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What are the requirements to earn a CIWM?

CIWM candidates must complete the below requirements.

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Education

The CIWM requires applicants to complete the approved education path, offered exclusively through the Canadian Securities Institute.

Certification Examination

The CIWM Certification Examination will assess the candidate’s expertise in developing strategies and relationships with high-net-worth clients. The examination has three components based on a high-net-worth client scenario to be completed over the course of 60 days. The level of effort required is estimated at 25-35 hours.

Work Experience

CIWM applicants must meet a 3-year work experience requirement. CSI retains the right to assess all CIWM applicants for compliance with the experience requirements.

As part of the application process, work experience will be verified and audited. Applicants will be asked to provide the name of the verifying individual on their application form.

VERIFYING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Individuals who can verify experience should be a current or recent employer/supervisor
  • Self-employed individuals must provide verification from a previous employer or a close peer who holds a financial services designation (e.g., CIM®, CIWM)—in such a case, CSI may request further documentation

VERIFICATION PROCESS

  • A request for verification will be sent (by email) to the verifier provided by the applicant on the application form
  • A copy of the request will be sent to the applicant, so they know they are being assessed
  • Contacts will be asked to provide confirmation within 30 days of the request
  • If the confirmation is not received, CSI will notify the applicant, and a copy of the notification will also be sent to the work experience contact
  • If a response is not received within 30 days, the applicant and the verifier will be contacted again

Misstated or fraudulent reporting of experience will be reported to the Designation Ethics Committee as a violation of the CIWM Code of Ethics and will be considered according to the Ethical Misconduct Process. The CIWM Competency Profile outlines nine (9) core competencies and sub-competencies and assists candidates in assessing their experience before applying for the CIWM designation.

Code of Ethics

When applying for the CIWM, you must commit to the CIWM Code of Ethics.

Trademark License and Application Fees

You are also required to agree to the terms of the CIWM Certification Mark Licence Agreement, which grants you the right to use the CIWM trademarks in your own marketing.

The initial application fee is $325 and includes your license fee for the year.

If you have met the above requirements, apply now, and harness your potential with the CIWM.

APPLY NOW

A Note from CSI

CSI holds itself to the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness when dealing with clients, students, designation holders and regulators.

We are committed to ensuring impartiality in carrying out our CIWM certification activities (e.g., certification examination results and other decisions related to granting designations). We actively manage conflicts of interest to ensure objectivity.

To appeal other certification decisions, please email us at designations@csi.ca.

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