Streamlined Accreditation Process with CERTS Cross-Listing Option

1. Background

In 2024, we published Bulletin 24-0356 on our proposed plan to harmonize our Investment Dealer (ID) and Mutual Fund Dealer (MFD) CE programs. As part of the proposal, we proposed to review the best approach for allowing accreditation under both programs through a single CIRO accreditation process, which includes a review of our fees and how they will be applied to the single accreditation service.

While we are not planning to implement the proposed rules for the end of the current CE cycles, we have proceeded with considering the various elements of the proposal.

Under the current processes, if a provider has a CE activity accredited by CIRO under the ID CE program and wishes to post it on CERTS for use in the MFD CE program, they must pay both the CIRO accreditation fee and the CERTS posting fee separately, using different payment methods, and complete each process independently.

The updates discussed in the Bulletin are intended to eliminate duplication, improve efficiency, and streamline our CE related processes.

2. Current CE Rules for mutual fund dealers and investment dealers

Dealers and Approved Persons must continue to comply with the respective rule requirements that apply to mutual fund dealers and investment dealers. Changes discussed in this Bulletin are specific to the CIRO accreditation process and do not affect the current CE requirements under the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules (IDPC) and MFD Rules.

2.1. Current accreditation process

Under the IDPC CE Rules, Dealer Members and external course providers may submit courses for accreditation through CIRO accreditation process. Applying for accreditation requires filling in an application form and paying a $300 fee for each course.

2.2. Current listing process

Under the MFD Rules, all CE activities must be entered into the CERTS platform for the course to be available to MFD CE participants. The listing fee for course providers is $150 per course.

Before a CE activity can be posted on CERTS, it must first be accredited by an accreditor recognized under the MFD Rules. Accreditations granted by CIRO under the ID CE Rules are recognized for this purpose.

3. Changes effective November 1, 2025

On November 1, 2025 CIRO will implement changes to the accreditation application form, fee structure, and accreditation confirmation documents. These changes will allow course providers who submit an accreditation request to have their course listed on CERTS as part of the same process:

• Opting in using the same application form for the ID accreditation
• Paying a single fee to have a course accredited for ID CE and listed for MFD CE
• Benefiting from a more streamlined confirmation process

3.1. Application Form

Course providers will be able to opt-in to have their courses listed on CERTS when submitting them for accreditation under the IDPC Rules, if they choose to have their course both accredited for ID CE and listed for MFD CE.

We will continue to rely on the existing application form in order to review applications to determine if a course is eligible for accreditation, the appropriate number of CE credit hours, and to confirm the CE course type. As described in Bulletin 21-0196, applicants will continue to be required to provide descriptive information on the:

• General objective(s) of the course
• Proficiency enhancement for CE participants
• Qualified instructional personnel
• Instructional delivery methods
• Assessment strategies, and
• Control measures to ensure participation.

However, for those course providers who wish to have their CIRO-accredited course cross-listed on the CERTS platform, they will need to do the following:

• Opt-in by selecting the appropriate option on the accreditation application form.
• Confirm that the correct combined fee has been paid via our payment portal.
• Provide the necessary information required for CERTS listing, as set out in the application form.

We remind all providers to always use the most up-to-date version of the accreditation application form when submitting a request. The latest form is available on our website at the following page: Forms and Templates.

3.2. Payment and fees

Payments for cross-listing has to be made directly during the accreditation request phase, via our accreditation payment portal.

If you choose to opt-in for cross-listing, please ensure you select the correct product option labeled “CE Accreditation – Application and CERTS Listing Fee”.

Providers who opt-in will benefit from a bundled fee of $350. This fee covers both accreditation fee of $300 and CERTS listing fee which is currently set at $150.

This option is only available at the time of accreditation. If you choose to list a course on CERTS after the accreditation request has been filed, you will need to submit the course separately via the CERTS platform and pay the standard $150 posting fee. The bundled rate will no longer apply.

3.3. Accreditation Letter

In addition to the information already present on our accreditation letter, the following information will be included for cross-listed courses:

• MFD CE activity ID
• MFD CE credits category
• Number of MFD CE credits

4. Accreditation Period and End of Cycle Submissions

Under the IDPC Rules, accreditation applies to an entire CE cycle. In contrast, under the MFD Rules, accreditation is valid for a maximum of two years from the accreditation date, which may overlap into a new cycle. Additionally, under the MFD Rules, the accreditation date must be on or before the date the activity takes place.

Under the new process, all cross-listed courses will be accredited for the full duration of the applicable ID CE cycle. For the upcoming cycle, this means courses will be valid from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.

If a course listed on CERTS with an expiry in 2025 is submitted for accreditation for the upcoming ID cycle (2026-2027), we will:

• Extend its accreditation period in CERTS to cover the remainder of 2025, and
• where applicable, renew the course for the upcoming ID CE cycle, ensuring continuous coverage without gaps or additional administrative burden for the provider.

This approach ensures that cross-listed courses remain active through the transition between cycles, providing a seamless experience for both providers and participants.

5. Next steps

Cross-listing will become available starting November 1, 2025, in alignment with the start of the accreditation period for the next cycle.

Cross-listing applications will not be accepted before this date.

We encourage providers to prepare in advance but wait until the official launch date to submit cross-listing requests.

6. Related documents

Bulletin 21-0196 - Continuing Education Course Accreditation by IIROC

7. Appendices

• Continuing Education Course Accreditation Application Form