CSC (AACN) study guide
CSC · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) is a course and credential offered by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI), which is now part of Fitch Learning, a global provider of professional education programs and credentials. CSI frames the CSC® around career paths in the Canadian securities industry and maintains separate pages for careers with the CSC®, licensing, and a comparison with the Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) course. CSI has also announced 'The New CSC® – Reimagined for the Future of Financial Services', described as an AI-first learning experience designed for the evolving financial services industry. CSI markets its training to post-secondary students, newcomers to Canada, and people building careers in financial services. The CSC study guide has 4 sections and about 1,160 words.
01The Canadian Securities Industry and Financial Markets
Canada’s securities industry is built around provincial and territorial securities commissions, which are the primary regulators; together they work through the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) to harmonize rules. Self-regulatory organizations, now consolidated into the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), oversee dealer and marketplace conduct, while the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) protects eligible client assets if a member firm becomes insolvent.
313 words, about 2 min02Investment Products
Investment products fall into cash/money market, fixed income, equities, managed products and derivatives. Fixed-income securities include government and corporate bonds, money market instruments, and preferred shares, which are legally equity but often analyzed for yield and credit.
320 words, about 2 min03Analysis and Valuation
Equity analysis starts with business, industry and financial-statement review: revenue quality, margins, cash flow, leverage and returns on capital. Ratio analysis includes EPS, P/E, P/B, dividend payout, current ratio and debt/equity.
276 words, about 1 min04Portfolio and Client Management
Portfolio management begins with know-your-client information: goals, time horizon, liquidity needs, income, net worth, tax situation, risk tolerance and risk capacity. The investment policy statement (IPS) records objectives, constraints and permitted asset classes.
251 words, about 1 min