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Effective January 1, 2026, the proficiency rules applicable to Investment Dealer Approved Persons with CIRO have changed. This course is no longer acceptable for the purposes of CIRO approval with an Investment Dealer.

For more information, visit the CIRO Proficiency website.

Hours of study: 95 – 135 Hours

Enrolment Period: 1 Year

What is the DFOL exam weighting?

Exam Topics Weightings
An Overview of Derivatives 3%
Futures Contracts 11%
Exchange Traded Options 14%
Swaps 7%
How Investment Funds and Structured Products Use Derivatives 6%
A Review of the Risk and Reward Profiles of Common Option Strategies 16%
Opening and Maintaining Option Accounts 25%
The Role of Clearing Corporations and Exchanges in Listed Options Trading 10%
Contract Adjustments and Special Considerations and Risks of Non-Equity Options 8%

What is the DFOL exam structure?

Structure Information
Exams 1
Exam Format Proctored (remote or in-person at a test centre)
Exam Duration 3 hours
Question Format Multiple Choice
Questions Per Exam 100*
Attempts Allowed Per Exam 3
Passing Grade 60%
Assignments None

* If you enrolled before December 6, 2023, your DFOL exam will consist of 110 questions.

What Continuing Education (CE) credits will you earn?

AccreditationCredits
ADVOCIS Structured Learning CE30
CIM Professional development20
PFP Professional development10
DFSA Professional Development9
CIRO-MF Business Conduct - Other8
MTI12
CIWM Professional development9
CIRO-MF Professional Development10
CSF Compliance 10
CSF Mutual Funds10

View CE credits for all CSI courses and all associations.

While CSI makes every effort to ensure that the information is up-to-date, we are unfortunately unable to fully guarantee its accuracy. The information listed in the chart may be subject to change.

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