Pathway 3
Use a recognized fellow-level designation
This pathway is open to anyone who already holds a fellow-level designation from a recognized organization. There are two routes: experience and fast track. Please note that an individual’s first fellow-level designation is only required for initial qualification.
Why pursue the FCIA designation using this path
- Your goal is to achieve the FCIA designation, the only designation that allows you to occupy reserved roles in Canada.
- You want to hold more than one fellow-level designation.
- You want to demonstrate specialized expertise and advance your career.
- You want to open new opportunities in traditional and emerging areas of actuarial practice.
Steps for pursuing the FCIA designation via Pathway 3A – experience route
Hold a recognized fellow-level designation from a recognized organization.
Successfully complete the CIA’s Advanced Professionalism and Leadership Course.
Successfully complete FCIA Module 2 in your area of practice (if applicable).
Demonstrate 36 months of practical, Canadian-specific experience accrued after achieving your first fellow-level designation within the last four years, certified by an FCIA, per the FCIA Application Guidelines.
Contact [email protected] for application details.
Steps for pursuing the FCIA designation via Pathway 3B – fast-track route
Hold a recognized fellow-level designation from a recognized organization.
Successfully complete the CIA’s Advanced Professionalism and Leadership Course.
Successfully complete FCIA Module 2 in your area of practice (if applicable).
Complete one FCIA exam*.
Demonstrate 36 months of experience within the last six years, including twelve months of Canadian-specific experience accrued after achieving your first fellow-level designation, certified by an FCIA, per the FCIA Application Guidelines.
Contact [email protected] for application details.
* Those interested in pursuing this pathway should contact [email protected] to find out whether an additional exam is required.
Overview of FCIA exam requirement under 3B :
- FSA with spring 2025 exam(s) and prior: one FCIA exam required if Canadian exams of RET, ILA, GH tracks were not completed. No exam is required for QFI and CFE tracks.
- FSA with any fall 2025 exam(s) and beyond: one FCIA exam required.
- FCAS or FSA in GI track: one FCIA exam if 6C was not completed.
- Fellows of the ASSA, DAV, IAAust, IFoA and SAI.
For those who must take an extra exam, the requirement in each track is:
- GB: F1 – Product Design and Group Benefits Environment
- PC: F2 – Estimating Unpaid Claims and Financial Reporting under IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts
- ILA: F1 – Life Finance and Valuation
- FIE: F2 – Valuation and Financial Considerations
- RET: F3RET – Pension Risk Management for SOA participants with credit for pre‑fall 2025 exams RETFRC and RETDAC.
- RET: F2RET – Pension Financial Reporting for SOA participants with credit for pre‑fall 2025 exams RETFRC and RETRPIRM.
- RET: F1RET – Pension Funding and Regulation in all other instances.
Check for any exemptions you may qualify for in our transition rules.