Becoming a Student or Candidate of the CIA
The CIA has two entry-level, transitional memberships for those pursuing the ACIA or FCIA designations.
Student membership is for individuals enrolled in a CIA-accredited actuarial science program. It requires completion of an orientation module, has no annual fees, requires proof of enrolment with annual reconfirmation, and may be retained during studies and for up to two years after graduation.
Candidate membership is designed for individuals who are no longer enrolled as students or whose Student membership has ended. It provides continued access to CIA resources while you progress along the education pathway. Candidate members must complete an orientation module, renew their membership annually and enrol in a CIA educational product within two years to remain in good standing (the mandatory Professionalism Module does not count).
Both membership categories are open for registration and came into effect on December 1, 2024. As CIA members, Students and Candidates are bound by the Institute’s continuing professional development requirements and Rules of Professional Conduct, and are required to file an annual CPD compliance statement.
If you are not yet a member of the CIA, you must first obtain a Student or Candidate membership with the Institute to participate in the CIA’s Professionalism Workshop, the Advanced Professionalism and Leadership Course, or any of the ACIA and FCIA modules and exams.
“It’s the best of both worlds. I get to study a program that I thoroughly will enjoy as well as get credit throughout the process.”
-Noah Bensmihen, ACIA (former Student member)
Which membership category is right for you?
Student
The Student membership category is open to those actively enrolled in an actuarial science degree of a CIA-accredited university program and working towards achieving their ACIA designation. The Student membership category is intended to be a transitional membership status and may be retained while the student is still enrolled in full time studies and is still actively completing ACIA requirements, and for up to two years following graduation.
Applicants must also successfully complete an orientation module in order to obtain Student membership.
Student members do not pay annual membership fees but must provide proof of enrolment with their application and yearly reconfirm their enrolment status in a CIA-accredited university program during the membership renewal period. The proof of enrolment must be an official document from the educational institution. Recent graduates may renew their Student membership status for up to two years following graduation by providing a copy of their diploma at renewal.
Candidate
The Candidate membership category is open to those who are pursuing their ACIA or FCIA designation and who are NOT enrolled in a CIA-accredited university program in actuarial science and for those whose Student memberships have expired. The Candidate membership category is intended to be a transitional membership status while qualification requirements for ACIA or FCIA are achieved. Candidate membership may be maintained for up to two years without enrolment in a CIA educational product (not including the CIA Professionalism Module). If no enrolment occurs within this two-year period, membership may be terminated.
Applicants must also successfully complete an orientation module in order to obtain Candidate membership.
Candidate members pay annual fees and must renew their membership yearly during the membership renewal period.
Student vs. Candidate Membership: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between Student and Candidate membership, and which option is right for you?
Student membership is for individuals enrolled in a CIA-accredited actuarial science degree program and working toward the ACIA designation. It has no annual fees and may be retained during studies and for up to two years after graduation.
Candidate membership is for individuals pursuing the ACIA or FCIA designation who are not enrolled in a CIA-accredited program or whose Student membership has ended. It requires annual fees and renewal and includes timelines for enrolling in CIA educational products.
Both categories are transitional, open for registration and took effect on December 1, 2024.
What do I need to obtain and keep Student membership?
You must successfully complete an orientation module and provide proof of enrolment in a CIA-accredited actuarial science degree program with your application, and then reconfirm your enrolment each year at renewal. There are no membership fees.
Student membership can be retained while you remain in full-time studies and are actively completing ACIA requirements, and for up to two years after graduation. Recent graduates may renew their Student membership during this two-year period by providing a copy of their diploma.
What are the obligations and timelines for Candidate membership?
Candidate members must complete an orientation module, pay annual fees and renew their membership each year. To remain in good standing, you must enrol in a CIA educational product within two years of becoming a Candidate member (the CIA’s mandatory Professionalism Module does not count toward this requirement).
Candidate membership is intended for individuals who are not enrolled in a CIA-accredited program, or whose Student membership has ended, as they work toward the ACIA or FCIA designation.
Do I need to be a CIA member to access workshops, courses, modules and exams?
Yes, you must hold Student or Candidate membership to participate in the CIA Professionalism Workshop, the Advanced Professionalism and Leadership Course, and ACIA/FCIA modules and exams.
What professional obligations apply to Student and Candidate members?
Both categories are subject to the CIA’s continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and Rules of Professional Conduct, which includes the filing of an annual CPD compliance statement.