CIRI's Investor Relations Certification Program
Gain the knowledge and skills to drive effective exchange of information
with the investment community to achieve fair valuation.
CIRI, in partnership with top-ranking business school – Rotman School of Management, has enhanced the Investor Relations (IR) Certification Program. The Program, which covers all relevant areas of this multi-disciplinary role including capital markets, corporate governance, securities law, finance and communications, has been refreshed to meet the evolving demands on today’s IR professionals.
The 10-month Program starts with three days of in-person classes at the Rotman School of Business in Toronto. This is followed by eight months of online classes to provide flexibility and accommodate travel schedules of IROs. Each online class consists of a three-hour tutorial to be watched at leisure and a one-hour online class to discuss the lesson with faculty and fellow students, approximately every three weeks. The program concludes with two days of in-person classes (location may vary). The next Program runs from September 2021 to June 2022.
Upon successful completion of the Program and exam, individuals will join an exclusive group of IROs with the designation of Certified Professional in Investor Relations (CPIR).
With close to 100 individuals having completed the CIRI IR Certification Program, it is becoming the standard for IR professionals in Canada. These individuals are dedicated to the transparency and integrity of the Canadian capital markets by advancing their practice of investor relations and the stature of the profession.
Why consider taking the Program?
This Program equips IR professionals with lasting knowledge and skills to grow their influence with internal and external stakeholders as well as career advancement opportunities.
Who should take the Program?
This Program is for every IR professional regardless of their level, provided they have the required experience*. Those working closely with the IR function or looking to move into the role from a related field are also welcome to enrol.
*Individuals are required to have a minimum of three years of IR experience or four years of related experience. Related experience can be from any of the disciplines that make up the role of IR including capital markets, corporate governance, securities law, finance and communications.
When should I apply for the Program?
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as there are limited spaces available and it is first come, first served. The deadline for applications for the September 2021 Program is July 19, 2021, assuming it is not full before then.
How do I apply?
You can complete the online application form, submitting your CV as well as two letters of recommendation, one being from your current employer. Once this application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an email confirmation of your enrollment and an invoice to be paid within 30 days of receipt. Additional details can be found on Application Information.
What are the fees for the Program?
CIRI members pay $10,500 while non members pay $12,500 (plus applicable taxes). This fee includes the in-person and online classes, all course materials as well as meals (breakfast, lunch and breaks) for the in-person classes.
How do you become a CPIR?
After completing the Program, you are eligible to write the certification examination for a fee of $250 (plus taxes). Upon passing the exam, you will earn the Certified Professional in Investor Relations designation.
What is the structure of the exam?
The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions. These questions cover each of the key sections of the Program: strategy; finance & accounting; capital markets/regulations; and communications. You must pass each section (achieve 50% or higher) and achieve a minimum of 70% overall in order to earn the CPIR designation; however, consideration will be given to the difficulty of the exam.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
You may write the exam up to two times/year over a two-year period following completion of the Program. After the two-year period, you would be required to retake the Program in order to have further attempts at the exam.
Looking for more information?
If you have questions that are not answered by our FAQs, please contact:
Kaitlin Davis
[email protected]