. CPD requirements ensure our members stay up-to-date and relevant, that ACIA/FCIA designation continues to be recognized as valuable, and that standards of professionalism are always refreshed and upheld.

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