Becoming an FCSI®

  1. What are the requirements to be granted a Fellow of CSI (FCSI)?
    FCSI candidates will have to fulfill each of the following requirements:

    • 1 CSI designation (PFP®, CSWP®, MTI®, CIM®, FICB® or CIM*, FMA*, DMS*, PFP*, MTI*)
      OR
      1 non-CSI designation (CFP®, CFA®, CLU®)
    • 2 courses from a different education stream other than the designation granted
    • Successful completion of Financial Services Industry: Business Drivers and Challenges (FSDC) course
    • 7 out of 10 years experience in the financial services industry
    • FCSI Code of Ethics, Trademark Licence Agreement, Industry Contribution Requirements (12 hours annually)
    • 2 endorsement letters—1 from a supervisor and 1 from an active FCSI member

    *CSI will allow original CIMs, PFPs, DMSs and FMAs to achieve the FCSI as long as they complete the current requirements and apply for the FCSI by December 31, 2014.

  2. What is the launch date for the new FCSI?

    Effective September 21, 2011, CSI launched the requirements for the new FCSI.

  3. Why do I have to provide a supervisor contact in order to become an FCSI?

    The supervisor contact will verify your endorsement declaration.

  4. What happens if I haven't worked for the same employer for the past 7 years?
    CSI will provide multiple spaces for you to provide your supervisors' contact information.

  5. What do I do if I don't know an active FCSI who can sponsor me?

    If you do not know an FCSI, then your endorsement contact must be from a former employer—not your current supervisor. If you are still unsuccessful, then email fcsi@csi.ca and we will try to help.

  6. What approved courses am I able to take?
    You must take 2 of the courses in the left-hand column from the chart below. Both courses must be in addition to the courses taken to achieve your current designation. You must also take the Financial Services Industry: Business Drivers and Challenges (FSDC) course.

    7. Approved Course CAN Be Used Towards Your FCSI® if You Hold this Designation CANNOT Be Used Towards Your FCSI® if You Hold this Designation
    ETA CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, FMA®, DMS® MTI®
    FPII MTI®, DMS® PFP®, CSWP®, CIM®, FMA®
    WME MTI®, DMS® CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, FMA®
    IMT MTI®, PFP®, FMA®, DMS® CIM®, CSWP®
    PMT® MTI®, CSWP®, PFP®, FMA®, DMS® CIM®
    AETS PFP®, CIM®, FMA®, DMS® MTI®, CSWP®
    ARMS PFP®, CIM®, FMA®, DMS® MTI®, CSWP®
    AIS MTI®, PFP®, FMA®, DMS® CIM®, CSWP®
    DFC® CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA® DMS®
    FRM CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA® DMS®
    TAC CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA® DMS®
    OPSC CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA® DMS®
    CAI CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA® DMS®
    CCO CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA®, DMS n/a
    BMC CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA®, DMS® n/a
    PDO CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA®, DMS® n/a
    TTC CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA®, DMS® n/a
    DFOL CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA® DMS®
    Professional Banking Courses* CIM®, CSWP®, PFP®, MTI®, FMA®, DMS®  

    *CSI will accept Professional Banking courses (for those who have previously completed them or are currently in a cohort), but they are no longer offered publicly.

  7. When does the FSDC course launch?
    The FSDC course launched on November 16, 2011. The 5-year rule will be applied on this course, meaning applicants must apply for the FCSI within 5 years of completing the FSDC course. If this requirement is not met, the applicant will be required to re-take the course before re-applying for the FCSI.

  8. Will CSI recognize external designations towards achievement of the FCSI?
    Yes, applicants who have the CFA, CFP or CLU will be eligible to achieve the FCSI. CSI will also consider external courses to be used for the additional course requirement as long as they are consistent with CSI's regimen. All external designation holders will, however, be required to complete the Financial Services Industry: Business Drivers and Challenges (FSDC) Course.

