Investment Foundations Certificate

Regulatory Employees Instructional Program

Overview

The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate covers the essentials of finance, ethics, and investment roles, providing a clear understanding of the concepts underlying the global investment industry.

The program is designed for those aspiring to, or currently working within non-investment roles across the investment and finance industries. It will benefit those in roles such as legal, compliance, regulatory, marketing, sales, project management, human resources, admin and IT through better understanding of the industry, facilitating communication with colleagues, and advancing in one’s career. The program is a self-study program, supported by a robust online learning ecosystem from CFA Institute.

If you’re interested in partnering with us for learning solutions for your organization, get in touch.

Interested in finding out more about the CFA Program®?

Join us at an upcoming info session to learn everything you need to know about the CFA Program. We will present an informative overview of the CFA Program, including the application process, scholarship opportunities, exams, and much more. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A period to answer your questions about the program.

Program Schedule

Course 1 – Industry Overview and Structure

Course 2 – Types and Functioning of Markets

Course 3 – Investment Instruments

Course 4 – Investment Inputs and Tools

Course 5 – Serving Clients Needs

Course 6 – Serving the Greater Good

Ethics Learning Lab

Designed to meet the needs of today’s learners, the CFA Institute Ethics Learning Lab supports subscribers with active and social learning in structured modules, supplementary resources, timely and relevant content from subject matter experts, and a lively community engaged in robust conversation and exchange of ideas.

CFA Institute Programs

From foundational knowledge to investment mastery, our industry acclaimed programs are developed to help professionals excel at all stages of their career. Explore three distinct educational programs to discover which one best aligns to your goals.

CFA® Program

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) credential sets the standard as the most highly respected designation in the investment management profession.


  • Broad range of investment analysis and decision-making skills
  • Portfolio and wealth management
  • Ethical integrity

  • Three exams
  • 300 hours of preparation per exam
  • Four years of relevant experience

CIPM® Program

The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®) designation offers career distinction for all investment professionals charged with appraising and selecting portfolio managers, evaluating portfolio performance, and communicating with clients.


  • Performance measurement and evaluation in ethical framework
  • Manager search and selection
  • Client communications and relations

  • Two exams
  • 125 hours of preparation per exam
  • Four years of relevant experience

Investment Foundations® Certificate

The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate gives those working with investment decision makers a clear understanding of the investment industry, roles and responsibilities, and the vital importance of ethical conduct.


  • Foundational knowledge of the global investment industry
  • Common vocabulary
  • Ethical awareness and compliance

  • One exam
  • 60-90 hours of exam preparation
  • No experience required

Join a local CFA Society

CFA Societies Canada consists of 12 CFA Institute member societies with over 19,000 members combined. CFA Institute and its member societies work together to achieve a common vision – to advance ethical decision making and rigorous educational standards throughout the financial industry, along with protecting and promoting the CFA designation.

Some Member benefits include:

  • Networking with industry peers
  • Keeping up to date with industry trends
  • Learning, mentorship, and developmental opportunities
  • Access to key resources like job opportunities and newsletters