Prepare for the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) exam with our comprehensive resources. Understand the exam structure, key content areas, and effective study tips to enhance your chances of success.

Examzify course visual
Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Question of the day

What does the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) do?

Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) is a neutral and independent organization that helps resolve disputes between customers and financial services providers. This includes investigating and handling customer complaints. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect because OBSI does not handle marketing campaigns, regulate interest rates, or sell financial products. It solely focuses on providing a dispute resolution service for banking and investment related issues.

Unlock the full question bank

This demo includes a limited set of questions. Upgrade for full access and premium tools.

Full question bankFlashcardsExam-style practice
Unlock now

Important update before anything else: as of January 1, 2026, the Canadian Securities Course is no longer accepted for CIRO investment dealer approval for new candidates. If your goal is becoming a licensed investment representative at a CIRO-regulated dealer, the course that now serves that purpose is the Canadian Investment Regulatory Exam (CIRE), not the CSC. Candidates who enrolled in the CSC before January 1, 2026 may still qualify under transition provisions if they finish coursework and exams before January 1, 2027, with their sponsoring dealer filing approval by that deadline. Everyone else pursuing CIRO licensing should be looking at CIRE.

That said, the CSC hasn't disappeared. It's still used for general financial education (the "CSC for Investors" edition), internal employer training programs, and by candidates already partway through it under the transition window. If either of those applies to you, here's what the exam itself involves.

CSC exam format:

Structure Two separate exams
Questions 100 multiple choice, per exam
Time 2 hours, per exam
Passing score 60%, per exam
Attempts 3 per exam
Study time 135 to 200 hours estimated
Prerequisites None formally required

No prior finance background is required to enroll, though a basic grounding in math, finance, and investment concepts helps. Content spans corporate financial statements, the structure of the Canadian securities industry, and fee-based accounts and taxation.

If you're actually here for CIRO licensing, the CIRE that replaced the CSC for this purpose looks different: a single 110-question exam, 120 minutes, psychometrically set passing score (not published), 3 attempts within a 12-month enrollment, $475 for the first attempt and $300 per retake, with no mandatory coursework required beforehand. Worth confirming current CIRE details directly with CIRO or CSI before you commit study time and money to either path.

Since two exams, 200 questions total, is a meaningfully larger scope than most professional practice tests, broad and consistent review across all covered content areas matters more here than cramming any single topic.

Our practice questions cover the CSC's core content areas across both exams, with explanations for every answer, for candidates who need the CSC specifically rather than its CIRO-facing replacement.

Take the Free Practice Test Get the Full Exam Bundle

Find the option that is right for you!

All options are one-time payments.

$12.50

30 day premium pass

All the basics to get you started

  • Ad-free experience
  • View your previous attempt history
  • Mobile app access
  • In-depth explanations
  • 30 day premium pass access
$30.00 $87.50 usd

6 month DELUXE pass (most popular)

Everything with the 30 day premium pass FOR 6 MONTHS! & the ultimate digital PDF study guide (BONUS)

  • Everything included in the premium pass
  • $87.50 usd value for $30.00! You save $57.50!
  • + Access to the ultimate digital PDF study guide
  • + 6 months of premium pass access
  • + Priority support
$12.50 $18.99

Ultimate digital PDF study guide

For those that prefer a more traditional form of learning

  • Available for instant download
  • Available offline
  • Hundreds of practice multiple choice questions
  • Comprehensive content
  • Detailed explanations
Image Description

Start fast

Jump into multiple-choice practice and build momentum.

Flashcards mode

Fast repetition for weak areas. Flip and learn.

Study guide

Prefer offline? Grab the PDF and study anywhere.

What you get with Examzify

Quick, premium practice, designed to keep you moving.

Unlock full bank

Instant feedback

See the correct answer right away and learn faster.

Build confidence with repetition.

Improve weak areas

Practice consistently and tighten up gaps quickly.

Less noise. More focus.

Mobile + web

Practice anywhere. Pick up where you left off.

Great for short sessions.

Exam-style pace

Build speed and accuracy with realistic practice.

Train like it’s test day.

Full bank unlock

Unlock all questions when you’re ready to go all-in.

No ads. No distractions.

Premium experience

Clean, modern UI built for learning.

Focused prep, start-to-finish.

FAQs

Quick answers before you start.

What topics are covered in the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) Exam?

The CSC Exam covers essential topics like investment products, regulatory frameworks, and market analysis. Key areas include equities, fixed income, derivatives, and ethical practices. For thorough preparation, utilizing high-quality study resources, like those available on responsive platforms, can greatly enhance understanding and confidence.

What is the format of the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) Exam?

The CSC Exam comprises multiple-choice questions designed to assess your understanding of financial concepts and regulatory practices. It generally consists of two segments, each testing various competencies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. Familiarizing yourself with the exam format through reliable preparatory tools can significantly aid your confidence.

How can I best prepare for the CSC Exam?

Preparing for the CSC Exam involves a combination of studying the course material and taking full-length exams to build familiarity with the content. Consider engaging with quality study resources from trusted platforms to help reinforce your knowledge and skills while you prepare for the actual exam.

What are the career prospects after completing the CSC?

Completing the CSC allows individuals to pursue various roles in finance, such as financial advisor, where salaries can range from CAD 50,000 to CAD 100,000 annually in major cities like Toronto. This certification enhances career advancement and opens doors to exciting opportunities in the investment industry.

How is the passing score determined for the CSC Exam?

The passing score for the CSC Exam is set based on a predetermined standard, typically around 60%. This benchmark reflects the competency required to become a licensed professional in the financial industry. Access to high-quality preparatory materials can be a game-changer in achieving this goal.

Reviews

See what learners say.

4.50
Review ratingReview ratingReview ratingReview ratingReview rating
48 reviews

Rating breakdown

95%

of customers recommend this product

  • Review ratingReview ratingReview ratingReview rating
    User avatar
    Lucy A.

    Still working through the material, but I appreciate that I can use the app anywhere. The mix of flash cards and quizzes is great for learning on the go. I'm gaining confidence and feel aligned on content despite the randomness. Definitely a solid tool for my journey!

  • Review ratingReview ratingReview ratingReview ratingReview rating
    User avatar
    David L.

    Having taken the exam recently, I can say the prep definitely gave me an advantage. The questions were on point and reflected what I encountered on the day. The clarity in explanations helped solidify my understanding of complex topics. Without a doubt, a must-have for anyone serious about mastering this material!

  • Review ratingReview ratingReview ratingReview rating
    User avatar
    Emily R.

    As someone currently preparing for the CSC, I found the random question format incredibly helpful. It keeps me on my toes and reinforces my learning. The flashcards are also a great way to retain important concepts. I feel more confident with each session and I'm excited to take the exam soon! Highly recommend. Rating: 4/5.

View all reviews

Ready to practice?

Start free now. When you’re ready, unlock the full bank for the complete Examzify experience.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy