A woman smiling at camera.

Protecting the value of designation

Whether they are from the CIA or another recognized actuarial association, actuarial titles and designations are earned. Rule 10 expects that only those who have earned them use them, and only in accordance with the practices specified by those associations.

Why Rule 10 is important

Decorative icon

Protects the value of
professional designation 
Designations such as ACIA and FCIA represent qualification meeting rigorous standards. Ensuring they are used only when appropriate demonstrates respect for the governing body’s rules and the value of earned designations.

Decorative icon

Reinforces accountability and professionalism 
Ensuring titles and designations are used accurately supports uniform branding and recognition of professional qualifications. It also prevents misleading people about a member’s authority within an organization.

Decorative icon

Upholds the profession’s reputation  
Preventing misrepresentation of qualifications that could mislead clients or the public and preventing unauthorized or exaggerated claims minimizes potential legal or disciplinary consequences for improper use, which protect the reputation of the profession.

Decorative icon

Builds trust 
Standardized use of titles avoids confusion and maintains clarity across the profession. When misuse faces potential disciplinary action, it reinforces confidence in the profession’s credibility and standards.

What Rule 10 means for members

People in a work meeting.

Misusing credentials is a serious ethical breach
Titles and designations signify qualifications that meet specific standards. You must always use them accurately and ethically. Otherwise, you are misrepresenting yourself and your abilities.

Two men and a woman in an informal office meeting.

Know which titles are protected
You must not misuse any title conferred by a recognized actuarial organization related to a specific position within that actuarial organization. These include “president,” “chair,” “director” or “member.”

Two men and a woman chatting in a work meeting.

Know what “designation”
means in this context
You must not misuse any designation that references a specific membership status within a recognized actuarial organization. These include “Fellow, Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA)” and “Associate, Canadian Institute of Actuaries (ACIA).”

A woman and a man smiling in a work meeting.

Keep your membership in good standing
In order to continue using designations and titles, you must keep current with membership dues and continuing professional development requirements.

Explore other rules