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Successfully Navigating the Canadian Securities Course

Published On: April 15, 2024

Beginning the next step in your career and navigating through the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and its examination can feel like stepping into unknown territory. Given the breadth of material to cover, including numerous chapters, concepts, and formulas, it's understandable that individuals may initially feel challenged by the scope of the CSC. Whether you are looking to start a career in finance or advance your current knowledge, this course is a valuable investment in your future. By staying organized, setting realistic study goals, and seeking out additional resources when needed, you can confidently navigate this challenging course and emerge as a knowledgeable and skilled professional in the field. So, roll up your sleeves, hit the books, and get ready to conquer the Canadian Securities Course!

The First Exam

The first exam is focused on the marketplace, the economy, the various financial securities, and some financial instruments that you will encounter. It covers the material in chapters 1-12 from the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) textbook. The distribution of topics and their respective weights on the exam is as follows:

  • The Canadian Investment Marketplace: 15%
  • The Economy: 13%
  • Features and Types of Fixed-income Securities: 12%
  • Pricing and Trading of Fixed-Income Securities: 11%
  • Common and Preferred Share: 13%
  • Equity Transactions: 10%
  • Derivatives: 10%
  • Corporations and their Financial Statements: 8%
  • Financing and Listing Securities: 8%

Chapters 6-7 from the CSI textbook constitute 23% of the exam content, making them the most essential part of your study material for this exam. However, do not neglect the other sections. Prioritize your studies based on the material you struggle with and how important it will be to your exam. Some topics carry more weight than others and the passing grade is 60%.

The Second Exam

The second exam will cover investments, portfolio management, the various funds and taxation financial products in this line of work, as well as how to work with clients. The distribution of topics and their respective weights on the exam is as follows:

  • Investment Analysis: 18%
  • Portfolio Analysis 18%
  • Mutual Funds: 14%
  • Exchange-Traded Funds: 10%
  • Alternative Investments, Other Managed, and Structured Products: 16%
  • Canadian Taxation: 6%
  • Fee-Based Accounts and Working with the Retail Client: 8%
  • Working with the Institutional Client: 10%

During your studies, prioritize the Analysis sections as they make up to 36% of the content on the second exam. However, be sure not to overlook the other sections, Use the CSI’s provided resources and purchase the practice tests to access more study material and assess your current progress. Review and absorb the information, with enough dedication and proper planning, you will be capable of passing both of your exams.

How to Study for the Canadian Securities Course Exam

When studying for the CSC examination, you should focus on the sections giving you the most difficulty and those that carry the most weight on the exam. For example, Canadian Taxation (6% of exam) should receive less attention than Investment Analysis (18%).

Plan your schedule so that you can dedicate the time necessary to prepare for both exams. Most students spend on average 135-200 hours studying for the examination, so make sure to consistently study the material leading up to your scheduled exam date. Spending one hour each day studying for the exam is more effective than 7 hours once a week. There are various materials available to aid your studies such as practice tests, videos explaining the material, and practice questions.

How Ashton College Can Help

Ashton’s online instructor-led course is designed to cover the exam-related material and topics within a three-month period, on a part-time basis. The Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) at Ashton College is offered in partnership with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI). Students will receive a 10% discount on CSI registration and textbooks. The lectures are recorded for up to seven days after the exam, giving you more time to go over the lectures to learn and review the material, and fit with your busy schedule.

Register today to prepare for your CSC exam.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.

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