Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA^TM)

What is the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA^TM) designation?

The Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA^TM) designation is a leading credential for financial advice in Canada. Used by Canada’s largest financial institutions, it ensures that financial advisors have the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate advice to address a client’s financial situation. 

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What are the requirements to earn the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA^TM) designation?

The requirements to earn the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA^TM) designation are defined by the DFSA Competency Profile. This profile is aligned with industry best practices and provides the knowledge and skills applied by advisors. It also drives the pre-requisite requirements, education and ongoing maintenance requirements.

To be eligible to earn the DFSA designation, candidates must complete Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) and agree to:

• Complete one of the educational paths;
• Complete application form and attestation;
• Abide by the Code of Ethics, the Ethical Misconduct Process and the Trademark License Agreement; and
• Commit to ongoing continuing education once the designation education path has been completed.

Note: Completion of the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) grants an exemption to the IFC.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact your employer directly.

What is the path to the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA^TM) designation?

CSI offers three educational paths to achieve the DFSA^TM designation. The DFSA^TM requires applicants to complete an approved education path within 2 years of being granted the designation.