The CIA is the sole qualifying and governing body of the actuarial profession in Canada. With a legacy of excellence, we are dedicated to shaping the future of actuarial science to improve lives in Canada and across the globe.
On September 2, International Actuaries Day, the CIA is announcing an expansion to Pathway 2, creating a new bilingual option for individuals who want to pursue the Associate of the CIA (ACIA) designation but did not complete their preliminary education through a CIA-accredited university program.
For those with a university degree that is not CIA-accredited, the expansion will introduce a new course and exam, to be completed before participants proceed to the ACIA Modules and Capstone Exam and the CIA Professionalism Workshop to earn the ACIA designation.
The new educational components within the expanded pathway will support students, graduates and professionals who hold non-accredited degrees from universities within Canada and internationally, seeking a direct entry point to the Canadian profession. The expansion represents a major step in making the CIA’s education system more accessible directly through the Institute, the voice and governing body of the Canadian actuarial profession.
The Fellow of the CIA (FCIA) designation is the actuarial designation required for occupying reserved roles in Canada. By creating a more direct route to the ACIA designation, this expanded opportunity will help more individuals pursue the FCIA designation and a Canadian actuarial career through the CIA’s education and qualification system.
CIA-accredited universities remain central
Pathway 1 is the preferred route for those pursuing the ACIA designation. Through CIA-accredited university programs, students can complete much of their required education within a recognized academic environment, supported by actuarial faculty, structured coursework and a direct connection to Canada’s actuarial profession.
Individuals pursuing the accredited university route are eligible to become a CIA Student member.
“Pathway 1 continues to be the preferred route for individuals who have access to a CIA-accredited university program,” says Joseph Gabriel, FCIA, Actuary and Associate Director, Education. “But not everyone is in that position. This expansion provides an opportunity to embark on a Canadian, fully CIA, qualification journey from Canada’s actuarial education and qualification body.”
Expanding access in Canada and beyond
A key feature of the expanded pathway is bilingual delivery. Available in both English and French, it will be particularly valuable for professionals in Canada and internationally, whose preferred language is French and wish to leverage the accessible online format of the CIA education system.
“Our ability to offer this program in both English and French is a reflection of our bilingualism, as a national association,” says Chris Cramer, Director, Education and International Affairs. “It allows the CIA to support participants in both official languages and regardless of geographic location.”
New educational components coming in 2027 and 2028
Two new components will be added to the expanded pathway to support participants as they work toward the ACIA Capstone Exam:
- A new course designed to help participants with non-accredited degrees prepare for the next stage of the CIA qualification process.
- A new CIA exam that will assess topics covered by the course.
The course is expected to launch by mid 2027, with the first exam scheduled for early in 2028.
Increasing access to the profession
As interest in CIA education grows among individuals with non-accredited degrees, in Canada and elsewhere, this expansion will provide a more direct route to a globally-recognized Canadian actuarial designation. It reflects the CIA’s commitment to delivering accessible, bilingual actuarial education while expanding opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in the actuarial profession.
Questions about the expanded pathway? Contact the CIA Education team at [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Chris Cramer, MET, is Director, Education and International Affairs at the CIA. With more than 25 years of experience in education, assessment and professional credentialing, he oversees initiatives that support the development of the CIA’s qualification system and its relationships with actuarial organizations in Canada and around the world.
Joseph Gabriel, FCIA, is Actuary and Associate Director, Education at the CIA. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in actuarial education and qualification matters, he plays a central role in the development, governance, and administration of the CIA’s education and qualification system, including examinations, accreditation programs, qualification pathways, and assessment policies.