Finding the Right Path for Your Financial Services Career

The financial services sector in Canada is quite broad, and there are many different paths you can take both to start a career in finance and advance your existing career. At Ashton College, we’re committed to offering education that teaches skills that are in demand in the financial industry. We are going to give you a look at the current courses we have on offer, and how they reflect the needs of Canada’s financial services sector.

Canadian Securities Course (CSC)

The Canadian Securities Course (CSC) at Ashton College is designed to prepare students to take on the CSC exam and earn their CSC designation. The CSC designation is managed by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI), one of the leading organizations in Canadian finance. In Canada, the CSC is seen as a baseline requirement to perform securities, mutual fund and alternative funds transactions in many financial services positions.

Our course prepares you to take on the CSC exam administered by CSI. By passing the exam, you will earn your CSC designation and be able to pursue a Canadian Investment Manager or Financial Management Adviser designation. The CSC serves as an excellent entry point for professionals looking to find work as a licenced mutual fund representative, full-service investment adviser, discount brokerage investment representative, bank and trust officer, or financial planner.

Certified Financial Planner Certification, QAFP and CFP

FP Canada is a national professional body dedicated to the advancement of the financial planning profession. They offer two certifications for financial planners: Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). The CFP is the most widely recognized financial planner certification in Canada and around the world, making it an invaluable asset for a financial planner’s career. Taking a certified financial planner course will help bring you closer to earning your QAFP and CFP designations.

Our certified financial planner courses at Ashton College are offered in partnership with Advocis to teach students the fundamentals of building a comprehensive financial plan. Through our courses, students will learn the knowledge and skills they need to challenge FP Canada’s certification exams, thus bringing them closer to earning one of the most respected certifications in their field.

Financial Risk Management

Financial risk management is the practice of protecting economic value, and financial risk managers are an important part of Canada’s finance sector. As with other financial disciplines we have discussed, financial risk management has its own certification and regulatory body. The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) manages the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation, which is recognized as the international standard for the profession.

Earning your FRM certification requires you to pass a 2-part exam, which is what our FRM courses at Ashton College are designed to help you with. Each course covers 1 part of the exam in-depth, preparing you to enter the FRM exam with the knowledge and confidence you need. Having your risk management certification will open up opportunities for you in the Canadian market and any other major market in the world.

Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC)

To work in mutual funds, you must meet the proficiency requirements laid out by your provincial securities commission. Our Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) is offered in partnership with the IFSE Institute to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the various types of mutual funds, and other foundational knowledge that will help you meet the requirements to work in mutual funds.

LLQP: Harmonized Life Licence Qualification Program

Canada’s life insurance sector is provincially regulated and requires individuals to pass the Life Licence Qualification Course (LLQP). Our course at Ashton covers the 4 LLQP modules and prepares you to take on the Harmonized LLQP exam. Successful completion of the LLQP exam and the four module exams will enable you to sell life insurance in your province.

Taking the Next Step

The Canadian finance sector is large and full of opportunities for those who seek them out. One of the best ways to access these opportunities is by getting relevant education. Register now for one of our upcoming financial services courses at Ashton College and take your career further.

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