  9. Will CSI accept PBP course completions towards the new FCSI even if they are no longer offered publicly?
    Yes. CSI will accept the PBP courses for those who have previously completed it or are currently on the path to completion, up to December 31, 2014.

  10. Will FCSIs have any CE requirements?
    No. All new FCSIs are required to commit to 12 industry contribution hours each year. Examples of industry contribution are participation in the Junior Achievement Awards Program, mentoring, speaking engagements, marking of exams, participation on industry committees, charitable activities, etc.

  11. How will I know I've been granted the FCSI?
    You will receive a congratulatory letter from the President of CSI with instructions to complete your profile for posting on the FCSI Public Directory. You will also receive a complimentary framed wall certificate within 6 to 8 weeks.

  12. How is my renewal date set?
    FCSI renewal is based on the anniversary date of the FCSI being granted. In other words, if your FCSI was granted on April 30, 2011, your renewal expiry date will always on fall April 30 each year going forward.

  13. Will I receive notification of my upcoming renewal?
    4 weeks and 1 week prior to expiry, you will receive an email from CSI notifying you of your upcoming renewal. The renewal process may be completed online or by downloading a form and sending a hard copy to CSI.

  14. What does the renewal process entail?
    You will be given a link to renew your membership online. Simply click on the link, complete the information, provide payment and click on the Submit button. You will receive an automated confirmation message upon submission.

  15. Do I have to renew my FCSI membership each year?
    Yes. To represent yourself as an active FCSI and maintain the value and prestige associated with the Fellow, you are required to renew your FCSI membership on an annual basis by submitting an annual fee and meeting continuing standards in 2 vital areas—ethics and industry contribution.

    Ethics
    All FCSIs must adhere to the FCSI Code of Ethics. FCSIs are required to complete and submit a signed Ethical Conduct Statement during every 12-month period, January 1 to December 31.

    Industry Contribution
    All new FCSIs are required to commit to 12 industry contribution hours each year. Examples of industry contribution are participation in the Junior Achievement Awards Program, mentoring, speaking engagements, marking of exams, participation on industry committees, charitable activities, etc.

    Trademark Licence Agreement
    All FCSIs who wish to use the FCSI trademarks (including "FCSI," "Fellow of CSI" and the FCSI logo) must renew their FCSI membership on or before their annual renewal date.

    Annual Fee
    All FCSIs must submit an annual fee of $100 plus applicable taxes. This fee grants you the right to use the recognized FCSI trademarks and helps pay for the benefits of the FCSI membership.

  16. What happens if I do not renew my FCSI membership?
    FCSIs who do not renew their annual membership will not be permitted to use the FCSI trademark. They will receive no membership benefits and their names will be removed from the FCSI Public Directory.

  17. How can I reinstate my FCSI membership?
    FCSIs who have allowed their membership to lapse can re-apply; however, the applicant will have to pay a $50 administration late fee and pay the annual $100 membership fee.

    FCSIs who do not renew for 5 years or more will be required to re-take the FSDC course and will be required to pay the $50 administration fee and the $100 renewal fee.

  18. What are the benefits of becoming an FCSI?
    You will enjoy:

    • Licensing and trademark use of "FCSI" letters on marketing materials
    • Inclusion in FCSI Public Directory
    • Marketing materials, including a downloadable personalized printed brochure
    • FCSI LinkedIn
    • Licence fee bundling for other designations
    • Promotion of FCSI to raise awareness among clients, investors, peers and employers
    • Front-of-the-Line VIP Customer Service when you call into CSI Customer Service or email us

  19. How do I get access to my benefits?
    To access your benefits, log in to the FCSI section of the FCSI website at www.fcsi.ca.

  20. Is there an email address I can send a question to?

    Yes, you can email the FCSI hotline at fcsi@csi.ca.

  21. Is there a special number I can call if I have a question?
    Yes, you can call 416-364-9130 or toll-free 1-866-866-2601 and press 5 for FCSI Front-of-the-Line VIP Customer Service.