If you passed both volumes of the CSC before January 1, 2026 and hold an active registration in good standing, you generally do not need to write the CIRE. Your CSC completion carries forward under CIRO's transition framework. If you started the CSC but never finished it before that date, the grandfather provision does not apply. You must transition to the new CIRO Proficiency Model and write the CIRE to register. Either way, confirm your specific position directly with CIRO or your sponsoring dealer before making any decisions.
Who Is Grandfathered
CIRO's transition rules generally recognize candidates who:
- Completed and passed both volumes of the CSC before January 1, 2026
- Hold a registration that was in good standing at the time of transition
These individuals are typically not required to rewrite or pass the CIRE for their existing registration category. The CSC completion is treated as equivalent for registration purposes under the Proficiency Model that took effect in 2026.
This applies to registrants in categories where the CSC was the prior qualifying exam. If your registration category required a different exam (or multiple exams), check whether additional transition rules apply to your specific category with CIRO directly.
Who Is Not Grandfathered
The grandfather provision does not cover everyone. You are generally not grandfathered if you:
- Started the CSC but did not pass before January 1, 2026
- Completed Volume 1 only and never wrote or passed Volume 2
- Let a previous registration lapse and are applying for a new one
- Are a new entrant to the industry with no prior registration history
In these scenarios, you need to write the CIRE under the new Proficiency Model. The CIRE is the current qualifying exam for investment dealer representatives. See how the CSC compares to the CIRE for a breakdown of what changed.
What "Good Standing" Means
Grandfather status generally requires that your registration was active and in good standing at the transition date. "Good standing" typically means:
- No current suspension or conditions on your registration
- No outstanding compliance or disciplinary matters that affected registration status
- Registration held through a CIRO dealer member at the relevant date
If your registration had lapsed, was suspended, or was subject to conditions before January 1, 2026, the transition rules may not apply to you the same way. This is one of the scenarios where verifying your individual position with CIRO is important. CIRO's published transition guidance and your compliance department are the authoritative sources here.
Partial Completion Scenarios
The most common source of confusion is partial completion. Here is how these scenarios typically play out, though you should verify your position with CIRO:
Passed Volume 1, never wrote Volume 2: You did not complete the CSC. The grandfather provision generally does not apply. You need to transition to the CIRE path.
Passed Volume 1 and Volume 2 but never held a registration: Passing the exams alone may not be sufficient. Grandfather provisions are generally tied to registration status, not exam completion alone. Check with CIRO whether exam-only completion qualifies under your specific circumstances.
Passed both volumes before January 1, 2026 but registration lapsed after: Transition rules were structured around registration status at or before the effective date. A lapsed registration may require new qualification under current rules. Confirm with CIRO.
Currently registered and active: If you passed the CSC and have been continuously registered, you are in the clearest position for grandfather status. Still worth confirming in writing with your dealer or CIRO.
What Existing Registrants Still Need to Do
Grandfathered status does not mean you are free from all ongoing obligations. Several requirements continue to apply:
Continuing Education (CE): CIRO's CE program applies to all registered individuals, including those who are grandfathered on exam requirements. There is no grandfather provision for CE obligations. You must complete your CE credits on the schedule CIRO sets out.
Proficiency for new activities: If you want to expand your registration to cover new product categories or activities not covered by your original CSC qualification, you may need to complete additional proficiency requirements under the new model.
Firm-level requirements: Your sponsoring dealer may impose internal training or proficiency requirements beyond what CIRO mandates. Check with your compliance department.
For more on what the transition means for active advisors, see is the CSC still required.
How to Verify Your Position With CIRO
Do not rely solely on third-party summaries, including this page, when making registration decisions. Here is how to confirm your status:
- CIRO's official transition guidance: CIRO has published specific rules and FAQs on the Proficiency Model transition. The authoritative source is ciro.ca.
- Your sponsoring dealer's compliance team: Your dealer has compliance staff whose job is to track these rules. They can confirm your registration status and what is required of you.
- Contact CIRO directly: CIRO has a registration department that handles individual inquiries. If you have an unusual or borderline scenario, a direct inquiry in writing gives you a clear record.
- Keep documentation: If you completed the CSC before January 1, 2026, keep your exam transcripts and registration records. You may need to demonstrate your completion date if a question arises later.
What to Do If You Started CSC Volume 1 But Never Wrote the Exam
Some candidates purchased CSC study materials or were enrolled in Volume 1 but never sat the exam before the transition date. In this case:
- You have no completed exam to grandfather, so the provision does not apply
- Your path to registration is through the CIRE
- Your prior study of CSC Volume 1 material may still be useful. The CIRE covers overlapping content in securities fundamentals, though the structure and scope differ
- Take our diagnostic to assess where you stand on CIRE-relevant topics before committing to a study plan
If you are asking whether it is still worth taking the CSC, see is the CSC worth it in 2026. For most new entrants, it is not the right path anymore.
Decision Table
| Candidate Scenario | Grandfather Status | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Passed CSC Volumes 1 and 2 before Jan 1, 2026; registration active | Generally grandfathered | Complete CE obligations; confirm with CIRO |
| Passed CSC; registration lapsed before Jan 1, 2026 | Likely not grandfathered | Verify with CIRO; may need to write CIRE |
| Passed Volume 1 only; never wrote Volume 2 | Not grandfathered | Write CIRE under new Proficiency Model |
| Enrolled in CSC; never wrote any exam | Not grandfathered | Write CIRE under new Proficiency Model |
| New entrant; no CSC history | Not applicable | Write CIRE |
| Registered before Jan 1, 2026; want to expand to new activity | Partial | May need additional proficiency for new scope |
FAQ
Does passing the CSC in 2025 still count if I register in 2026?
Candidates who passed the CSC before January 1, 2026 are generally recognized under the transition rules for existing registration categories. However, the specific recognition depends on your registration category and timing. Confirm with your dealer or CIRO before relying on this.
Can I write the CSC now to grandfather myself?
The transition date has passed. Completing the CSC after January 1, 2026 does not provide grandfather status. The CIRE is now the qualifying exam for new registrants. See what replaces the CSC for current requirements.
I passed the CSC years ago but was not registered at the time. Am I covered?
Grandfather provisions are generally tied to registration status, not exam completion alone. If you were not registered before January 1, 2026, the transition rules may not recognize your prior CSC completion for new registration purposes. Check with CIRO directly.
Does the grandfather provision apply to all registration categories?
No. The CSC was the qualifying exam for specific registration categories. If your category required different or additional exams, those rules apply separately. CIRO's transition guidance covers the category-specific rules.
What happens if I let my grandfathered registration lapse in the future?
If a grandfathered registration lapses after the transition date, re-registration requirements will follow current CIRO rules, which require the CIRE or other applicable exams under the new Proficiency Model. This is not confirmed advice. Verify current rules with CIRO at the time.
Do I need to tell CIRO anything to keep my grandfather status?
Generally, existing registrants do not need to file a specific grandfather application. The status flows from your registration record. But if you change dealers, take a leave, or have any break in registration, confirm with your new dealer's compliance team that continuity is maintained.
Is this page official CIRO guidance?
No. This page summarizes the general transition framework for informational purposes. Specific transition rules and effective dates are published by CIRO. Always verify your individual position with CIRO or your sponsoring dealer.